A community-driven basketball camp
The Ballin' Like A Bulldog youth basketball camp in Hanceville, Alabama, marked its fourth year by welcoming 160 youngsters, a dramatic increase from the 61 campers who attended in earlier editions.
Organizer Brittani Armstrong Coker highlighted the pivotal role of local sponsors and donors, noting that 43 children received direct sponsorships and that 79 nearby businesses contributed goods and services, enabling the camp to operate free of charge for participants.
Over the course of four years the initiative has distributed school supplies, hygiene products, nutritious lunches, basketballs, snacks, toys and candy to a total of 451 children, underscoring its broad impact on the community.
Coaches, volunteers and community members have repeatedly stepped up to lead drills, mentor participants and ensure a safe, encouraging environment that blends skill development with personal growth.
Coker’s own journey into basketball began when her father introduced her to the sport as a child, a memory that shaped her commitment to giving back and inspired the camp’s mission to empower youngsters.
The camp’s core philosophy centers on creating a space where children feel loved, heard and empowered, using basketball as a vehicle for confidence building and social connection.
The event reflects Hanceville’s broader dedication to youth development, illustrating how grassroots efforts can generate tangible benefits for families across the region.