This past week we kicked off our “More Than” Sports Camps with “More Than” Basketball Camp, and with a record-breaking over 70 students in K-6th grades joining us, this was the largest attendance we’ve ever had for the first week of camp! The kids spent their week practicing drills to get better at their basketball fundamentals, understanding the message of the day through initiatives, enjoying daily snacks, playing games, and having lots of fun along the way.
The kids worked on their ball handling and dribbling skills through activities like dribble knockout and stations that pushed them to become better players. Their shooting skills were the focus of activities like Spot and Alaskan shooting, which were meant to give them practice shooting baskets from different places on the court and in a fast-paced environment. They also participated in activities to practice passing and defense.
John’s theme for the week was “Jump”, and each day had a specific message that tied into that overall theme. On the first day, he talked to the kids about “Jumping Up” and how they should apply the same energy it takes to jump towards their goals. As an initiative for this message, the kids were asked to think of a goal they had for the summer, write it on a piece of tape, and then jump up as high as they could and stick their piece of tape on the wall.
On the second day, the message was “Jump Out.” John talked about having faith and jumping outside of your comfort zone. The third day’s message was “Jump Over,” and John talked about overcoming obstacles and challenges in our lives. As an initiative for this message, the kids were challenged to jump over their coaches as they laid on the ground, and no worries, no kids or staff were kicked or landed on during this activity!
On our final day of camp, the message was “Jump Around,” and the focus was all on celebration. Although there wasn’t specific initiative tied to this message, the kids were encouraged throughout the day’s activities to celebrate and cheer on their team during the relay races, big group games, and in their team games.
From the stations and games to messages and initiatives, the kids and staff had a great week at “More Than” Basketball Camp. Join us next week at Green Valley Park for “More Than” Soccer Camp! Also a huge thank you to our sponsors, Nursing ABC NCSAA, NWCC Beaver Valley, First Baptist Church Ambridge, Unionville UMC, Socash Plumbing and Fun For All Cranberry for helping make our sports camps possible!