DETROIT – At a park on Detroit’s west side, the sound of bouncing basketballs mixed with music and encouragement as New Era Detroit launched day one of a six-week summer camp designed to keep young people engaged, supported and connected to their community.
NBA legend and former Detroit Pistons player Isiah Thomas joined organizers and volunteers to lead drills and to emphasize that basketball can be a tool for more than building skills on the court.
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“Not only is it about rhythm, it’s about understanding and getting in tune with the sound of this basketball,” Thomas told campers as he coached them through ball-handling.
New Era Detroit leaders say the camp is built around consistency, showing up week after week, so kids have reliable support and positive options during the summer.
“It’s about programming… It’s not about coming out and throwing an event. It’s about being consistent in the kids’ life,” said Zeek Williams with New Era Detroit. “Anybody can come and mentor and talk to a kid one time; longevity comes from consistency.”
Along with basketball instruction, campers are learning life lessons focused on decision-making, confidence, and staying grounded under pressure.
“There’s going to be somebody talking to you, wanting and asking you to do wrong,” Thomas told the group during a call-and-response moment that drew cheers. “And you’ve got to be strong enough to say.”
“It’s not me!” a camper answered back, as Thomas clapped and smiled in approval.
For the young people participating, the camp is also about personal growth. One camper, Silver, said she’s there for a reason.
“I want to make something better of myself,” said Silver. “I want to do better with my life.”
Another camper, Quinton, said events like this are needed right now.
“It brings the community together. The community is a little broken, as we speak right now, but being at events like this brings the community together,” said Quinton.
Camper Emanuel Wayne said the program is already changing how he thinks, especially in how he sets an example for his younger siblings.
“It changed the way I look at a lot of things and a lot of situations that I put myself in,” Emanuel said. “Because I know how it can affect my siblings and my mother. So, I try to make positive decisions and positive behaviors so I can make positive actions to my siblings.”
When asked what he hopes kids take away from the camp, Thomas pointed to something simple and lasting.
“There’s goodness in everybody,” said Thomas. “And, you know, the more love you give, the more love you get to give.”
Williams said New Era Detroit is seeking men and women to volunteer for its community programs and initiatives.
For more information, email info@neweraworld.work.