Basketball camp courts young men with inspiration

Basketball camp courts young men with inspiration. Justin Jackson, 13, a top North American basketball prospect for his age group, attacks the hoop during action at the Student Achievement and Basketball Camp at C.W. Jefferys on Tuesday. Staff photo/ERIC HEINO

Part of year-round programming designed to keep youth active when not in school, the Student Achievement and Basketball Camp has been offering day programs during the March Break to teach youth in grades 6 to 8 some new skills on the court while mixing in math, tutoring and motivational speakers. On Tuesday, March 16 the group gathered at their usual hang-out inside the gym at C.W, Jefferys Collegiate Institute.

After squeaking sneakers on the court for a few minutes, the group was introduced to Dave Mitchell from Corrections Canada to learn a lesson about making smart decisions in a tough neighbourhood.

"People have low expectations of you because of where you live, but it's up to you to change that," said Mitchell. "Life is about making smart choices, which means it is you that controls your own destiny."

Mitchell was a particularly relevant speaker. Like many in his audience, Mitchell had spent his childhood in Toronto Community Housing. He managed to avoid criminal elements and build a successful life. He now works in prisons as a corrections officer, assisting with the Guns and Gangs Task Force, and is now the chair of Toronto Community Housing's board of directors.

Speakers like Mitchell are frequently brought in to speak to at basketball camp to ensure the participants are learning more than how to drain a jumpshot.

Justin Jackson is 13 years old and is thrilled to be able to spend March Break at camp for only $25, a significantly reduced fee subsidized by Telus and by the Toronto District School Board's Boys 2 Men program.

"I decided to come here because it's a great experience and it helps us keep off the streets," said Justin.

It's bright young talents like Justin that camp leader Devon Jones wants to steer in the right direction.

Devon Thompson is a basketball coach with the Toronto Parks and Recreation department who works at the camp. He has high hopes for Justin, who is already six-foot-five and can drain three-pointers at will. Thompson explained that Justin is a top-ranked 13-year-old basketball prospect, but despite his skills, getting involved in the wrong activities or losing an education can turn a life around in a hurry.

"In terms of programs in the neighbourhood, there aren't too many programs outside of parks and rec that engages these kids," said Thompson. "The lack of programming is a big thing and is one of the issues that we are addressing. We are trying to make our programming wide and robust so that we can continue to engage more kids."

Justin is one of the young people who is taking advantage of the opportunity.

"Mr. Jones, coach Thompson and coach Jordan are a good influence on us, so instead of wasting our time chilling on the block or something, we are playing basketball and doing things we love," he said.

For more information about summer and after school programs, including basketball camp, send an email to dc_jones@rogers.com