NEWS :: Red Cloud Indian School

Red Cloud basketball alumni return to reservation to lead summer camp for kids
posted on June 17, 2009

Alumni from the Red Cloud Indian School Crusaders’ winning basketball teams are joining up with current players to host the 7th Annual Red Cloud Summer Basketball Camp, happening now on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The camp attracts more than 70 students, which emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re working with children of all ages at a variety of skills levels, as we go from basketball fundamentals to playing as a team,” says Matt Rama, head boys’ basketball coach at the school. “The program is a wonderful way to give the kids something to do during the summer that’s both fun and educational.”

The three-week camp is attended by students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Among those alumni returning to volunteer this year are Christian McGhee ’08, who now plays for the Chadron State Eagles, and Billy Scott ’08, the starting forward for Bismarck State.

“Red Cloud has been, and always will be, like a second home to me,” says McGhee. “This is another opportunity to give back to the school that has given so much to me. It’s always an honor to come back.”

“All of us who spend time teaching at the camp this summer get to be the role models that some of these kids don’t have,” says Scott. “It’s a great feeling to be able to teach something to a generation younger than I, and feel their gratitude and happiness as we work to encourage positive thinking within each one of them.”

Current basketball teammates Jeremy Blacksmith, Brandon Two Bulls and Carl Swallow are also teaching at the camp.

“Not only are we possibly inspiring future students to follow in our footsteps and play basketball for Red Cloud someday, but also, we’re learning a lot about ourselves,” says Swallow, a starting guard for the Crusaders. “I want to leave Red Cloud knowing that I was a good influence on the youngsters here, and that when I graduate from this school, that I’ve left behind a spirit of service that might inspire others to do the same.”

A Special thanks goes out to Tom Ritterbush of All Seasons in Hot Springs, SD for his continued support of this summer basketball camp

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