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Statue of Numa, the UAFS mascot, at sunset in front of the Stubblefield Center

Statue of Numa in front of the Stubblefield Center

Events | NewsMay 09, 2023

Athletics to Host Summer Camp Programs for Community Kids

Written By: Ian Silvester

While school is out of session, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith athletics teams will hold class at the Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center for community children.
 
Students grades K-12 are invited to attend multiple summer camps hosted by UAFS Volleyball and UAFS men’s and women’s basketball teams and coaches. All camps are expected to share a love of the game and teach fundamentals to kids; one camp has gained much attention thanks to a new coach.
 
Zane Gibson returns to the hardwood at UAFS as the next head coach of the men’s basketball team. He is excited for his camp to begin on May 29 but says all the camps should be fun and engaging and highlight what UAFS is all about.
 
“Athletics really want to connect with the people of Fort Smith,” he said. “We want to let them know that we are part of the community and not an outlier.”
 
Gibson believes camps are valuable outlets for kids - especially during the summer months - to have structure, develop social skills, and even experience something new. Gibson, his staff, current players, and even some former Lions will host the UAFS camps, which run May 29-June 1, June 12-14, June 26-29, and July 17-19.
 
Between the UAFS dates, Gibson is taking camp on the road.
 
Extending the UAFS name and getting a chance to meet with players who may one day suit up for the Lions is a goal for Gibson and his staff. Satellite camps have been established in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Memphis, Little Rock, and Dallas. Each will be a three-hour camp from 9 a.m. to noon for students in grades 9-12.
 
“It’s important for us to always be ambassadors of the game, no matter where we are in the world. These are people we really need to get involved with and eventually bring back to our university,” said Gibson.
 
For more information on pricing for the men’s basketball youth and high school satellite camps, visit the link. To register, click here.
 
For more information on pricing and registration for the Women’s Basketball Fundamentals Camp and High School Girls Elite Camp, click here. For the UAFS Volleyball Elite Camp, click here.

Men's Basketball Youth Camps (Grades K-8):

All camp sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Stubblefield Center, 532 N. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith.

  • May 29 - June 1
  • June 12-14
  • June 26-29
  • July 17-19
  • Cost: $75 for a four-day camp; $60 for a three-day camp

Men's Basketball Satellite Camps (Grades 9-12):

All camp locations run from 9 a.m. to noon.

  • June 15, Kansas City
  • June 16, Oklahoma City
  • June 17, Tulsa
  • June 20, Memphis
  • June 21, Little Rock
  • June 22, Dallas
  • Cost: $50 per camp

Volleyball Elite Camp (Girls entering grades 7-12):

All camp sessions will be at the Stubblefield Center.

  • June 7-9
  • Cost: $175 for a commuter camper; $200 for a resident camper

Women's Basketball Fundamentals Camp (Boys and girls, ages 6-13):

All camp sessions will be at the Stubblefield Center.

  • 8-11 a.m., boys and girls ages 6-9, August 1-3
  • Noon to 3 p.m., boys and girls ages 10-13, August 1-3
  • Cost: $80

High School Girls Elite Basketball Camp (Girls entering grades 9-12):

The camp will be at the Stubblefield Center.

  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 5
  • Cost: $80
  • Tags:
  • Athletics
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Summer Camps