A week‑long basketball camp organized by the D.C. Police Department’s Sixth District is bringing together youngsters from the nation’s capital and surrounding suburbs for a hands‑on experience on the court.
Held at the Boys and Girls Club on Benning Road in Northeast D.C., the camp focused on basic fundamentals such as shooting, dribbling and ball handling, with over a dozen participants ranging from local residents to a few from Maryland.
Eleven‑year‑old Ronelle Thomas Lewis, who attended the sessions, said the guidance from officers helped her grasp the mechanics of the game while boosting her confidence.
Mentorship on the Court
Sgt. Taariq Cephas, a former Coppin State standout and current women’s basketball coach at Howard Community College, led many of the drills, drawing on his own collegiate experience to mentor the kids.
Beyond skill development, the initiative aimed to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community, showing families that officers are invested in the well‑being of youth.
As the final day concluded on Thursday, participants and volunteers reflected on the progress made, noting improved shooting accuracy and a greater sense of belonging on the court.