2016 Summer Camp
We are excited to announce the conclusion of our first annual With Us Basketball Camp. The camp was 4 days long, June 26-30 from 3:30-6PM, at Danvers Indoor Sports complex. The camp was run by our very own director, Michael Crotty Jr., a renowned college player (winning a D3 National Championship) and current director/coach of the premier AAU program Middlesex Magic. Along with Coach Crotty, we were able to field an amazing group of coaches for each player to learn from on a daily basis (all former players in high school and college, and many continuing their basketball acumen throughout the world today). Each camper received a complimentary Nike camp t-shirt as well as a chance to take a picture with our founder Pat Connaughton (of the Portland Trailblazers). Throughout the camp we taught the skills and drills necessary for our campers to develop as basketball players, while also making sure we stressed the importance of working hard to help develop the character needed to succeed both on and off the court. Competition coupled with fun was a big part of our camp, showing the youth that competitive basketball is still a game you’re supposed to enjoy taking part in each time you step on the floor. But also, in each game there must be a winner which can translate to life itself, so working as hard as you can while out there is equally as important.
Unlike most camps that are hosted by professional athletes, Pat was in attendance every hour of every day this week. He was working side by side with the kids during the drill, as well as jumping into the competitive games once in a while. He put on a simulated workout of his own, both court-work and strength and conditioning, in front of our campers so they could have a brief look into what its taken him to reach his goals and aspirations. We were also fortunate enough to welcome two guest appearances from NBA players Zach Auguste (Los Angeles Lakers) & Demitrius Jackson (Boston Celtics), who played with Pat at Notre Dame. Both players were heavily involved in interacting with the campers during drills, water breaks, and even Zach worked up a sweat playing in some of the games at the end of the day.
During each day we had a number of prizes and give aways the campers could receive through competitions such as shooting drills, half court shot, playing Pat 1v1, or Pat & a teammate 2v2. Some of the prizes included JBL headphones, signed sneakers from some of Pat’s teammates (including Damian Lillard & CJ McCullum), and many others. Throughout the week, Pat & the rest of the Coaching staff collaborated on picking a “camper of the day.” This camper was given the opportunity to pick their very own pair of Nike Basketball Sneakers online, offered by Pat.
With Us is hoping this camp will be the highlight of kids summer for years to come, planning on offering a very similar model around the same time next summer.
We hope to see you there! #WithUs