Bogalusa High School was the site for the “Share the Rock Basketball Camp” this week, as 40 children from fourth through eighth grade had an opportunity to improve their skills on the hardwood and learn different things about life.

This is the second year that Oak Grove Baptist Church Rev. Derek Dantin, a 2002 Ben’s Ford Christian School graduate, has held the clinic.

“It’s called ‘Share the Rock,’” Dantin said. “It obviously has two meanings. We’re doing basketball obviously, but also sharing about Jesus Christ. It’s great news that these kids need to hear that Jesus loves them and died for them.

“So we do it and we don’t charge the kids any money. Sponsors cover the cost for it. We appreciate Bogalusa High School, coach (Ken) Martin for letting us do it and the kids for coming out and the coaches that help us, so it’s a good deal.”

Dantin also said he is thankful for their sponsors.

The camp mixes in drills and competition.

Dantin said the campers participate in three stations in the morning — one for shooting, another for ball handling and passing and one for defense and rebounding.

The campers then go into competitions, free throw, bump and hot shot, that last all week and the winners receive awards.

Each morning, a preacher talks to the campers and community leaders speak to the participants in the afternoon.

“We want it to be two-fold,” Dantin said. “We want it to be about the gospel, but we also want to teach them about life, being men, being successful and just doing hard things.”

Dantin said that every morning, the campers huddle and say “1, 2, 3…Be Elite,” as they break huddle because that’s what he wants them to strive for.

One of the participants, Isaac Wascom, who is going into the eighth grade at Ben’s Ford, also attended the camp last year.

“It’s very fun and it’s great for us to learn the fundamentals and stuff, how to play,” Wascom said. “It’s a really good camp.”

Wascom said he enjoys the drills the most.

Also helping Dantin with the clinic all week were 2001 Bogalusa High School graduate Mike Keen, 2003 BHS graduate Landon Tims and Dantin’s father Paul Dantin, a 1973 graduate.