Students participate at Greg Kelser's Shoot for Your Goals basketball camp. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Students participate at Greg Kelser's Shoot for Your Goals basketball camp. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Updated: Wednesday, 22 Jun 2011, 8:55 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 22 Jun 2011, 8:54 PM EDT
myFOXDetroit.com Staff Writer
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - We all know that growing up is a challenge, and the move from eighth grade to high school can be a tough one for many teenage boys and girls.
Former Michigan State star and current Pistons broadcaster Greg Kelser is doing his part this week to help some Detroit youngsters make that transition.
Kelser is teaming up with Winning Futures and hosting 74 boys and girls for a free camp that is about more than basketball.
Some soon to be ninth graders spend 75-percent of their time on the court, but they also spend 25-percent of their time in the classroom with a series of mentors in what they call "Shoot for Your Goals" sessions.
Thanks to sponsors Sodexo and Powerlink, there's breakfast and lunch and a chance to learn some lasting life skills.
"Every basketball camp I have ever had, we always had a major education component to it. We try to spend time letting the kids know that their education is vital. It's essential. They've got to have it," said Kelser. "While sports are great, education is the one thing that you can count on. It has to be your foundation."
"He teaches me to not only focus on basketball because one day you could get injured and all you know is basketball when you should still have academics," said Courtney Lewis.
When this camp wraps up on Friday, Kelser does has his three basketball camps coming up this summer in Birmingham and Grosse Pointe. Click here for more information on them.