In 2006 Kicks For Kids hosted its first Basketball Camp, with the goal being to positively impact the lives of local children at risk both on and off the basketball court. The inaugural clinic was a success and ten kids returned this year for the 2nd Annual KFK Basketball Camp. Many newcomers also joined us at Holmes High School from July 30th through August 1st, and in total 45 children from Northern Kentucky attended the three day basketball camp.

Brad Carr, the head coach of boys' basketball at Scott High School, led instruction that focused on the fundamentals of basketball, the importance of practice and education, and the need for teamwork. He had assistance from other local coaches as well as some of his current and former players. Each day started with drills that taught the kids the fundamentals of ball handling, rebounding, defense, passing, and shooting. Often during afternoon games kids could be seen using the skills they had learned during the morning drills. Coach Carr stressed the importance of these drills for each child to become a better player. Of course, everyone looked forward to the daily three on three contests, games of hot shot, knockout, and the five on five scrimmages...though the coaching staff made sure that the learning never stopped.

In addition to the quality instruction from Coach Carr and his staff, each day featured a guest speaker who talked to the kids about how they can better themselves as a player and a person. Former athletes Mark Pike (Buffalo Bills), Doug Pelfrey (Cincinnati Bengals/KFK founder), and Scott Draud (Vanderbilt University) spoke about the dedication it takes to excel in sports and their experiences as college and professional athletes. Ted Lambrinides, an athletic trainer, and David Henley, the head coach of boys basketball at Holmes High School, also came by to speak to the kids about personal fitness and worked with them on additional drills. All of the guest speakers stressed the importance of education- to be successful in basketball and life!

The 2nd Annual KFK Basketball Camp would not have been a success without the help of Coach Carr and his staff, Glass Family Pizza (dba Domino's) and Chick-fil-A for providing lunch, and the staff at Holmes High School for allowing us to use its facilities. The final day of the basketball camp concluded with an awards ceremony where awards were handed out for individual and team success during camp as well as best all around camper awards for the boy and girl who exhibited the best attitude and hustle over the three days. After the third day of camp it was clear that many kids had already made improvements from day one. Next year, KFK hopes that many of the same kids will return and that we can help them continue to develop on and off the court.