Hoops on the Rez
Hoops on the Rez is a one week basketball camp, held on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, AZ. The mission of this camp is, as stated: "Use basketball as a tool to connect the Apache teens to Jesus Christ."
About
The first annual “Hoops on the Rez” was held in July 2004. These basketball camps are put on by former college level players and current college coaches. These coaches and players have worked with the Apache youth for multiple years. Some of these instructors include, Coach Jake Deer, Coach Jon Everingham (of Indiana), Coach Brian Bechtel (of Indiana), and others from around the country. The camp mixes basketball drills and other activities. The camp also organizes five-on-five tournaments, one-on-one tournaments. They pick the camp MVP's, they contests, and the winners of these events win prizes. The prizes they receive include shirts, candy, CD's, backpacks, basketballs, and many other things. The camp also offers scholarships to those who can not afford to pay for the one week camp. About 50-60% of the campers attend the camp without having to pay a fee because their parent s are unable to pay the $15 registration fee. It nearly takes about $3000 to fund the camp. The camp also receive donations as well. Some of the camps expenses include gym rental, gas, van rental to drive the children to and from the gym, prizes, camp t-shirts for the campers, and scholarships.
Purpose
The purpose of "Hoops on the Rez" is to connect the Apache youth in the Reservation with Christianity through basketball. Hoops on the Rez helps the youth in the Reservation that come from broken homes where poverty, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), alcohol and drug abuse are all common. The camp tries to help children who deal with major problems in their lives and to get them involved with Christianity. Over the past six years, Hoops on the Rez has continued to grow and reach of the youth in the Apache Indian Reservation. The camp has over 100 counselors and about over 600 campers involved.
External links
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