While most summer activities were either cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Highfields’ residential students were able to participate in basketball camp in late-August thanks to a grant from the RE Olds Foundation.
Students and staff both looked forward to the basketball camp as a great way to end the stressful summer and get in gear for the school year.
Maurice Benson, Founder of Game Solid Skills, was pre-screened and permitted on campus to coach a week of basketball camp. Many students have never had the chance to play organized basketball before, so it was a great opportunity for them to learn and create positive life skills, like team work and communication.
“The boys were eager to work hard to work together as a team, and learn everything they could about the sport,” said Benson.
In addition, Benson inspires the students throughout the camp by talking about his own life and struggles he had to overcome.
“Benson does an excellent job of weaving in life lessons and sharing his story, which resonates with many students,” said Chris Jurasek, Interim Director of Residential Services. “Basketball is the starting point, but it’s much bigger than just playing a sport.”
With each practice, students work through destructive patterns in a positive way, building a better relationship with themselves and their peers.
Highfields is grateful to the RE Olds Foundation for the grant to provide basketball camp to students this year.