Nearly 50 Fort Belvoir youth athletes took advantage of the summer break from school to participate in a unique basketball training camp last week at Specker Field House.

The 6th annual basketball camp -- sponsored by Child, Youth and School Services for children ages 5-14 and hosted by coaches and players from the Fort Belvoir Eagles Washington Area Military Athletics Conference basketball teams -- introduced players to the game and provided training in ball handling, shooting, defense and maintaining physical fitness.

"This event teaches the basic fundamentals of basketball, and we try to keep it fun at the same time while they're developing those skills. It's still challenging, though," said Herb Marshall, Fort Belvoir Eagles men's head coach and senior instructor for the camp.

"This is the sixth time we've done this (at Belvoir) and some of these athletes will use this training to prepare for the post's House league and Barracudas basketball teams," added Anris Marin, Eagles men's team assistant coach and camp coordinator. "For others it gives them something to do during the summer break; in some cases, it's the first time they've been exposed to basketball."

Marshall said the camp had drawn large turnouts throughout the week.

"We had about 45 come out tonight and we had even more (Wednesday)," he said. "Having the (camp) coaches we have here (starting members of the Eagles squads) makes it fun and I try to incorporate that element into the camp each year."

"This camp allows the Eagles and Lady Eagles WAMAC teams to not only teach the game but also to give back to the community," added Katoe Chapman, Eagles point guard.

The students spent the 90-minute clinic engaging in full-court dribbling exercises, learning how to pass and shoot the ball, and developing defensive skills after engaging in a rigorous warm-up session which included stretches, jumping jacks and wind sprints.

Parents and Family members filled the stands to support their children and shared the enthusiasm and excitement that dominated the court.

"My son, Matthias, who's six, really enjoys this," said Staff Sgt. Bryan Wahls, The Old Guard, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va. "This is the first time he's done it here at Belvoir and he loves it."

"Matthias did this last year at Mount Vernon and it's great for learning the fundamentals," added Matthias' mom, Rosanna Wahls. "He really likes doing the drills and he's done it every day this week. He likes basketball and now that school's out it gives him something to do that's also good for him."

Fort Belvoir CYSS continues youth sports training next week with a football and cheer camp at Specker Field House. For more information call CYSS Parent Central Services at (703) 805-1908.