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Faith first, then basketball, at summer camp

Commentary

By ERIC MILLSAPS

Published: July 8, 2009

Children who attend the Donald Hicks Basketball Camp learn manners, math, reading and basketball, in that order.

Students spend as much time working on division as they do on their dribble.

They work on manners both on and off the court.

Donald Hicks gently prods the campers in that direction.

When a young man responds with a "yes," Hicks reminds him the proper term is "Yes sir."

As a teacher cleans up her room, Hicks turns to a nearby camper. "Did I hear you volunteer to help?" The camper says yes and quickly begins putting chairs under tables to assist the teacher. Two more campers join in.

That's the rule, not the exception.

Do not get the wrong idea. This is no stuffy camp. The vibe is a fun one.

Donald and his wife, Dana, make it so.

Donald occasionally picks up a basketball and challenges an older student to a one-on-one matchup. He'll stick his head in a classroom and pointedly ask a student if she was at the camp last year.

He wants to know everyone's name.

Dana is his right hand in the camp. She does whatever is needed, from teaching classes to giving Donald the right words at the right time to make his point.

The camp is billed as a basketball training ground, but the underlying message is one of faith. There was no sermon Monday, but students said a prayer before the meal.

After the campers ate, I talked briefly with them about the importance of reading.

Before I departed, they said a prayer for me. A young man asked the Lord to help me meet high expectations.

Those words were right on target, young man.

It seems most everyone can find what they need at Donald Hicks basketball camp — from a lesson in manners to a reminder that you can do better.

What: Donald Hicks Basketball Camp
Where: Bethel United Church of Christ, 4547 Bethel Church Road
When: Today through Friday, 8 a.m. through 3 p.m., but new campers will only be accepted on Wednesday and Thursday
Cost: $15 per day
Contact: Donald Hicks, telephone: (828) 464-3199, cell phone: (828) 461-6737

Eric Millsaps is publisher of the Hickory Daily Record. Reach him at emillsaps@hickoryrecord.com.