May 20 to May 22 the Fair Grove Lady Eagles and coaching staff hosted a girls basketball camp for kids third through fifth grade. The camp was held after school in the Fair Grove High School gym.
During the camp the girls warm up and then participate in several different stations and activities that are run by the high school girls. Jeremy Faubion, head coach of the girls JV (Junior Varsity) basketball team, explained how the girls were broken into four groups and made their way through four different stations within their group.
Although the camp is designed to help younger girls improve their skills within basketball, Dani Kepler, assistant coach of the girls JV basketball team, shared, “The [main] purpose of the camp is to expose younger kids to the sport of basketball and to HAVE FUN! We want young girls to have a positive experience associated with basketball.”
According to Kepler many of the high school girls enjoy the camp and have just as much fun as the younger girls. Along with having fun however, the older girls also have many responsibilities when it comes to running the camp. Meadow Carter (11) said, “[We] apply our own knowledge and skills to run drills for the younger girls to do. We are an example, and a station leader, each station is a different fundamental of basketball.”
During the first day of camp around 35 girls showed up to participate in the camp. Faubion said, “Yes, [the first day of camp was successful]. The high school girls led the drills, the campers listened and worked hard, and everyone had fun!” He continued, “We plan to have more stations and drills, and some competitions towards the end of the week”
All three of the high school girls basketball coaches and many of the players all agree that this camp is very rewarding for not only the young girls participating in it, but also for the program itself.
Carter shared, “This camp is so beneficial, it gives a little taste of what it’s like to be a Fair Grove basketball girl. The culture is implemented on the young girls, and inspires them to be involved in athletics when they’re older.”
With the camp being held for so many years it has become a sort of tradition for the team. According to coaches all the players and participants love the camp and enjoy the time they spend there.
Faubion adds, “We have a great program here at Fair Grove, and we would like to continue the tradition that we have. Developing skills, and a positive and fun experience is important for the success in the future of our program.”
