More than two hundred fifty children from Sumter County and neighboring communities gathered this week at Sumter County High School for a week‑long basketball camp that blends athletic training with personal development.
The brainchild of Jazmin Mitchell, a longtime youth mentor, the program was designed to keep kids active and engaged as the new school year approached, while instilling values of teamwork and discipline.
A Holistic Approach to Youth Development
Portia Shepherd, who leads a local youth group in Uniontown, Alabama, traveled with a contingent of her students, bringing the spirit of cross‑state collaboration to the court.
Throughout the sessions, participants rotated through skill drills, competitive games and a communal lunch, and each left with a commemorative t‑shirt that bore the camp’s logo.
Beyond the physical exercises, the camp’s curriculum emphasized character building, encouraging the youngsters to reflect on sportsmanship, respect and the importance of setting goals.
Organizers say the event has sparked a noticeable buzz among parents and school officials, who view the initiative as a model for integrating health, education and community outreach.