The two-day community basketball camp was a challenging but rewarding project that required planning, teamwork, and adaptability. From the start, the goal was to create a fun, inclusive environment where youth could improve their basketball skills, stay active, and connect with others in the community. Planning began with securing the community center, setting dates, and creating a clear schedule that balanced skill drills, games, and breaks. We also applied for funding, organized snacks and prizes, and promoted the camp through flyers and word of mouth.
One of the biggest parts of planning was organization. We created a registration Google Form to collect participant information, including ages, skill levels, and medical needs. This helped us group players appropriately and ensure everyone’s safety. We also prepared equipment in advance, such as basketballs, cones, and pinnies, and made a basic budget so we didn’t overspend on snacks and prizes.
Several challenges came up during the camp. Attendance fluctuated more than expected, with some participants arriving late or only attending one of the two days. We handled this by staying flexible and adjusting drills on the spot so no one felt left out. Another challenge was managing different skill levels. Some participants were beginners while others were more advanced, so we split them into groups and modified drills to keep everyone engaged and challenged.
The camp was led by a friend and me, with support from volunteers who helped supervise games, manage sign-ins, and hand out snacks. Having multiple people involved made a big difference, especially during busy moments like transitions between activities or resolving small conflicts. Clear communication and teamwork helped the camp run smoothly.
Through this project, I learned a lot about leadership and responsibility. Planning an event like this requires thinking ahead, but also being ready to adapt when things don’t go exactly as planned. I learned how important communication is, both with participants and with teammates. Most importantly, I learned that creating a positive experience for others is worth the effort. Seeing participants improve, have fun, and support each other made the entire process meaningful and showed the impact a simple community event can have.
