'I've learnt that nothing is impossible...life can change'-Anonymous participant

 

A fourth basketball and lifeskills camp took place over the weekend of 10th-12th July, 2009, at the YMCA Recreation Campsite in Anglesea. The camp aims to help young people gain life skills through the message carrier of basketball. It also creates a safe and friendly environment for them to meet, know and understand each other in spite of the cultural, racial and religious differences of their backgrounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the last basketball camp,47 participants and helpers took part, including 7 who had been participants at previous camps and wanted to make the experience available to others. Their leadership was a strong feature of what happened during the weekend.

 

Advanced level basketball training was on offer throughout. The camp also provided on and off court training in:

• how to manage time effectively

• how to build deep friendships that will provide support at challenging times

• the importance of personal reflection and inner awareness

• how to set and achieve goals in our lives

 

A highlight of the weekend was the storysharing evening at the campfire. One of those who spoke said that he had always blamed others for what went wrong in his life. However his life began to find a different course when he realised that he needed to start taking responsibility for what was happening to him. This led to his apology to his mother for the way he had behaved at home.Among the comments of the participants at the end of the camp were:

'Not to be afraid to talk, to speak up'

'I am not the only person experiencing hardships and there are lots of people I can talk to'

'Basketball brings people together through teamwork and life is all about balance, priorities and getting going'

For more information about upcoming basketball camps, please visit http://www.msfbasketball.com/