YAC hosts Harlem Globetrotters

Two hundred children ages 6-16 from the NAS Jax area signed up to learn basketball skills and training techniques from the experts. The camp goals are to provide a positive and memorable experience through hard work and education in the sport.

The camp also instills self-esteem, positive reinforcement and invaluable life skills such as teamwork and learning to interact positively with one another.

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism and comedy to create entertainment for their fans around the world.

Harlem Globetrotters Point Guard Dewayne Rogers speaks with the kids on opening day about expectations during the upcoming week of camp.

Members of the team are currently conducting a special military tour to nine different Navy bases around the U.S. offering their basketball camp.

"It's been really exciting to have them on base. The kids were looking forward to it and were thrilled they were here," said YAC Director Megan Elliot. "They've come to realize that playing a game of basketball is fun but also hard work. They've been learning new skills and realize if they work hard and keep it up they will get better at the game."

The campers were divided into two age groups. Each day, they began with exercise sessions, drills and scrimmage games. As the days progressed the skill level of the drills increased giving the children more advanced basketball skills. Participants learned conditioning exercises, ball-handling drills, lay-up drills and the basic fundamentals of basketball.

Photo by Shannon Leonard NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson presents of the Harlem Globetrotters, a command ball cap at the NAS Jax Youth Activities Center July 23.

"It's fun. I have learned new stretches, ball-handing exercises and how to shoot differently. I think the Globetrotters are cool, but tough. I like them a lot," said 9-year-old Alex Santos.

Harlem Globetrotter Otis Key, a 10-year veteran to the team, added, "I think this has been very successful. We started out with 100 kids each session and by the third day we had the number down to the kids who are really serious about the game. The kids remaining are the ones who will take this experience and be successful with basketball."

"I think the Globetrotters are great role models for the kids. They are incorporating a lot of discipline by teaching the kids how to focus in on their drills and how to become better basketball players," stated Assistant YAC Director Erika Alvis.

Photo by Shannon Leonard A group of kids from the NAS Jax Youth Activities Center Summer Camp Program gather together with members of the Harlem Globetrotters who spent last week mentoring and training the children.

"I think that is probably one of the most important things. One of the biggest goals for the Globetrotters is to teach them to become better athletes."

The last day of camp featured the Loop Legend Championship as the camp formed teams and played a tournament to determine who would win prizes.

"This camp was really fun. I liked it because I like to shoot hoops and dribble and the Globetrotters taught me lots of new stuff," said 9-year-old Chloe Riley.

Quentin Campbell, 7, dribbles the basketball during a scrimmage game. The game helps the children with endurance and flexibility.