Blog

Parents: What to Expect the First Day of Camp

June 18, 2013

By Otesa Miles The first day of Shaka Smart Basketball Camps is full of excitement as campers meet their coaches and new teammates. Parents, we’d like to share with you a few things to keep in mind, which will hopefully answer your questions about our summer basketball camp. Registration: To kickoff camp, camp staff will [...]

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Sports Safety: Tips From Trainers—Part I

June 14, 2013

By Otesa Miles You’ve probably heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The National Athletic Trainers Association has the same philosophy when it comes to keeping youth safe while playing sports. On May 15, 2013, the group released its tips to “keep athletes safe in the game.” At Shaka [...]

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What Makes Shaka Smart Basketball Camps Different?

June 11, 2013

  By Otesa Miles There are countless summer sports camps in Richmond.  At Shaka Smart Basketball Camps, the staff makes all the difference. It all starts with VCU Head Basketball Coach Shaka Smart. “The goal is to have fun,” Coach Smart said about the camp’s design. “We hope our participants enjoy their time with us [...]

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Why a Camper Returns

June 7, 2013

  By Otesa Miles Last summer, Chad Cleaton’s son enjoyed his week at Shaka Smart Basketball Camps. So, even though it means Cleaton will drive 75 minutes each way, he’s sending his son C.J. again this summer. “He enjoyed meeting new kids who played on his level or above his level. That helped him get [...]

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Fridays are Family Fun Days at Coach Smart’s Camp

June 4, 2013

By Otesa Miles Fridays are a fun day for parents, guardians, family and friends to celebrate each camper’s accomplishments. During the last hour of Friday’s session — at 4 p.m. — Shaka Smart Basketball Camps participants receive their certificates and awards, a camp backpack and t-shirt, an official basketball and other goodies provided by camp [...]

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Fun Ways to Eat More Veggies

May 31, 2013

By Otesa Miles Vegetables, true super foods, don’t have commercials or come with prizes, so sometimes it takes more creativity to get them inside your youngster. At Shaka Smart Basketball Camps, we are committed to encouraging good health habits during summer basketball camp and all year round. So here are a few tips to encourage [...]

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Your Basketball Camp Checklist

May 28, 2013

By Otesa Miles Parents always ask, “What should my child bring to Shaka Smart Basketball Camps?” Our answer is usually: “not much, we’ve got most things covered.” To answer your questions, we compiled a checklist of a few things that might be helpful when you drop your camper off with us. Basketball shoes. Because this [...]

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Here’s How You Can Create Your Own Summer Curriculum

May 24, 2013

By Otesa Miles With only a few weeks left before the end of the school year, it’s time to finalize summer plans. Of course, Shaka Smart Basketball Camps should already be on your list! Beyond participating in the top Richmond summer basketball camp, it’s a good idea to establish a summer academic curriculum. This will [...]

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Letter From a Satisfied Basketball Summer Camp Parent

May 22, 2013

What do parents say about our basketball summer camp? We received the letter below from a parent whose child attended VCU basketball camp last summer: I cannot tell you what a great experience Shaka Smart Basketball Camps was for my son Mac Smith and for my husband and I. We all loved it. The camp was so [...]

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Get Your Body Camp-Ready with Fresh, Local Produce

May 17, 2013

By Otesa Miles Yes, practice makes perfect. That goes for basketball, as well as eating habits. Preparing for camp by staying active is awesome! It’s also a great idea practice to fueling up with healthy foods to keep the body ready for camp. Fresh vegetables and fruits are the best foods for growing bodies. A [...]

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