Basketball Camp 2014

On Sunday, July 27, I flew to Manchester, New Hampshire, to spend three days at the summer home of our Villages neighbors, Brad and Rose Ann. Their home reminded me so much of the home we had on Lake Geneva in the late 70's. While it was a little too cold for me to go in the water, we had lovely evenings on their beach and a boat ride on the lake. They showed me points of interest which included Steve Tyler's lake home. Areosmith started in this part of the country.

Brad and Rose Ann were wonderful hosts and even had a special welcome dinner with filet mignon perfectly cooked. We were joined on Monday by another couple from our Villages neighborhood. On Tuesday, they took me to Quechee, VT where we had lunch at the Simon Pearce factory. They make beautiful glassware which is sold at Nieman Marcus. Power for factory is generated by this dam.

On Wednesday, I rented a car and drove to Portland, Maine, to attend the Not Too Late Basketball Camp. It was so much fun!! We stayed in a college dorm, across the street from the gym. I felt like I was back at college. Only difference...no guys and we went to bed early.

Camp started Thursday afternoon, July 31. Friday and Saturday were full days with Sunday bringing camp to a close at noon.

Each day we had Skills Stations and games against one of the other seven teams. Each morning began with aerobics and stretching.  There were five Skills stations. I began with ball handling which consisted of all kinds of dribbling exercises, most of which were very difficult for me. :-) Next station was practice on screening for teammates. Third station worked on shooting. Fourth station worked on drop step and being tough in post position. Last station worked on defense. We would repeat these five times during camp.

We played one game each morning and afternoon, giving us six games. We only won the first one. In our defense, we had the oldest team if you added up ages of everyone. I got lots of positive feedback from campers on how much I improved each game. In our final game, I had some very good post moves. I did make one hook shot but my focus now is on a short "jumper" and shots under the basket.

I got so many comments about my age. During camp introductions, I mentioned I'll be going to my 50th college reunion, so many asked how old I was. In basketball, everyone tells their age when asked because tournaments are grouped  in five year increments, starting at 50. Many campers were in their 50's and said they found inspiration in how strong I played for 72. I wasn't the oldest camper, however. I know of a 73, 74 and 80 year old.

Saturday evening I went on a camp cruise of Portland Harbor. It was so much fun. Since we had five people representing The Villages, the camp director thought we should sing YMCA, which we did as everyone joined in. It was a hoot. We had quite a few people interested in finding out more about The Villages.

Camp ended at noon on Sunday. Two Villagers and I headed for the airport at 1:30. It was a long day as we arrived back in The Villages at 11:15. I feel so blessed to have participated in this camp. Would I go again?…in a heartbeat!