ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A summer basketball tradition is marking its 42nd year in Albany, as the 2026 Camp of Champs continues to draw young athletes from across Southwest Georgia.

Boys and girls from Cordele, Blakely, Albany, Dougherty County, Lee County and surrounding areas are taking part in the camp, which is held at Deerfield-Windsor Upper School.

130 campers, 17 staff members this week

This week, 130 kids are participating, supported by a staff of 17. Many staff members have been involved with the camp for more than a decade, with several having attended the camp as children or played at Deerfield-Windsor and other area schools.

Camp director Lea Henry said the goal has always been to make basketball fun while helping kids develop their skills.

“When I was a kid, my favorite thing to do in the summer was go to basketball camp,” Henry said. “So as soon as my playing career ended, I started a camp the very next year in 1985. What’s been so rewarding about that is every year it continues to grow.”

More than basketball

Henry said the staff is a key reason the camp has sustained its success.

“I think that’s the key, giving back,” Henry said. “Our goal is to give back and help young people. Everybody working this camp feels that same way.”

The camp focuses on more than basketball skills. Campers are also taught lessons about hard work, attitude, character and respecting authority.

Henry said the message to every camper is the same, regardless of their level of play.

“Everybody’s best is different,” Henry said. “Some of the young people that come through camp end up playing college basketball, but be a great high school player, be a great middle school player, be a great teammate. The most important thing is to enjoy it and learn how to work hard.”

Week two registration details

Week two of the Camp runs Monday through Thursday at Deerfield-Windsor Upper School. Registration forms will be available on site.

The camp is open to athletes ages 5 through 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 for ages 8 through 17 and $100 for ages 5 and 6.

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