This week, students from Scotia and Rio Dell participated in a free basketball clinic, learning from young coaches with the Jr. Kings basketball program, a part of the professional Sacramento Kings basketball team organization.
The basketball clinic was held at the Stanwood A. Murphy Elementary School gymnasium in Scotia. The clinic, on Nov. 25, focused on basketball, sportsmanship, cooperation, being active and having fun. Students learned about dribbling, shooting, passing and teamwork from the Jr. Kings coaches.
Representatives from the College of the Redwoods men’s basketball team were also on hand to work with the students.
The clinic was a partnership between the Humboldt County Office of Education, ASAPconnect and the California Afterschool Network.
ASAPconnect is a program that began in 2008 as California After School Technical Assistance (CASTA). Its mission is to facilitate connections that grow a comprehensive support network including youth and adults.
The California Afterschool Network facilitates an Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) statewide, which provides before and after school activities, as well as non-school day activities for students through sixth grade. The Stanwood A. Murphy Elementary School ELOP provides services on school days until 6 p.m. and offers 30 additional days of programming when school is not in session, during the summer and over school breaks.
The free basketball clinic in Scotia was the second of a two-day event, organized by Olivia Kernen, Humboldt County Office of Education’s Expanded Learning Coordinator.
The first day was an evening gathering of local administrators, coaches, athletic directors, parents and students discussing successes and challenges in bringing activity-based programs to students outside of the school day.
Organizers also expressed appreciation to the Scotia-Rio Dell Kiwanis Club, which donated money to provide snacks at the clinic for participating students.