News Detail

Bears summer basketball camp offers skills instruction

06.04.09

The Potsdam Bears International Summer Basketball Camp, one of the most highly rated camps in the country, continues its tradition of excellence for the 39th consecutive year from July 12 to July 17. The camp, which has become a northern New York tradition for many, is for boys and girls entering into grades three through 12. Last summer, more than 500 American and Canadian players learned skills and fundamentals through individual and group instruction from a staff of more than 65 top college and high school coaches. The staff has earned a reputation for placing great emphasis on teaching skills, having a positive attitude and encouraging team play. The camp is co-directed by SUNY Potsdam men’s basketball coach Sherry Dobbs, Jr. and women’s basketball coach Tara Ruckh. Dobbs has led the Bears’ men’s team to two consecutive NCAA berths, including an “Elite Eight” appearance. Ruckh lead the 2008-2009 women’s team to the SUNYAC tournament championship game for the first time in school history. Hall of fame coach and camp founder Jerry Welsh continues his affiliation with the Bears, where he led Potsdam to a pair of National Championships, coached 14 first-team All-Americans and had a 60-game win streak during his tenure. Campers will develop offensive skills such as passing, ball handling, screening, perimeter and post moves and shooting. Defensive skills, such as proper stance, positioning and boxing out are also stressed. The complete “team” concept is emphasized to all campers. Although both boys and girls attend camp in the same sessions, the skill groups and teams are not co-ed. The camp welcomes commuters as well as overnight campers. Campers staying overnight are housed in SUNY Potsdam’s residence halls and are closely supervised at all times. Meals are served in the Lehman Dining Hall three times daily to overnight campers. Commuters are also offered a meal each day at noon. The cost for the camp is $385 for resident campers and $245 for commuters. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to reserve a spot in the camp. Group rates for five or more applications sent in together receive a $25 discount per person. The registration deadline is June 26. For more information about the Potsdam Bears International Summer Basketball Camp, contact The Center for Lifelong Education and Recreation at SUNY Potsdam at (315) 267-2167 or camps@potsdam.edu or visit www.potsdam.edu/community/camps.