by Laura Stabbert
ROSCOE — This year marked the sixth year for Kevin DeVantier and his basketball camp, called “Hoop Dreams” for kids ages 8 to 17.
DeVantier started the camp to create an affordable basketball camp for local kids.
Hoop Dreams, a one-week co-ed day camp hosted at Roscoe Central School, started out with 35 kids. Over the years, the camp continued to grow.
This week, kids from Downsville and Walton in Delaware County, as well as from the Sullivan West and Livingston Manor school districts here in Sullivan County, attended Hoop Dreams. As a result there are now nearly 90 campers.
“We try to give fundamental instruction,” said DeVantier.
DeVantier, who played college basketball for SUNY Cortland, recruited some of his former teammates to help teach the up and coming athletes for a week.
With 11 counselors who have all played competitive basketball the camp focuses on improving every camper’s game no matter their age or ability.
DeVantier, who is an alum of Roscoe Central School, enjoys giving back to the community he grew up in and where his family still lives.
The camp ends with a presentation this afternoon where three campers will be awarded “Camper of the Year” for their good attitude and hard work. Each of them will receive a free week of camp for 2010.