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Midnight motivation through basketball camp

Sport keeps teens out of trouble

By Richard Gould | Hickory Daily Record

Published: July 28, 2008

HICKORY -- The Forrest Hunt Midnight Basketball Camp finale was held at Catawba Valley Community College Saturday.

Forrest Hunt, the camp's founder and namesake, is no stranger to basketball camps. He's been putting them on for the last 25 years. This was the midnight basketball camp's inaugural year and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Hunt said he started the camp because he saw a great need in today's youth to develop greater self confidence and pride and to be good-mannered. The camp's board of directors has worked diligently to create a positive atmosphere. Board member Ron Andrew said the players were required to keep their shirts tucked in, abstain from foul language and to treat their fellow players, coaches and referees with respect. Andrews said there were no discipline issues among the players and they developed an admirable camaraderie. "It's been going great," he said.

It's not always east to marshal the spirit and energies of young athletes, but Hunt said what keeps him going is a love for the kids and a commitment to their well-being. "I want them to develop and become good citizens of Hickory and Catawba County - that's what it's all about."

Before the three midnight camp sessions and the finale, motivational speakers spoke to the players about specific issues facing them and the importance of positioning themselves for the future. Katrell Wright, 16, of Hickory, attended all of the camps and said, "Not only do we get to play basketball, but we get to learn about life, too. It helped me get myself together and have a plan for when I get out of high school."

For Brandon Wingate, 17, of Hickory, the best part was "getting a chance to get out on a Friday night and play ball while staying out of trouble."

William Jenkins, of Newton, said his 14-year-old son, Bud, attended the camps and had a great time. "He really wants to take part next year."

For Jenkins, what made the camps worthwhile was that his son got to be exposed to a lot of different kinds of people and learn about character development from a variety of perspectives. That's why he was willing to go out of his way to drop Bud off and pick him up at midnight.

Hunt's reputation was instrumental when Jenkins decided to allow his son to participate in the camps. "Anything that Forrest is involved in is going to be positive."

Board chairman Dee Hunt started the groundwork to organize this summer's camps back in September and he's already laying the groundwork for next year's camps.

This year the camps averaged 25 middle school players and 25 high school players who were organized by about 25 volunteers.

Hunt said, "Our goal is to bring the girls aboard next year."

The board plans to add a girls division for both middle and high school age groups and add one more midnight camp next year. They're also considering extending the division age ranges to allow for post-high school and pre-middle school player participation.

Andrews said, "If attendance doesn't double next year, it'll totally surprise us."

In addition to volunteers, players and parents, sponsors have made a huge impact to the Forrest Hunt Midnight Basketball Camp. "Our sponsors have given us great support," Hunt said. Because of their generosity, it only cost $10 for each player to attend all the camps and to receive a camp

T-shirt and uniform. It even covered midnight snacks.