CARE for Children held its 23rd annual basketball minicamp for school-age children Tuesday evening at Callahan Park. The camp gives children of all abilities a chance to improve motor skills, build social connections and stay physically active. Participation grew significantly this year, with nearly 60 children taking part.

CARE therapists, teachers and staff, along with volunteer coaches from the community, were each paired with a team and the coaches worked with their team throughout camp. Campers rotated through skill stations focused on different activities including passing, dribbling, shooting, layups, ball handling and defense. Each child in attendance received a t-shirt and a basketball.

The mini-camp was generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Allegany and the Italian American Progressive Club (IAPC). Volunteers from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford helped prepare the basketballs for the event. The therapeutic recreation program is also supported by the United Way of the Bradford Area Inc.

“CARE for Children is incredibly thankful for the support of the Rotary Club of Port Allegany and the Italian Club, whose generosity makes this popular annual event possible,” said Tina Martin, executive director at CARE for Children. “Therapeutic recreation programs are a vital extension of our school-based therapy services, allowing our therapists and staff to connect with students on a more informal level.”

CARE for Children is a non-profit organization that provides pediatric therapy services, early learning programs, child safety and injury prevention initiatives, therapeutic recreation programs, and community outreach services for children of all abilities in McKean County and the surrounding region.