jr hawks summer camp

Atlanta Hawks

Six-Week Program Combined Basketball Skill Development with Mentorship Opportunities

ATLANTA – Over the course of the summer, basketball served as a catalyst for growth and community as the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy successfully concluded its 2026 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps. Across six weeks at multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta, more than 900 youth, ages eight to 15, engaged in the program, strengthening their basketball fundamentals through hands-on instruction, competitions, and experiences designed to foster skill development.

“Our Jr. Hawks Summer Camps continue to be a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering youth through basketball,” said Chris Jacobs, Senior Director of Hawks Basketball Academy. “Each summer, we create an environment where participants are challenged to grow, encouraged to work together, and given opportunities to strengthen their skills and character. Through instruction from our coaches and lessons shared by current and former Hawks players, campers gain a deeper understanding of the preparation required to continue developing as athletes.”

Facilitated by Hawks Youth Development coaches, campers participated in skill stations, drills, and live five-on-five gameplay focused on strengthening their fundamentals in shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, and footwork.

The program also featured mentorship opportunities through special appearances by Hawks players RayJ Dennis, Keshon Gilbert, and Asa Newell, as well as Hawks alumni Tony Delk, Duane Ferrell, Josh Powell, Dominique Wilkins, and Kevin Willis, who shared firsthand insights on the dedication and discipline required for success.

“Growing up attending Hawks Summer Camps, I saw firsthand how much of an impact coaches and players can have on a young athlete,” said Newell. “It’s truly special to return as a Hawk and help create those same memories for the next generation.”

One of the summer’s signature experiences came during the Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google, held June 29 through July 2, where more than 130 female athletes participated in four days of basketball instruction and STEM programming. Alongside on-court development, campers engaged in a mindfulness session led by Google employees that explored the connection between mental wellness and performance, providing strategies to improve focus and manage stress. The week also featured a panel discussion with women leaders from the Hawks and Google, who shared insights into careers in sports and technology while highlighting how skills developed through athletics can support future success in the classroom and on the court.

Each week, the Jr. Hawks Summer Camps reinforced values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth through daily recognition. Campers were celebrated for their hustle, leadership, and improvement, while appearances from the ATL Hawks Dancers, Flight Crew, and Harry the Hawk brought additional excitement to the gym.

To further enhance the camp experience, every participant received a Hawks-branded swag bag featuring a jersey, shorts, basketball, ball pump, hoodie, and water bottle, along with a ticket to attend an Atlanta Hawks home game during the 2026-27 season.

The program’s reach was further expanded through the support of Hawks partner and personal injury attorney Ken Nugent and the Score for Scholarships initiative. Approximately 75% of Jr. Hawks Summer Camp participants received scholarship assistance, helping ensure more athletes had the opportunity to take part in a weeklong basketball experience. Since partnering with the Hawks in 2017, Kenneth S. Nugent Attorneys at Law has contributed more than $225,000 to the initiative, creating access-to-play opportunities for more than 3,500 youth through basketball.

Launched in 2015, the Jr. Hawks Summer Camps have reached more than 12,000 youth across Metro Atlanta, reinforcing the program’s lasting influence on young athletes and the communities it serves. The initiative continues to strengthen its role as a platform for positive impact, using basketball as a vehicle for youth development and community engagement to support the next generation.

For more information about Jr. Hawks Summer Camps and additional Hawks Basketball Academy programming, visit Hawks.com/basketballacademy.

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hawks-alumni-and-players-help-build-confidence-character-connections-for-more-than-900-athletes-during-2026-jr-hawks-summer-camps

Hawks Alumni and Players Help Build Confidence, Character, & Connections for more than 900 Athletes during '2026 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps'

Immersive Four-Day Camp Integrated On-Court Skill Development with Mindfulness Activities and STEM-Focused Mentorship

ATLANTA – Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy concluded its fifth-annual Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google, engaging more than 130 female athletes in a four-day experience that combined basketball development with STEM-focused learning opportunities.

The camp, hosted at Atlanta Public Schools’ Sutton Middle School, brought together girls, aged eight to 15, for an immersive program designed to foster meaningful connections while exposing participants to opportunities beyond the court. As part of the year-round Lady Ballers initiative, the program reflects the Hawks’ and Google’s shared commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders through sport, mentorship, and educational enrichment.

“Basketball and STEM share a powerful foundation rooted in critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic application to gain a competitive advantage,” said Jon Babul, Atlanta Hawks Vice President of Basketball Programs. “Through our ongoing partnership with Google at the Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest, we are inspiring young female athletes to embrace careers in technology and innovation while demonstrating how the leadership and problem-solving skills they sharpen on the court translate to opportunities for future success in academics, athletics, and other career endeavors.”

Over the course of the week, participants took part in a comprehensive basketball curriculum led by Hawks Youth Development coaches. Through skill instruction, competitive drills, and live gameplay, campers refined key fundamentals including shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, and footwork, while increasing their basketball IQ and gaining experience in game-like situations. In addition, campers had the opportunity to hear from Hawks alum Tony Delk, who spoke about his basketball journey and emphasized the importance of continuous learning.

Beyond basketball, participants engaged in a dedicated mindfulness and meditation station led by Google employees that highlighted the critical role mental wellness plays in performance.&nbsp;By practicing guided breathing and visualization, the girls improved their focus and emotional well-being, gaining tools to manage stress both in the classroom and on the court.

Campers also attended a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Court: How AI and Inclusivity Are Changing the Game,” moderated by Maya Branch, Senior Manager of Global Partnership Activation at the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. The conversation featured women leaders from the two organizations, including Otelia Hudson, Google Program Manager of Compliance, Safety and Risk Management (CSRM), Liz Jones, Google Program Manager of Data Center Technology, and Kim Rometo, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.

Drawing from their own professional experiences, panelists discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence in sports and business while sharing lessons on leadership, confidence, and the importance of representation. They encouraged campers to embrace new opportunities and recognize that their passions today can lead to unexpected careers tomorrow.

“Our Lady Ballers program is where athletic confidence meets technical curiosity,” said Rometo. “Our goal is to prove that you don’t have to choose between being an athlete and being an innovator, you can be both. Integrating topics like artificial intelligence into the experience adds a layer of excitement that goes beyond basketball, equipping these young leaders with the vision and tools to dominate in any arena they choose to enter.”

To commemorate their camp experience, each participant received a co-branded Hawks and Google swag bag featuring a backpack, meditation worksheet, portable power bank, and water bottle. A high-energy pep rally featuring members of Hawks Entertainment, including the ATL Hawks Dancers, Flight Crew, and Harry the Hawk, also celebrated the dedication campers displayed throughout the week.

Building on the momentum of the Lady Ballers Spring Clinic held in March, this year’s Hoop Fest continued initiatives that connect basketball with academic enrichment and career exploration. Beyond athletic training, participants received direct access to mentors and industry professionals who demonstrated how leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking developed on the court translate into opportunities off the court. By introducing campers to diverse perspectives and career pathways, the Lady Ballers program broadens their horizons and empowers young athletes with the confidence to pursue their ambitions.

For more information on the Lady Ballers program powered by Google, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/LadyBallers.

hawks-and-google-bridge-basketball-innovation-and-opportunity-at-5th-annual-lady-ballers-summer-hoop-fest

Hawks and Google Bridge Basketball, Innovation, and Opportunity at 5th Annual 'Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest'

Programs Intended for Youth Ages 8-15, of All Skill Levels; Registration Now Open at Hawks.com/SummerCamps

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy announced today that the 2025 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas will take place over five weeks this summer, starting Monday, June 2.

The Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas welcomes kids ages 8 to 15 of all skill levels, offering a dynamic, safe, and inclusive environment for young Hawks fans eager to develop their basketball fundamentals. Through hands-on training and instruction, the Hawks Basketball Academy actively promotes player development while instilling skills of leadership, teamwork, and confidence that extend beyond the court.

“The Jr. Hawks Summer Camps are designed to provide young athletes with an unforgettable experience, using basketball as a powerful platform to inspire, educate, and unite the youth of Atlanta,” said Chris Jacobs, Senior Director of Hawks Basketball Academy. “Our focus is on teaching the game of basketball in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment, instilling lifelong skills, and delivering an experience that every Jr. Hawks camper will carry with them beyond the camp.”

Throughout the program, participants will receive professional instruction from Atlanta Hawks Basketball Development Coaches with an emphasis on the development of fundamental skills through a mix of group and individualized coaching, as well as five-on-five gameplay. Campers will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn directly from current and former Hawks players.

The Hawks will&nbsp;visit&nbsp;five different sites in the&nbsp;metro&nbsp;Atlanta area throughout June and July, with one week specifically dedicated to&nbsp;young&nbsp;female athletes&nbsp;(July&nbsp;7-10), which is&nbsp;known as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lady Ballers&nbsp;Summer&nbsp;Hoop Fest powered by Google Cloud.&nbsp;

This annual camp week is exclusively dedicated to female basketball players, continuing the Lady Ballers program's mission to promote youth basketball participation and enhance the overall experience for young female athletes. Last year, the Hawks Basketball Academy hosted over 75 female athletes at its third annual Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest, where campers also had the opportunity to engage in STEM activities and explore exciting science stations.

The location and dates&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Jr. Hawks Summer Camp presented by adidas&nbsp;include:

•&nbsp;June&nbsp;2-5 at Norcross High School&nbsp;(Norcross, Ga.)•&nbsp;June 9-12 at Sutton Middle School&nbsp;(Atlanta)•&nbsp;June 23-26 at Mays High School&nbsp;(Atlanta)•&nbsp;July 7-10 at Sutton Middle School (Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google Cloud) (Atlanta)•&nbsp;July 14-17 at Kell High School&nbsp;(Marietta, Ga.)

The weekly camps will take place daily on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those in attendance will receive a Hawks swag bag that includes an adidas jersey and shorts, basketball, sling bag, and water bottle, along with one ticket to an Atlanta Hawks game for the 2025-26 season.

In addition, Hawks’ partner and personal injury attorney Ken Nugent will be providing scholarships for campers through the Score for Scholarships program. Approximately 75% of all Jr. Hawks summer campers will receive scholarship funding courtesy of Score for Scholarships initiative sponsored by Kenneth S. Nugent Attorneys at Law. Since the program began in 2017, Score for Scholarships has provided access-to-play opportunities through Jr. Hawks programs to more than 2,500 Metro Atlanta youth. Since its inception, Ken Nugent has donated more than $180,000 to the Score for Scholarships initiative.

“It's truly rewarding to contribute to the success of the Jr. Hawks youth basketball camp, partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and supporting their Score for Scholarships program,” Nugent said. “Initiatives like this are essential for empowering young people, and I’m grateful to help provide kids in Metro Atlanta with the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.”

The Hawks and adidas&nbsp;began&nbsp;their&nbsp;multi-year partnership in&nbsp;December 2020. Last summer, more than&nbsp;750&nbsp;kids attended the 2024 Jr. Hawks Summer Camp presented by adidas, with 500 campers&nbsp;receiving varying&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;to attend.

To&nbsp;register&nbsp;and&nbsp;learn more about summer camp opportunities and other youth basketball programs with the Hawks Basketball Academy, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/SummerCamps.

jr hawks summer camp

Hawks Alumni and Players Help Build Confidence, Character, & Connections for more than 900 Athletes during '2026 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps'

Hawks and Google Bridge Basketball, Innovation, and Opportunity at 5th Annual 'Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest'

Hawks Announce Dates for 2025 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas