Bell hosts free camp

By Cherome Owens

Imagine growing up as child and having the opportunity to learn how to shoot or the proper defensive mechanics from an NBA player. Most basketball camps would cost a price to teach kids such skills. But Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell is teaching all of his skills for FREE.

Bell is showing all of his tricks of the trade at his three-day basketball camp (July 15-17) for a selected 100 Boys & Girls Club members, ages 8 to 15, at the Roger and Leona Fitzsimonds Branch.

“There are a lot of camps out in the suburban areas,” Bell said. “I figure that no one hardly ever does any camps in the inner city for kids who can’t afford it, or can’t get there. There are a lot of Bucks fans who don’t get a chance to see a Bucks player, or an NBA player at that, so I just wanted to do something different to give back to the community and give them a chance to have an experience of a lifetime.”

The campers will learn some basic basketball fundamentals, such as defense, shooting, rebounding, free throws and passing. But Bell said the camp’s ultimate goal is for them to enjoy each day.

“We’re just going to have fun,” Bell said. “Work on fundamentals and just have a good time. I’ve been working the defense station a little bit, and the kids are enjoying it. But it’s all about them having fun and having the chance to interact with an NBA player, somebody that they watch on TV.”

After just the first day of the session, Bell is accomplishing the camp’s goal. He said each child is excited about meeting and learning the game from an NBA player.

“I think they’re having a good time, and I’m having a good time,” Bell said. “This is a dream come true for them and it’s a dream come true for me. To get to the point where I can do a camp for free is a good accomplishment.” 

Randy Jones, the Physical Education Director of the Roger and Leona Fitzsimonds Boys & Girls Club, said the campers can’t stop talking about Bell.

“He’s all they’ve been talking about all week,” Jones said. “To have Charlie come down and interact with the kids is great.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to see that a Bucks player would take interest in showing them the fundamentals of basketball,” added Alicia Fleming, Club Manager of the Roger and Leona Fitzsimonds Branch. “The kids are excited to have an NBA player come into the community, show them skills and show them that they’re relatable. And Charlie is definitely a role model to them.” 
Bell said he hopes to one day hold a camp in his hometown Flint, Mich., while also continuing to host free camps in Milwaukee. As a child in Flint, Bell never had the chance to attend a camp hosted by an NBA player. 

“I think at the time there were a couple of players from Flint who were in the NBA, but they didn’t hold camps back at home,” Bell said. “No one ever threw a camp there. I wish they would have but they didn’t. That’s why I’m holding a camp like this. I want to try to get to the point where every summer I can be here (in Milwaukee) and also where I’m from (Flint) doing free camps just for the kids and just to give back. Hopefully next year we do it again.”

Similar to most camps, Bell’s free camp offers children valuable items to take home such as t-shirts, head and wrist bands, a water bottle and of course, a better understanding of basketball.

But there’s also something else to be gained from this camp.

“It’s mostly basketball but I’ll also talk to the kids everyday,” Bell said. “Today, I talked about my background and a lot about education because a lot of kids in the inner city try to hang their hat on being a professional basketball player or other athlete. That’s everybody’s key to get out of the situation they’re in and nobody really focuses on education. So that’s one thing I’m going to try and do, instill to them that sports are not the only way to succeed.”

Campers will receive a free daily lunch thanks to Palermo’s Pizza and have the opportunity to garner autographs and take photos with the Bucks guard on the last day of camp. Campers will also have the chance to receive awards, such as the Boy and Girl Camp MVP, in which the winners will receive a grand prize four tickets to go to a game this season and have the chance to watch warm-ups and meet Bell.