Varsity Skills Academy
MVP Basketball Camp has announced a three day Varsity Skills Academy for 14 – 16 year old players developing a varsity-level game. The academy will include separate programs for boys and girls in this age range. For years MVP administered a similar program just for girls which was very well received, but the program ran at the same time and location as a regular MVP camp week and challenged the size of the White Plains Middle School facility. By running its varsity program July 1 – 3 this year when its programs for younger children are not in session, MVP can add a boys varsity division also with plenty of indoor court space for both.
While the final coaching rosters are not set yet, the academy will be led by MVP’s most experienced coaches, including Section 1 head coaches on both the boys and girls side, plus coaches with experience in the college ranks. Unlike a “regular” camp week at MVP, where participants are placed on a team each Monday and play games throughout the week leading up to a playoffs, the academy will features scrimmages rather than games and a stronger emphasis on teaching stations and one on one instruction.
In an effort to provide insight into whether or not this program is right for your son or daughter, our camp brochure states “JV or Varsity experience preferred but not required.” We recognize that many children who will be 14 years old as of the start of camp are unlikely to have had the opportunity to try out for JV or Varsity yet. As a general rule of thumb, to be ready for this level of instruction younger participants should have significant experience playing organized basketball, most likely in AAU or other travel programs, and have definite plans to try out for JV or Varsity in the near future. Equally important, younger participants should be enthusiastic about the opportunity to challenge themselves against strong competition.
MVP Basketball Camp is known for fun contests, giveaways, and an awards ceremony where everyone is recognized, and these elements of a fun summer camp experience will still be there during the varsity academy. However, the emphasis will be on serious skills development. As always, MVP will offer scholarship awards for this program if parents of deserving children can’t afford camp tuition. The result will be a relatively diverse camper population that allows the serious player to meet and compete against kids from many different cultures and backgrounds.
If you have any questions about MVP’s Varsity Academy, please call me at (914) 946-1231 or email nmuyskens@mvpbasketballcamp.org. Online registration is available at http://www.mvpbasketballcamp.org/on-line-registration-2013-v1.html.
Staying Cool at MVP
Here at “the coolest camp in Westchester” we are doing our best to keep the kids cool during the summer heat.
We are proud to announce the purchase MVP’s new misting tent, a feature the kids have been loving here at camp. The teams have the opportunity to stand under the canopy in between games and activities.
Check out this video of campers enjoying the tent: Misting Tent
In addition, MVP has numerous drink stations set up all around camp that are constantly being refilled. Each station includes two coolers to keep kids hydrated all day. On the hotter days, each division is sent to the air conditioned auditorium at least twice for a 20 minute movie break. This allows kids some relaxing time away from the daily activities and heat.
MVP also features many umbrellas on the sidelines to shade the kids. Our outstanding Certified Athletic Trainer can provide sunscreen for any camper that asks. She is also on the ready with ice bags and other supplies for overheated players.
MVP FUN FACTS: In the 5 weeks of camp, MVP goes through…
- 40,000 cups
- 8,000 lbs of ice
- 750 gallons of Gatorade
MVP welcomes Jane Haslam Photography
MVP Checklist: What to bring to camp
Just one more short week before our Fox Lane camp begins! Whether you are joining us in Fox Lane or White Plains, use this checklist to make sure you are prepared for a fun-filled week of basketball!
- Medications: The MVP trainer will collect medications every Monday morning. When you drop off your camper, please come inside to drop off the medication and sign a consent form for the trainer to administer the medication if need be.
- Sunscreen: We have indoor as well as outdoor courts. Please make sure you use sunscreen before coming to camp. Have it on hand to apply throughout the day.
- Attire: Each camper will receive two MVP team t-shirts. Campers should wear gym shorts and any t-shirt that they can change out of on Day 1. After the first day, they must wear the MVP t-shirt. Please wear sneakers.
- Water: Campers will have access to water stations on the sidelines of game areas but please feel free to send your camper with a water bottle.
- Lunch: Lunch will be provided to every camper however you may choose to bring a bag lunch instead. We often serve Papa Johns or Domino’s pizza, McDonald’s hamburgers, Subway sandwiches etc. Gatorade and water is always available. In addition to the meal, we feature snacks such as Dannon yogurt and Whole Foods fruit. We have refrigerators for brown bag lunches if you prefer, however, we have no use of a microwave. Vending machines are available at both camp locations but MVP has no way to reimburse campers for lost money in the machines.
There are no lockers and MVP cannot be responsible for anything brought by the camper. This includes cell phones and other electronic devices.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
MVP’s 18th Season and Annual Fundraiser
MVP’s 18th season is just around the corner and registration is already in full swing for boys and girls ages 6 – 16. Each week is a complete session, so families can choose the week or weeks that fit into their busy summer schedules. Multiple week and multiple child discounts are available. On-line registration is available. MVP’s experienced coaches come back year after year and are the heart and soul of the program. Each day features teaching stations, fun contests, and league games leading up to a playoff in every division. Lunch is included in the price. The week culminates in a Friday awards ceremony that recognizes every camper.
MVP will open the 2012 camp season at the Fox Lane Middle School and High School Complex just off Interstate 684 at Exit 4. This Bedford camp will run from June 25 – 29. As in the past there will be three divisions for boys ages 9 – 16, and by adding the high school gyms this year MVP will have enough court space to also feature a division for girls ages 9 – 13. Many parents complain about the lack of camp alternatives during the week right after school ends. By moving the Bedford week to the end of June, MVP has taken an already popular camp and turned it into a week that may fill up very early. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. The camp day is 9AM to 4PM. Early drop-off and extended day are available.
The four White Plains weeks will begin this year on July 9th and are open to boys and girls ages 6 – 16. As always, the location will be the White Plains Middle School – Highlands Campus located at the intersection of Old Mamaroneck Road and Hartsdale Ave. In addition to the four divisions for older boys and girls, these weeks feature a popular “Junior MVP” co-ed program for 6 – 8 year olds. The instruction for this age group is always age appropriate and delivered in a safe and fun atmosphere. Two of the White Plains’ sessions also feature “Varsity Week” programs for strong female players ages 13 – 16. Top coaches in the section work on higher level skills in an atmosphere that resembles a varsity practice, without losing sight of the fact that summer camp should be a fun experience for all.
Ping Pong Fundraiser Planned for April
Stan Greene founded MVP Basketball Camp in 1994 with the dream that no child would ever be turned away due to an inability to pay. Stan passed away in December of 2009 after a long illness. His legacy is a basketball camp has awarded over 4000 scholarships to economically disadvantaged children, plus scholarship awards to numerous children with a family member serving in the armed forces through MVP’s “Hoops for Troops” program. On the evening of Friday, April 27th MVP will host an evening of games, food and drink at the Westchester Table Tennis Center in Pleasantville, NY to raise money for 2012 scholarships. Visit http://www.mvpbasketballcamp.org/pdf/ping-pong.pdf for more information including a printable application. Online registration is also available.
MVP is dedicated to youth development, and its guest speakers use the game basketball as a metaphor for the challenges adolescents face as they approach adulthood. MVP also offers internships to former campers who are looking to develop job skills in a fun atmosphere that celebrates diversity. But first and foremost, MVP is a place where boys and girls have fun playing the game they love. As one young camper says in MVP’s camp video, “it’s like we’re in the real NBA.”
Spotlight on Bob Hurley
On October 29 MVP Basketball Camp will host a clinic featuring Bob Hurley Sr., who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 along with NBA greats Karl Malone and Scottie Pippin. Not long after that, Bob Hurley was featured on 60 Minutes. Since then he hasn’t exactly rested on his laurels, winning his fourth national title and an unprecedented 26th state championship. More importantly, he continues to graduate virtually every player who comes through his program, and has sent all but two on to college during a 39 year tenure at St. Anthony’s High School in the tough urban environment of Jersey City, New Jersey.
Coach Hurley has been a guest speaker at MVP Basketball Camp several times, but his increasing attention to his own summer sleep-away camps has prevented him from finding time to attend MVP the past two summers. So I was very excited when he agreed to participate in a Fall Clinic celebrating MVP’s 4000th scholarship award granted since inception. His message often revolves around the uncompromisingly high standards that he sets for his players, his coaches, and even his own sons. Both played D1 basketball. Bobby Hurley Jr. won two national titles at Duke University before a career in the pros.
I’ve had a few opportunities to speak with Mr. Hurley over the years. Despite the tough guy image, the first two things that strike me about Bob Hurley are his love for his family and his devotion to a small and often-times financially struggling high school which doesn’t even have its own gym. It never takes him long to mention his wife Chris, who has been the scorekeeper at every St. Anthony’s home game. And it is no secret that Bob Hurley has been wooed by major institutions with deep pockets and huge arenas, but he feels he can have a more positive influence on kids by staying right where he is. In the documentary “The Street Stops Here,” Hurley says “If I can just get them out of Jersey City, if I can get them into college, their lives will be a lot different.”
The list of of St. Anthony’s players who’ve found success on the college hardwood is very long, and he stays in touch with them long after he’s watched them graduate. The class that won the state title in 2008 (featured in The Street Stops Here) included Rutgers standout Mike Rosario and Kansas point guard Tyshawn Taylor.
MVP Basketball Camp is certainly not focused on producing D1 talent, but MVP is in the business of building character through the game of basketball. In that way, who could be a better guest speaker than Bob Hurley Sr.? Many of MVP’s campers come from tough urban environments. MVP has now given out 4000 camp scholarships since inception to children whose parents can’t afford camp tuition. We invite you to meet Bob Hurley at our October 29 clinic. All proceeds will fund future scholarship awards. You can register on-line at http://www.mvpbasketballcamp.org/on-line-registration_clinic.html
Here’s to Our Coaches!
It was great meeting and getting to know the coaches at MVP Basketball camp! They have been an essential part of the camp’s success over the years. They foster such a positive and competitive environment at camp. I have only been here for four days and I can already feel the energy and camaraderie between teams. These coaches love coming back year after year to support this wonderful cause. They even argue with each other over who has been here the longest!
Coach Ben Williams has been working with MVP for nine years. He enjoys working with children each summer and says, “The kids keep me young at heart!” He is not only a proficient basketball player but a football player as well! For all you athletes, whatever your sport is, Coach Williams says, “Continue to work hard and when your opponent is sleeping, you better be out there practicing!!”
Coach Jason Basso has been with MVP for nine years. He coaches all weeks at Bedford and White Plains. He is the commissioner for the B1 division, also known as the “Big East”. For him, as it is for many other coaches, “Basketball all day is awesome!” His advises young athletes to “Come to the court with a positive attitude; work hard, pay attention and have fun!”
Coach Tim Jenkins has been with MVP for twelve years! He is the commissioner for the B3 division, also known as “NBA East”. This year he is also Assistant Camp Director. When he’s not coaching his team, he enjoys catching up with his kids, asking about their progress during the school year. He says, “MVP is an extended family you don’t see but once a year.” He says, “Don’t settle with one sport; sample different sports until you find two or three that you will always remain with.”
Coach Tyrone Carver has been with MVP for thirteen years! This year he is also Assistant Camp Director. He also enjoys meeting and working with children. He was first introduced to MVP by John Nemsick, MVP’s camp director, when Nemsick was his coach at Sleepy Hollow High School! He says, “This camp provides kids with an unbelievable experience to meet other children and learn from some of the greatest coaches in the area!”
This environment is very new to me since I do not play basketball, but watching these talented coaches work with their teams is a great experience. This has already been an exciting start to my summer!
Until next time,
Preeth
Lending a helping hand…
MVP Basketball Camp was founded in 1994 by the late Stan Greene. Since then, MVP has assisted over 3900 economically disadvantaged children in attending summer camp! This summer we will be offering our 4,000th scholarship since our inception!
The Community Outreach Program offers a variety of different scholarships. Children can apply for a basic scholarship by sending information regarding the financial status of their family and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or counselor.
MVP has partnered with local efforts to award students with special scholarships. Due to the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy, MVP partnered with the New York City Fire Commissioner and created the MVP Firefighters Fund. This allows children with relatives who were firefighters lost on 9/11 to attend camp on a full scholarship.
Since 2005, the Hoops for Troops Program has also been very successful. Children who have relatives in the military are given the opportunity to attend camp, free of charge. Two years ago, Hoops for Troops partnered with the Wounded War Project to offer assistance to children who have relatives that were wounded during their military service.
The Stan Greene Memorial Scholarships are awarded to four children. The 1st place prize, given to one boy and one girl covers three weeks of camp at no charge. The 2nd place prize, also given to one boy and one girl, covers two weeks of camp at no charge. This award would not be possible without the generous contributions from the friends and family of Stan Greene. In order to apply for this scholarship, students must submit a report card and an essay about either his or her leadership skills or his or her community service efforts. Both subjects were very dear to Mr. Greene.
We are happy to announce that last year, 274 children were able to attend camp on a scholarship! We hope to continue reaching our youth through the love of basketball!
We look forward to another successful year! See you this summer!
Sincerely,
Preeth
Hello!
Only 7 more weeks until camp begins! I hope everyone has registered and is ready to play some basketball! My name is Preeth, I am a senior at White Plains High School and I will be the Camp Communications Intern this summer.
Once camp begins, I will be posting more regularly about guest speakers, award ceremonies and daily events at camp. We are also in the process of creating a 2011 MVP Facebook group where parents can keep updated with camp activities. In the meantime, please check out the gallery that showcases our six different programs!
This is my first year at the MVP Basketball camp and I look forward to joining and supporting this wonderful cause! Brush up on those basketball skills and get ready for a fun-filled summer!
Kudos to our Coaches and Guest Speakers
At MVP Basketball Camp we like to say that the heart and soul of the program are the great coaches and guest speakers who come back to us year after year. I’d like to recognize the accomplishments of three of them this past basketball season.
Torey Thomas, former MVP camper, coach, and guest speaker, was named last week as League MVP of the Tauron Basket Liga, the Polish professional basketball league. In voting by the journalists and TV commentators who follow the league, Torey came in ahead of players like Daniel Ewing, former Duke Blue Devil and a second round NBA draft choice in 2005. Torey’s team, PGE Turow Zgorzelec, finished the regular season in second place and is competing this week in the playoffs. Torey averaged 13.5 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals during the regular season. Torey is planning to return as a guest speaker this summer at MVP
Former MVP Coach and recent guest speaker Cori Chambers also tasted success this past winter in her position as Director of Women’s Basketball Operations for Marist College. The Lady Red Foxes won 31 games during the season against only 3 losses. One of those losses, a narrow 71 – 66 defeat at the hands of overall two seed Duke in the NCAA Division 1 tournament, ended a spectacular campaign that featured a conference championship, two regular season wins against Big East teams and a tournament win against Iowa State. Cori also plans to be a speaker again this summer at MVP.
We can’t take any credit for the success of Bob Hurley, Hall of Fame coach at St. Anthony’s High School in New Jersey, but we can say we have been blessed by his appearance at our camp in past years. Hurley’s team finished the 2010/11 campaign at No. 1 in the national rankings for the fourth time in school history. As always, this year’s team will be sending several players to Division 1 College programs. Hurley’s last consensus No. 1 team in 2007/08 featured D1 players Dominic Cheek (Villanova), Jio Fontan (USC), Mike Rosario (Florida), Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas), and Travon Woodall (Pittsburgh).
Under the umbrella of MVP’s Youth Development Program, all guest speakers focus on broader skills that are developed at camp, like leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance, and how those skills relate to success at home, in the classroom, and in future career endeavors. MVP also spotlights health and wellness issues like nutrition that are so important to the development of today’s youth. As soon as the 2011 guest speaker schedule has been finalized we will post it here. Parents are always welcome to listen in on a presentation at camp.
