Basketball Smiles

Basketball Smiles is a non-profit organization that conducts free basketball camps and life-skills programs for children from the most at-risk areas in The Bahamas. Started in 1997 by Coach Sam Nichols, the annual camp has given 11,000 girls and boys a good start in life. Basketball Smiles' programs are designed to * Develop leadership qualities *... Raise the children's academic expectations and self-esteem Basketball Smiles encourages the children to be active, conscientious citizens through activities that help them become competent * Socially * Morally * Emotionally * Physically * Cognitively With the basketball court as a laboratory, we encourage campers to set goals, cultivate self-discipline and choose lifestyles that do not include drugs and violence. Campers are rewarded for good choices and they are exposed to an environment that fosters mutual respect and personal responsibility. The camp is staffed by eight to 10 carefully chosen volunteer coaches who raise they own money and pay their own way to attend. These experienced coaches work 12 hours per day on outdoor asphalt courts where the heat index is usually 104 to 108 degrees. They build strong relationships with the children that let them speak into their lives, instilling character and life skills that will help them succeed. Basketball Smiles programs include * Week-long free basketball camps. No child is ever turned away. * Summer Academic Tutorial Program. * Life Skills program * Special Education programs that provide school supplies to the poorest of the poor to combat transactional sexual exploitation by predators * Inservice training for Nassau Physical Education Teachers * Hurricane Dorian School Readiness Initiative 2019 * Lace 'Em Up initiative to provide athletic shoes for all children attending camp in June 2020, some of whom have never had a pair of shoes. Basketball Smiles serves more than 300 boys and girls each summer.Read More