One local coach is looking to help young players learn the game of basketball, while having fun in the process.

Nate Brown, who serves on the coaching staff at Ellwood Christian Academy, will host the Black Belt Crusaders’ Basketball Camp at the Ellwood gym on June 3 to July 26, starting from 9 a.m. to noon, then continuing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Brown said the camp aims to develop the skills of players in the area, and is open to players who are in school from the second grade to 12th.

“The aim of the basketball camp and any AAU program is to help kids get better in their basketball skills and help them in life,” Brown said. “Our goal is to develop young basketball players in each session along with giving students concepts of fundamentals that they can take with them in their own skill development.”

Brown said players will play games, and the camp will teach players how to play defense and the responsibilities of each position on the basketball court.

Brown said those involved in the camp will be dedicated to helping players develop.

“We strive to provide personal growth and development of young athletes while also enforcing positive influences, self-confidence, self-esteem and the ability to succeed on and off the court,” Brown said. “We are dedicated to educate and motivate each youth, while encouraging sportsmanship, teamwork and fun through the game of basketball.”

Brown also added that the camp will teach players a number of life lessons as well.

“It’ll teach them how to interact with other people, how to behave,” Brown said. “We’ll also mentor them about drugs and alcohol. We’ll have people come to talk to them about that like police officers, firemen, and we’ll have people talk to them about entrepreneurship.”

For more information, and to register for the camp, call Brown at 375-7034, 419-6582, or call Ellwood Christian Academy at 877-1581.