When the Neighborhood House was asked to participate in The 2011 South Chicago Hoops in the Hood pilot program our basketball coach Mauro Javier and myself thought it was a great idea. We figured we would teach 48 youths from the ages 10 to 19 to play team ball and have some fun. The guidelines set forth by Claretian Associates were simple. A three day basketball camp for children from ages 10 to 14 followed by a culminating block party to celebrate the fun and skills which were taught. The camp was held June 29,30, and July 1^st. Phase two was to be a basketball tournament of 8 teams from South Chicago for youth ages 15 to 19, with the winner representing South Chicago in the city wide tournament at Sewer Park on August 20. Simple enough was our first impression. A ball, the gym, with kids refining their basketball skills and play some games. Then the work started. Representatives from organizations such as Pilgrim Baptist Church, South Chicago YMCA, Chicago Park District, Claretian Associates, Chicago Police C.A.P.S. and Alderman Pope’s 10^th ward office began planning meetings. This is when we realized this was more than just basketball. We soon found out the vision for this program was teamwork, physical fitness, and of course good old fashioned fun. Never in all the planning and executing did we realize how competitive these youth would become nor how hard they would all work. The camp started off with stating the expectations we had for our kids to play hard, be on time, and most of all enjoy themselves. Then the ball hit the court and we witnessed what teamwork and dedication these youth posses. The skills course which comprised of dribble, ball handling, speed and endurance, showcased their individual competitive instinct. Each child was timed going through the obstacle course. The progression displayed, was in our eyes, remarkable. Each participant was given the chance to go through as fast as they could. As they worked their way through the course the other team mates were cheering them on. Clapping, screaming and encouraging one another, to do their best. Always congratulating each other on what a good job they did. The camaraderie and good nature which was put forth was unbelievable. The kids were feeding off of one another’s energy, and trying harder each time through. No taunting or teasing which kids sometimes exhibit. When someone fell or missed a shot they were encouraged to persevere. All that could be heard was the loud cheers, clapping, and congratulating of one another. Every day the teamwork displayed increased. When teams were picked it didn’t matter if there were two girls and three boys, or even five girls versus five boys which happened on a few occasions. These kids just worked together and had fun. The ratio of boys and girls was nearly split in half. When the younger group was paired with older team mates they yelled and worked hard to pick each other up. Everyone who visited was impressed with how well they were working together and how much energy was displayed. The July 2^nd block party was a real scorcher with temperature reaching the mid 90’s. There was a jumping jack, water balloon fights, food, games, arts and crafts. Coach Javier had the daunting task of selecting one boy and one girl to receive the sportsmanship awards. It was a hard job, as every one of these kids deserved to win this award. He chose Norel and Sara who were awarded brand new Mongoose bikes to the delight of their team mates. He also handed out basketballs and footballs to the runner-ups. In every picture shot that day the thing that stood out the most was the smiles on everyone’s face. This program allowed the children to show us all that they were more than peers. They became a team. They were more like family, than teammates. The Neighborhood House would like to thank all the participants, assistant coaches, volunteers, but most of all Claretian Associates, Chicago LISC, and State Farm, the sponsors. This was an experience we will not soon forget, as most of us will remember for a lifetime. Just have to say great work everyone thanks for a wonderful time. Oh yeah one more thing, let’s go get that trophy.