By Win Hadley
LOCH SHELDRAKE – Boys and girls alike can advance their dreams of basketball success this summer by rubbing elbows with top notch local players and coaches at the SUNY Sullivan Summer Basketball Camp.
The camp, which has hosted thousands of youngsters over the past 20 years, is in its fourth year under current Generals’ head men’s basketball coach Brent Wilson. During Mr. Wilson’s tenure, enrollment has grown each year from 35 boys and girls his first year to an expected 150 this year.
“We’ve seen a major increase in the number of children attending, so we’ve added a second week,” Mr. Wilson says.
The camp is open to boys and girls of any skill level, ages seven to 17. This year’s sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, July 17 to 21 and July 24 to July 28.
“We try to offer something for everyone,” Mr. Wilson said. “We have competitive segments, segments that are fun, and we have different times when the entire camp is together, as well as separated by age. It is a great chance for kids to have fun and work on their game.”
Mr. Wilson says that several camp alumni have gone on to “very successful” high school and college careers, but it is the staff’s goal to help campers develop their own basic skills. The fundamentals of passing, dribbling, and shooting are covered, as are more advanced concepts such as individual and team offensive and defensive strategies.
“We hope that every kid has a great time and gets out of it what they are looking to get out of camp,” Mr. Wilson said. “Most of our kids return year after year and I believe that speaks volumes about how the camp is run and what they learn.”
The fee for the camp is $150 per camper per session, or $270 per camper for both sessions. There are some limited discounts available for SUNY Sullivan employees, families with multiple children attending, and groups.
“The money we raise goes to our basketball program, and helps with all the extras it takes to run a successful program,” Mr. Wilson says.
Further information is available by calling the college at 845-434-5750 Ext. 4293.