DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Coach Calvin Carson has made it his goal each summer to provide a fun opportunity for children in Decatur to come together.

In it's 13th year, "Carson's Camp" saw more than 200 kids register for a chance to learn fundamental basketball skills from former players, coaches, and volunteers, all free of charge. 

"I was sitting there getting ready to sign the kids in and I seen all these cars and kids and I was like, 'Wow!'," Carson says. "Every year, it just fills your heart with joy. Me and my wife love taking time to do this."

Open to children and young adults ages 7 to 23, the teaching and drills become almost secondary to the opportunity for many in the community spend time together. Tenika Smith-Carson, Calvin's wife, says many have asked for the event to span an entire week. While it's not something the pair feel they have resources for, volunteers, sponsorships, and donors have enabled them to provide the free event since 2013.

"That's the joy in it - seeing they all have memories of the camp," Carson says.

Campers are given trophies for their participation, with the first 100 in attendance being given t-shirts courtesy of their visit.

"[Parents] said their kids can't sleep," Carson added. "They can't wait for the camp. One parent said her son kept waking her up and said 'It ain't time to go yet.' He was ready to come. It makes you feel good to hear that."

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