Jeff Rodgers has been involved with basketball for more than three decades, and his basketball camp is in its 35th year. It all began one summer at the Centreville Adventist Church in Nassau, Bahamas. Pastor Paul Scavella, who was the youth director at the time for the Bahamas Conference, challenged the young people of the church to get involved in an activity or to give something back to the community. It was during this time that Jeff Rodgers had the vision to organize a basketball camp.
Jeff decided to ask Atlanta Hawks legend Anthony “Spud” Webb to help with organizing his first camp. Spud said that he would be onboard with one condition – Dominique Wilkins would have to help out as well. Jeff said, "Who wouldn't want to have Dominique in the Bahamas?" This was around the time that Dominique was in his prime. Since then, there have been numerous NBA players who have helped with this annual event. The likes of Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, Spud Webb, Dominique Wilkins, Ron Harper, Kenny Smith, Avery Johnson, Scott Burrell, Byron Scott, Scottie Pippen, Travis Knight, and a host of others. Jeff has said, "This camp has done so many great things in my life, and I realize that this was a gift from God." To God be the glory! ~ Jeff
To us, this is the most important event in the camp because it gives the kids an opportunity to showcase all the skills they have learned over the past few weeks for their parents, friends and other interested basketball enthusiasts.
More than anything else, we want to ensure that the campers understand the importance of developing healthy bodies with a positive outlook on life..
We are so thankful to be able to reach this far and to still have an impact in our youths' lives after 30 years. I really appreciate the coaches, players, and counselors sharing their personal journey and life experiences with the campers - encouraging them to stay in school; to get an education; staying out of trouble; staying off drugs; and working hard to achieve their dreams. These are some of the same basic-life principles I have been telling them for the past 30 years.