On July 2, roughly forty youngsters between the ages of five and sixteen gathered at P.S. 270 in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn for a lively basketball camp.
The event was a joint effort by Win, the PLYMKRS Foundation, and the HoopBus, each bringing its own expertise to deliver a summer program aimed at giving homeless youth a fun, structured activity.
Inside the gymnasium, two basketball stations were set up where thirty volunteers guided the children through dribbling, passing and shooting drills, while a separate breathwork station introduced techniques for managing fatigue, anxiety and stress.
Participants also received a pair of free sneakers, a small but meaningful gesture that underscored the camp’s focus on tangible support.
Whitaker Wright, Win’s assistant vice president of program support services, watched the scene with a smile, noting the “positive energy and enjoyment” radiating from the youth.
Nine‑year‑old El’tavion, a fan of both basketball and soccer, said he was there to sharpen his dribbling and dunking skills, hoping to take them to the next level.
The curriculum, designed by the organizing team, blended skill work with personal development, offering a glimpse of how sport can serve as a platform for growth.
Community Voices Echo Across the Court
A highlight of the day was the dunk contest staged by the HoopBus, which rolled into the venue decked out in Knicks orange and blue, adding a splash of spectacle to the afternoon.
Jasmine Hill, co‑founder of PLYMKRS, explained that the nonprofit began as a weekly free co‑ed open run for adults before expanding to youth clinics, using basketball as a vehicle to propel inner‑city youngsters toward athletic, academic and professional goals.
Kenny St. George, speaking on behalf of the camp’s volunteers, emphasized the importance of making the children feel seen, valued and supported.
Jeremy John Kaplan, founder of HoopBus, added that the camp aligns perfectly with his organization’s mission to build community through the game.
Brooklyn lawmakers — including State Senator Jabari Brisport, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest and City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams — joined the youngsters on the court, echoing the sentiment that events like these foster a sense of belonging.
Brisport remarked that such enrichment activities do more than fill summer days; they knit together a community of hopeful players, while Forrest stressed that “everyone matters” and that empowerment can start at any age.
Williams summed up the day by noting that organizations like Win, PLYMKRS and HoopBus give children the chance to simply be kids while gaining access to sport.