Planning a Basketball Camp

A successful basketball camp takes time and planning. Organization is the key to success. One must find a facility that can house the number of people you plan to attend. Other key factors are insurance, sponsors, guest speakers, equipment, whether the camp is to be a day camp or overnight, supervision, food and snacks, the appropriate amount of drinks and water, daily planned activities, and a basketball curriculum. Community basketball enthusiasts can be found to assist with funding. Merchants in your community may volunteer to sponsor the funding of basketball jerseys. Campers love mementos so planning for jerseys or pictures is a great idea. A merchant may pay for the Gatorade for your camp if you agree to have a sign up advertising the merchants business during your camp. These are just a few examples of how to find sponsorship for your camp. Here is a check list of things to help prepare you in organizing your very own basketball camp.

1. Decide on the cost of your camp and budget. Many will move the cost onto the camper to pay but the lower the cost for your participants the better your turnout.
2. Find a facility. You will need to decide on the age group of your camp. Then you will need to confirm how many can attend due to fire codes. Do not go over code to avoid fines. Set the limit on how many can attend. You will then need insurance. You can find camp insurance in your telephone book or on the internet. www.eSportsInsurance.com
3. Pick dates for your camp. Look for sponsors and celebrity guests to attend and help with the camp. Advertise your camp on the internet, posters at recreation centers, schools, universities, and team sporting events. Local radio and news stations can also be helpful and often do not charge.
4. You will need to interview and hire staff to assist with camp curriculum and supervision. Sometimes parents can be called upon to assist and will volunteer. You will need to plan for illness and no shows. A camp that has youth athletes needs to have adult supervision at all times. A good camp usually has a 10:1 ratio of 10 campers to 1 coach or staffer. You need to have permission slips and medical release forms signed by participants.
5. Order supplies /equipment once you know how many will attend your camp. Make sure that you have snacks and lunch. If you do not supply lunch then put it on the flyers/posters. Hungry participants are grouchy and unfocused. If they are to bring brown bag lunches you must find a place to store them. Leave time for participants to eat and take breaks.
6. Plan out your daily activities. You can allow for any guest stars to plan parts but make sure that you always have stimulating games to fill in spaces of time just in case. Most camps are memorable because the camp had novel games and bonding activities that were different from school or regular practice. So drills and exercises are great but also include other creative things to your curriculum. That will assist with word of mouth advertisement for your next camp.
7. Decide on the basic theme of your camp and follow through. For instance if your theme is: basic fundamentals through fun ensure that your campers go through how to dribble, shoot, do a layup, etc but also plan activities like cone races with celebrity players or a game of red light /green light so the participants have fun.

Photo credit: Tulane Public Relations