YORK, Pa. — In an effort to prevent violence and lead kids in a positive direction, a school in York has partnered with an organization to offer a free basketball camp.
“In this area, we have parents that are worrying about a lot of things, how they’re going to make it through this week or how they’re going to balance their checkbook,” said Seth Leonard, co-director of the Logos Academy Camp and CEO of Kingdom Abound. “So when you don’t have to have this type of camp as an expense, [it's a] very valuable camp.”
Leonard’s company, Kingdom Abound, partnered with Logos Academy, a Christian private school in York, to host a one-week camp.
For five hours a day, the kids learn skills aimed at helping them thrive in life and on the court.
Dior Smith, a foster kid who attends the camp with her little brother, says she feels that impact.
“This is like a major family. Even though this is my first time meeting some people it’s been a good connection,” Smith said.
Smith says that she hopes to be a WNBA player and a basketball coach one day and the lessons she’s getting from her counselors, who are college basketball players themselves, are helping her get there.
One of those counselors, Camden Brewer, says the relationship is beneficial for both parties.
“They leave more of an impact on me than I do on them. Just how they play, they come from all different backgrounds, they are full of so much energy,” Brewer said. “I come in here tired and they come in here [and] cheer me up. A big smile on their face puts a big smile on my face.”
Brewer also says that although it is difficult to teach everyone how to be a professional basketball player, the impact is a slam dunk.
“Being able to see them where they started and who they are, but at the same time envision where they can be, it’s a short window within the week, but it’s a foundation,” Leonard said.
The kids will spend part of their last day of camp on Friday playing a championship game against each other.
Leonard says although only some of the kids will leave with a win in the game, others will likely leave with a win in their hearts.