DETROIT — Aaron Smith has been a member of the Detroit Pistons for 25 years and has served as director of youth engagement and development for the previous eight. As a long-time employee, Smith has many vivid memories working with the franchise. However, his most significant recollection came during the Pistons Academy Summer Camp in Northville.
During the summer of 2024, Smith watched in amazement as Malik Beasley and Ron Holland II took the time to coach and share basketball advice with the boys and girls in attendance. He fondly remembers the kids holding on to each of Beasley’s words, gazing at the pro basketball player in astonishment.
“We have great coaches and great entertainment, but when these kids see the players, their eyes light up,” Smith told The Detroit News. “Any time we have that kind of involvement from our players, it’s a big-time priority for them to come out to our events; just grateful.”
Smith and his staff aim to recreate the excitement this summer as part of the Pistons Academy Youth Basketball Camps for 2025, with support from the Children’s Foundation and Priority Health. The academy will host up to 20 camps, beginning June 9 at Detroit Country Day High School in Beverly Hills.
Sessions will be available for girls and boys entering grades 3-9 and range from $195 to $399 per camp. The Academy Youth Camp will also feature its second annual all-girls camp at the Compound Sports Complex in Sterling Heights from July 14 to 16. The all-women coaching staff will be headlined by Asia Boyd, a former Miss PSL (Public School League) award winner (2011) and a graduate of the University of Kansas as a student-athlete.
Although the academy’s primary goal is to promote knowledge and appreciation for basketball at a young age, Smith and his staff have also prioritized integrating lessons for the youth that can go beyond the hardwood floor.
“We go to different cities around the state of Michigan to make sure kids are getting better at the game of basketball, but also use the camp to enforce positive life lessons,” Smith said. “These kids, they are going to see a bunch of coaches who look like them, act like them and play like them — someone they may want to be like when they grow up, giving kids a chance to be taught by some of the best youth coaches.”
One message they convey throughout their camps is how to use their love and passion for the game that goes beyond playing in the NBA or WNBA.
“A lot of us can reflect on what sports have meant to us growing up, having that coach and outlet to go and play sports,” Smith said. “They are going to get the message of working hard, controlling what you can control, and being great at the game. But there is still a way to be a part of the team, even if it’s not on the court.
“I would see someone who is in their mid-20s now, coming back and remembering the life lessons we taught through camp. We have had kids who were once campers and are now working for us full-time.”
The Pistons will also offer free drop-in activities across 12 parks through the Pistons Neighbors Program. While basketball will remain a primary focus, the Pistons Neighbors Program will also include live music, dance classes and visual arts.
Since 2019, the Neighbors Program has been an extension of the Pistons’ Basketball for All initiative, which has renovated courts and donated basketballs to Detroit’s youth. This summer, the program reached the milestone of activating 14 parks while investing $36,000 in mini-grants sponsored by Huntington Bank.
“Over the past few years, the Neighbors Program has made strides in growing community engagement and expanding the utilization of the renovated park spaces,” said Megan Churches, executive director of the Pistons Foundation.
“We have been able to see the program grow by having more activations and parks. We have been able to grow the program to appeal to a larger population, where, if you are not into basketball, maybe you can attend a dance class or a yoga class. We have been able to appeal to a wider range of folks.”
Pistons Academy youth basketball campers will receive NBA-level instruction and individual skill development. They will also receive an exclusive Pistons reversible jersey, visits by Pistons personalities, and two complimentary tickets to a 2025-26 home game at Little Caesars Arena.
The academy will also host its first-ever Mini Cruisers camp for grades 1-3 at Wayne State Fieldhouse, the home of the Pistons’ G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.
“For me, it’s a purpose,” Smith said. “When you put that Detroit Pistons logo on, it comes with expectations. It’s a blessing to reinforce positivity, making sure kids leave our camps feeling good about themselves and their ability to be successful.”
Originally Published: May 29, 2025 at 3:42 PM EDT