Vince Carter is offering one basketball academy this summer once the National Basketball Association season has ended. Traditionally called basketball camps, the basketball academies offer an education station where fun-filled activities focusing on mathematics, language arts, and thinking skills are played. Vince knows just how important summer camps were for his development as an all-star basketball player. He enjoys hosting the academy where he once again gives back and helps young aspiring players and beginners learn and hone their skills.

The Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy is open to girls and boys, ages 8 to 17. The 2010 Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy is Monday through Friday, July 19-23, 2010 in Daytona Beach, FL at the Vince Carter Athletic Center. Girls and boys learn basketball skills, teamwork, life skills, and have fun. Vince participates on a daily basis, campers receive a team picture with Vince, one autographed item of their choice, and various give aways and recognitions. There are two age specific sessions, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dear Jeff,

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you, Vince Carter and all the coaches for the unforgettable experience Justin had at the Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy. As a parent I was awestruck with the professional coaching (lots of hard work!), the dedication to the kids, the "fun" discipline and the life lessons I was able to observe both through Justin each day and during the last session when we were allowed to observe our kids in action. The experience was worth more than words can say to have Justin attend the Academy. On a lighter note, according to my 7-year-old, I am not longer able to prepare fried foods in keeping with a healthy lifestyle but Justin has taken to trying out different fruits and vegetables (YEAH!!!!!). And, I am STILL amazed how he learned to do a perfect push-up! Thank you again. Look forward to more camps and clinics with the NJ Nets! Best,

Justin's mom - Pamela Bryant

Jeff - Once again thank you for all your help my son Brandon has gone to all of the Vince Carter camps since the very first one that you squeezed him into 4 years ago. Vince is Brandon’s Idol and I must say he has learned a lot. You guys really run a top notch camp and he has memories that are priceless. Thank you very much.

Jeff –

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for allowing Amanda to attend the last 2 days of Vince’s camp. She really enjoyed herself and the hard work that went along with the camp. When Vince was speaking about what his camp teaches the kids, I had to smile, because Amanda had to deal with a bully (who was on her team) at the Rutgers camp this past week. She let her basketball skills do her talking for her and never became confrontational with the young lady. It did upset her and since I’ve never seen her that upset after any camp, I gave her the option of attending Vince’s camp starting last Tuesday. She thought about it for 30 seconds and then told me that I always told her she needed to finish what she started and even though this girl was a bully she was still going to continue to do her best. When Vince was speaking about making life choices, I can see what I’ve instilled in Amanda and what she has learned over the past 3 years at this camp has really paid off. I can’t thank you, your brother, and your entire family for doing an excellent job at this camp. My one hope would be that the Nets would allow him, if he’d like, to continue to hold the camp up here again. I’m going to check her Field Hockey schedule to see if she can make it to Devin’s 2 day camp. Again, please extend my thank you to your family and to Vince. As an extra added note, since Amanda has attended Vince’s camp for the past 3 years, the work in circuit has pumped up her metabolism and she has dropped 100 pounds and has gone from a size 18-20 to a 4-6. Trust me I’ve watched her pants literally fall off of her a month after this camp is over. Thank you for helping her attain a healthy lifestyle as well.

Well….the start of the season will be here soon and I hope to see you then.

Thank you again for everything. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Hi Jeff,

Words can't describe the week Jake experienced at Vince Carter camp. He came home every day with a huge smile on his face and tried to tell me every detail of the 4 hours. Watching today what he has been talking about all week was really amazing. When I walked into the gym and heard clapping from every child and adult in there I realized not only did Jake learn basketball skills and drills but he was taught respect, appreciation and much more. Values that I as a try to instill in him daily. Jake has been a Vince Carter fan since he is 4. His entire room is Nets but specifically Vince Carter. From posters of him to a fathead, to our computer screen saver, he has it all. He turned me into a big enough Nets fan to get season tickets for this coming season. When he heard that Vince was traded he was devastated and I have to say so was I and watching him today with the kids, the way he interacts with them, the smile he always has on his face made me even more sad. He really is a special person who we will miss watching play at all the Nets games. Thank you for doing such an unbelievable job this week, everything was organized and done to perfection. Winning camper of the week and now having Vince Carter's sneaker I think was the happiest moment of his life. Thanks again, I know this is a week Jake will remember for ever.

Michelle Zevi