“Especially during the summer it is vitally important for Bridgeport youth to have meaningful, character building programs. Through summer programs like this we’re working hard to improve the quality of life for our community and make Bridgeport better every day.” -Mayor Bill Finch
Bridgeport, Conn. (July 9, 2015) – More than 100 Bridgeport kids are participating in a free co-ed basketball camp being held at Curiale School this summer.
The camp, which lasts three weeks, serves as a community service and outreach program that utilizes volunteers from police, school security, and local high school basketball teams to teach lessons in teamwork and respect through basketball.
“Especially during the summer it is vitally important for Bridgeport youth to have meaningful, character building programs,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Through summer programs like this we’re working hard to improve the quality of life for our community and make Bridgeport better every day.”
Campers range from 5th to 10th grade and attend various schools in the area like, Roosevelt, Cesar Battala, Johnson, Bassick, St. Joes, and many more. The new basketball camp and its focus on teaching character has quickly caught the interest of parents and youth within the area.
“Your talent may bring you, but your character will keep you,” says Bassick High School basketball coach Lawrence Richardson.
According to the Bernie Lofton, who serves as a leader of the program, Echo provided a budget to accommodate 100 campers and in the first day they tallied 98 kids and even surpassed that mark the day after with 127 showing up.
“We are not trying to turn any kids away,” stated Lofton. “We are trying to be community and kid friendly and work with parents as much as we can.” Lofton felt that as the youth mingle with others from different schools and neighborhoods that they will be able to connect at camp and could subsequently cut back on potential future violence in the community.