By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Summertime is often referred to as the offseason for many sports, but it is also a time where skills can be polished and coaches can teach fundamentals.

A Helena basketball camp will be held for both boys and girls on June 22-25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Helena High School gym.

The boys’ and girls’ camp is open to first- through eighth- graders and the cost of the camp is $100 for those who register before June 15 or $115 for those registering after June 15.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game of basketball, according to camp information. The primary focus will be on fundamental and skill instruction with emphasis on stressing the importance of academics, character, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

This will be a great opportunity for young players to build a proper foundation to become a better basketball player.

Some of the camp highlights include 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games, hot shot competitions and free throw competitions.

Campers will receive a free camp T-shirt, individualized instruction for players of any level and experience, skill work and shooting fundamentals, team and individual competitions and access to the camp store where campers can purchase pizza, hot dogs, chips, Powerade and candy. Players will be grouped appropriately by age and ability.

Both Helena boys’ basketball head coach Chris Laatsch and Helena girls’ basketball head coach Jason Ford will lead the camps.

In his first season as the Helena head coach, Laatsch guided the Huskies to a 5A Sub-Regional appearance in the program’s first year of existence. Laatsch also received the James Perryman Coaches Recognition Award for his efforts.

Ford was also in his first year coaching the Lady Huskies. It was a building year for the girls being a first-year program and not having a single senior on the team.

Campers should wear shorts and a T-shirt, tennis shoes with laces and should bring a sack lunch or money to purchase from the camp store.

For a registration form, visit Helenaathleticassociation.org