How to Run a Church Basketball Camp
A week-long camp is the fastest way to meet new families. It's also the easiest to over-plan. Here's a structure that works.
Pick the shape: half-day, five days
A half-day morning camp, Monday to Friday, is the easiest format for volunteers and the easiest for working parents to say yes to. Three hours a day is plenty for elementary-age kids.
A daily schedule that works
- 9:00 — Check-in, name tags, free shooting
- 9:15 — Dynamic warm-up as one group
- 9:30 — Skill stations (ball-handling, shooting, passing, defense) in rotating groups
- 10:30 — Snack and the day's devotion (theme, verse reference, one question)
- 10:50 — Competition: 3-on-3, knockout, team challenges
- 11:40 — Awards for effort and encouragement, closing prayer
- 12:00 — Parent pickup with sign-out
Staff it properly
Plan on one adult or trained older-teen helper for every six to eight campers, two adults with every group at all times, and one person whose only job is check-in, pickups, and first aid. Run every staff member through your church's child-safety policy before camp week.
Make registration do the work
Collect camper details, grade, shirt size, allergies and medical notes, emergency contacts, photo consent, and payment in one form. Close registration early enough to order shirts and build groups by age.
Use one theme per day
Five days, five character themes — for example belonging, effort, perseverance, encouragement, and gratitude. Repeat the day's theme in the warm-up, the devotion, and the awards so it actually sticks.
End with a family night
Friday evening: a family shootout, a short talk from your pastor or ministry leader, food, and an invitation to whatever comes next — a fall league, a weekly skills night, or a Sunday service. This is where camp becomes ministry.
Frequently asked questions
Run it in SixSevenBall
Turn on Ministry Mode and this becomes your roster, your schedule, your weekly theme, and your family updates — in your ministry’s name. Pro is free for churches.