DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - What once began as a means of providing an affordable basketball camp for local kids has become an annual tradition for coach Calvin Carson.
Saturday's event marked the 12th time he's invited children from the Decatur area to learn the game, connecting attendees of all ages. Nearly 150 kids participated this year, ranging from the age of 7 through 26-years-old.
Carson says while sharing his basketball knowledge is fun and an element of the camp started, the goal is to bring families together and to stress why it's important for kids to listen and learn.
"Without [education] you can miss out," Carson says. "So we always stress that we always have positive speakers and we talk about education, the choices that you make."
There are four elements that Carson's Camp relays to participants: "God, family, school, and basketball."
Carson is often around the city finding ways to teach other children the game and provide activities for them to take part in. He says the more options you provide for kids to get involved, the less likely they are to be influenced by negative factors.
"We teach them how to maintain their ability to play this game and stay focused, and stay away from others that don't mean you no business."
Carson has made sure he's been able to keep the event free to attend as an alternative for families who may not be able to afford club basketball programs.
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