This morning dozens of young athletes ages 6 to 17 took turns participating in basketball drills while others watched intently from the sidelines of each of Drayson Center’s six half basketball courts. They are participating in the Los Angeles Clippers Youth Hoops Program, July 7 to 10. It is the sixth year that Drayson Center is hosting the camp.
During the basketball camp sessions, participants are benefiting from fun, motivational instruction provided by the National Basketball Academy including stations, drills, skills contests, and live games. Each will receive an evaluation from his or her coach, and will meet Clippers guard Reggie Bullock.
After dropping off her 13-year-old son, Devin, Charryse Cooper stayed as long as she could to watch the drills. “It’s the first time Devin is participating in the camp,” she says. “He was so excited that I didn’t even have to wake him up this morning!” Cooper works for the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.
During the camp, participants learned about health, nutrition, and activities that enhance wellness. Devin’s mom mentioned that he had learned about the importance of cutting back on sugar in his diet. She was surprised when he said he didn’t want to put sugar on his breakfast cereal this morning. “Sometimes,” she smiles, “it helps when kids hear about things that are healthy for them from people other than their parents. He saw the competition here and wanted to have an edge!”
A second Clippers Summer Basketball Camp, for elite players, will be held at Drayson Center July 21 to 24. Information, including registration form, is available at bit.ly/VPUe6s.
“It’s a great activity,” Cooper says. “The kids had four days of exercise and no television, and the nutrition workshops were wonderful.”