Basketball camp teaches more than hoops.

Youth develop self-esteem,
learn teamwork,
respect during week-long event.

By Senior Airman Ryan Hansen
Air Armament Center Public Affairs

     The fourth annual Perseverance Basketball Camp concludes today here at the Eglin Fitness Center after five days of teaching children fundamentals about basketball and life.

     More than 175 children ages 7 through 16 attended the camp which is designed to educate youth, develop their self-esteem, foster teamwork and bridge the gap between diverse backgrounds. The basketball camp also teaches youth about self-control and anti-violence awareness.

     "We believe that what works in basketball works in life," said Ron Rucker, camp founder and director, who is a master sergeant with the 96th Communications Group. "What you put into it is what you get out of it."

     Volunteers came from all over the United States to help "coach" the children during the camp. One was Steve Rucker, Ron's younger brother, who came down from Ohio to lend a hand.

     "I enjoy helping the kids," said Steve. "I believe that basketball can take you a long ways as far as sports, but it can also teach a lot about life with a good work ethic."
Other volunteers included some who have attended the camp in years past and now look forward to giving back after receiving so much from it.

     "This is something for the kids to do besides sitting at home and getting into trouble," said Elizabeth Hunter, a resident of Fort Walton Beach, who plays basketball for Choctawhatchee High School. "For me to be able to help out with them is a good challenge and also an honor to know that I am helping them."

     "This camp teaches basketball skills, teamwork and it's not about winning or losing here, but having fun," said Andrea Kelly, also a resident of Fort Walton Beach and basketball player for Choctaw. "For us to learn the skills and then teach it to them is great. I love to see the smile on their faces."

     By week's end the camp organizers could already see the difference in many of the attendees.

     "By the end of the week, they have more confidence, their skills are improved and they have more respect for the game," said Steve Rucker. "They now understand how it does take discipline to improve."

     And although the camp was monetarily free, the diretor says each attendee paid in other ways.

     "Even though the camp is free, we except payment from them in the form of respect," Ron Rucker said. "They also have to pay attention, they need to thank their parents every day and they have to work hard for us."

To see pictures from the 2003 camp, click here.