Salem High School girls and boys basketball helps youngsters with their game
Updated Jan 17, 2019; Posted Feb 21, 2014
Salem basketball camp, Feb. 8. 2014
Gallery: Salem basketball camp, Feb. 8. 2014
By Spencer Kent | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
SALEM — Children from all over the county recently gathered at the John B. Campbell Family and Fitness Center of Salem County to not only learn the fundamentals of basketball, but the importance of community and teamwork.
The youngsters dribbled basketballs that were as big as half their bodies. Nonetheless, the kids gave it their all, using grit and might to hurl the heavy ball up to the basket.
Members and coaches of the Salem High School girls and boys basketball teams volunteered their Saturdays over six weeks to help the young children with their game.
"First and foremost, this is about having fun," said Che'Na Thompson, assistant coach for the Salem High School Girls Basketball team.
Thompson, a former star high school and college player, added,
"But it's also about teaching kids the basics — how to pass, dribble, shoot — things like that, as well as teamwork."
Shikeena Lynard, head coach of the Salem High School Girls Basketball team, said giving kids structure is something she believes is key at a young age.
"Things like getting the kids to shake your hand, look you in the eye, follow direction — these are important things that come out of something like this, just as important as learning the fundamentals of the game."
Lynard exerted a mild toughness on the court — almost as if it were her own team lined up before her.
"It's important to teach some discipline — things that can be absent with young kids today."
Chris Lee, head coach for the Salem High School Boys Basketball Team, also volunteered his time and effort over four weeks with the children. Members of the boys high school team also volunteered their time and talent.
Colin Webb, 6, of Alloway, was running around dribbling his heart out, tossing the ball up to the basket and then running to the back of the line to do it again. Richard Nichols, 7, of Salem, was also giving it his all.
Lynard then stopped play and announced that relay races were next.
"Yay!" the group responded, some jumping up and down.
In the digital age, where it is all too common for children today to play hours and hours of video games, one mother said while sitting in the bleachers that it is important to get the kids out of the house and run around.
"It's good for them to be active, be out with their friends and community," she said.
Salem city Councilman Charlie Hassler, who volunteered his time for the children said the camp showed a real positive side of the community.
"There is so much negative out there," he said. "But there is a lot of good too. This shows that. It was nice to watch the high school students helping the younger children with the game — it was great to see that. These are life lessons for both groups."
The Campbell center offers a basketball program for all age groups during the winter and into the spring. This is one of the several programs the Campbell center provides throughout the year for city and county residents.
Contact staff writer Spencer Kent at 856-451-1000 ext. 516 or at skent@southjerseymedia.com.