Special Feature
It’s becoming a summer tradition for area churches to become home to the basketball camps of Coach Paul Brown. “Coach Brown is patient, fair and fun. He understands the various developmental stages of young children and maximizes their capacity to learn basketball,” says Dawn Corley, Director of Activities at Green Valley Baptist Church adding, “Kids have the opportunity to learn basketball in a positive environment from individuals who truly know how to teach the game.” Brown’s experience includes coaching at the college level for 17 years, including two National Championships as an assistant at Birmingham- Southern College. He also led the Men’s National Team of Luxembourg to a Bronze Medal in the Olympics of Small Countries. Most recently he has turned his attention to teaching younger players the valuable fundamentals needed to be successful at a higher level. “It is always exciting to see players we have worked with have success playing basketball,” says Brown noting, “Many players have continued to pursue basketball in both Middle School and High School.
Brown has become increasingly in demand for holiday and summer basketball camps for boys and girls ages 6 to 13. What started at one church twelve years ago has become four weeks of camp during the summer, plus school holiday camps offered at three area churches, including Green Valley Baptist, Trinity United Methodist and Riverchase United Methodist. “Coach Brown’s camps are designed to nurture physical activity, increase skill level, make friends and just have fun!” explains Bob O’Neil, former Recreation Dir. at Riverchase UMC and the parent of a camper.
Brown says he deliberately decided to run his camps in a church setting. “We have partnered with churches to offer a safe, positive and caring atmosphere in which to teach children.” The takeaway from the camps is appreciated by parents and campers. “Seeing a coach get excited about children and greeting them every day with a smile is such a comfort as a parent. I love how he knows about the kids and what they like and encourages them along the way even if they are struggling or having a hard time,” says Bethany Terrell. Jennifer Carter exclaims, “My son has had the opportunity to participate in several of Coach Brown’s camps…Not only does he have a great time, but each time he comes away with new skills and increased confidence.” “Many of the drills we do at camp are ones that the child can practice at home,” says Brown adding, “My philosophy for our camps is to teach fundamentals and skills in a positive environment and I believe it is important to instill confidence and understanding of the game of basketball in each child.” To learn more about Coach Brown’s Camps, visit CoachPaulBrown.com. †
