LOCH SHELDRAKE — SUNY Sullivan’s co-ed youth basketball camp returns to the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse next week for another exciting year. The camp will run from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19 and will offer attendees the opportunity to hone their skills and even learn some new ones.

According to the brochure, the camp is committed to a philosophy of developing fundamental skills and a broad understanding of the game.

The camp, staffed with top coaches and players from the area, works to improve skills through individual instruction, drills, lectures and games.

The camp has been around for more than two decades, and many of the former campers have gone on to have successful high school and college basketball careers.

The camp director is Ben Newberg, a Monticello alumni and former camper,  who now coaches the SUNY Sullivan Women’s Team. In the three years since Newberg has taken over, the Generals have an astounding 65-19 overall record and three consecutive Region XV Championships.

“Having attended the camp when I was younger, it has been incredible to come back and impart my knowledge of the game to the next generation,” Newberg said.

The camp invites local coaches and players, including former campers, to return as counselors for the week. Each brings their own personal drills, knowledge and experience of the game to impart onto the campers.

The camp is offered to kids aged 7-17, and is a great way to learn the sport of basketball. Whether it’s an introduction to the sport for the younger kids or honing specific skills before the upcoming season, the camp has been a successful way to keep local athletes engaged in the sport in the offseason.

“It’s always cool to see kids grow up and return each summer,” Newberg said. “From 7-8 year olds that can’t shoot on a 10-foot rim to kids growing their skills before high school as they get older.”

Newberg assisted in running the camp last year, but will be exclusively in charge next week.

“It’s a great experience for me to give back to my community,” explained the Sullivan County native. “After coaching for over 15 years, I’m hoping to pass some of the skills and knowledge along to the campers.”

The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If you have any questions or would like to register, you can call or text 914-214-1493 or email bnewberg@sunysullivan.edu.