Zoom Sportz Youth Basketball Camp Fosters Community Spirit in Wilson
On Thursday, July 16, the Zoom Sportz Youth Basketball Camp opened its doors in Wilson, North Carolina, welcoming 31 children between the ages of five and eleven. The week‑long program, now in its third iteration, is designed for youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade and uses the power of sport to instill morals, manage anger and encourage community involvement.
Deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office laced up their sneakers alongside professional coaches and university students, turning the basketball court into a shared space for mentorship. Among the coaches were Donavan Dickens, Jeremy Atkinson, Chrystal Kirby and Jeremy Jeffers, who together with Sheriff Calvin Woodard and Maj. Brandon Barbrey emphasized the importance of positive role models for the region’s youth.
Organizer Matthew Kirby, a junior at the University of Mount Olive and founder of Zoom Sportz, highlighted the camp’s mission to blend athletic skill with life lessons. “This camp is about more than just shooting hoops,” he said, noting that the initiative has grown each year since its inception.
Sheriff Woodard praised the coaches for their dedication, while Maj. Barbrey underscored the need for consistent, caring influences in children’s lives. Their messages resonated with families who watched their children learn teamwork, discipline and respect on the court.
Beyond the game, the camp serves as a conduit for broader educational goals, aligning with local efforts to integrate sports into the developmental curriculum of Wilson’s schools. By partnering with institutions such as Greenfield School and the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the program extends its reach and reinforces the message that healthy recreation can shape responsible citizens.