Children who attended a basketball summer holiday camp were able to develop new skills and benefit from the free meals provided.
The camp, held at Queen’s School in Bushey, also had visit from Commonwealth gold medallist basketballer Kayne Henry.
West Herts Warriors camp was held between August 1 to 25, from Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 3pm.
Read More
- Man arrested after reports of gun at canal
- You could own Sir Elton John's 1992 Bentley Continental R as he sends it off to auction
As one of Hertfordshire Happy Activity Camps, which eligible children could attend for free and receive snacks as well as a hot meal, it had nearly 80 children attend a day.
Parents could also pay for their children to attend.
Children who attended were able to do basketball drills in the morning and play matches in the afternoon.
The summer camp also had other activities for the boys and girls aged seven to 16 to take part in, such as board games.
Director and head coach Derek McIntosh said the camp was important for physical and mental health.
He said: “We tried to give children the education that to play sports there must be a focus on nutrition as well.
“We always had water available.”
One of the main reasons Hertfordshire County Council part-funded the camps was to help families who are struggling to buy food as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.
He said: “The hot meals went down well.
“For some children it was their main meal, but we were doing a lot of activities so they would be hungry too.
“We also had breakfast snacks because some children would not have had breakfast before they came.
“There were also snacks for them throughout the day too.”
The camp was set up to help introduce children to basketball.
Mr McIntosh said: “We realise that kids don’t get the opportunity to play basketball, as not enough clubs and providers are going into schools.
“But it is very popular.
“We brought in a Commonwealth gold medallist basketballer Kayne Henry.
“He came down and did a presentation showing the kids new skills. The children were so intrigued.”
And the club brought in specialists to support children who had ADHD, autism or were non-verbal.
Throughout the summer there was always one coach to 10 children teaching them new basketball skills.
Hard work was highlighted by the camp and the children were recognises for their achievements.
Mr McIntosh explained: “We gave out awards, but they were all-rounder awards.
“It was an all-star award where a child had to show characteristics including, great sportsmanship, being kind to fellow players.
“Children also were expected to follow housekeeping rules, listen to their coaches, and be focused.
“You had to make sure the children paid attention to all aspects.
“There were loads of ways we were trying to prepare them for later in life.
“If one player falls down, everyone goes and picks them up, because we are a family.”
It isn’t only summer holidays when children can enjoy basketball.
West Herts Warrior runs community sessions every Friday from 5pm to 7pm for children aged between seven and 16.
Mr McIntosh said: “It’s open to everyone, people of all abilities.”
Friday sessions cost £10. For more information, email admin@westhertswarriors.co.uk.
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.
Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel