Presented by Adidas: Jr. Hawks Summer Camps Leave Lasting Impact on Metro Atlanta Youth

This summer, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy wrapped up another successful run of its 2025 Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas, leaving a lasting impact on more than 750 young athletes across Metro Atlanta. Over the course of five weeks and multiple locations, the program welcomed boys and girls ages 8 to 15, giving them the chance to sharpen their basketball skills, build confidence, and gain valuable life lessons — all in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.

Each week, from Monday through Thursday, campers trained under the guidance of Hawks Youth Basketball Development Coaches. Sessions were packed with individual drills, group instruction, and competitive five-on-five play, all designed to strengthen fundamentals and encourage teamwork. In addition to on-court training, yoga sessions were incorporated to help players focus on mindfulness and overall wellness — a unique touch that set the camp apart.

“Our Jr. Hawks Summer Camps presented by adidas serve as a meaningful community initiative that allows us to connect with the next generation of Hawks fans through the game of basketball,” said Chris Jacobs, Senior Director of Hawks Basketball Academy.

The energy level was even higher when current and former Hawks players, including Dyson Daniels and Jacob Toppin, surprised campers with visits. They shared personal stories, offered advice, and even joined in on drills — giving the kids a memory they’ll carry with them long after camp ended.

From July 7–10, the spotlight turned to the Lady Ballers Summer Hoop Fest powered by Google, an inspiring week dedicated to female athletes. The program not only delivered elite-level basketball training but also introduced STEM-focused activities that encouraged curiosity and built confidence. Campers explored the connection between sports and technology through a data-driven shooting station, where they analyzed their performance and learned how analytics play a role in professional basketball.

A highlight of the Lady Ballers camp was a panel discussion featuring women leaders from the Hawks, College Park Skyhawks, and Google. They shared their journeys, spoke about the importance of resilience, and emphasized how lessons learned on the court can translate to success in STEM careers. Every camper walked away with exclusive Hawks and Google gear, along with a renewed sense of confidence in both sports and academics.

Throughout the summer, the focus never wavered from growth, character, and community. Campers were celebrated with awards for hustle, sportsmanship, and improvement. Weekly pep rallies featuring the ATL Dancers, the Flight Crew, and Harry the Hawk brought an extra dose of Hawks spirit, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Every participant received a Hawks swag bag filled with team-branded gear — including a jersey, basketball, pump, and a ticket to an Atlanta Hawks home game during the upcoming 2025–26 NBA season.

Making these opportunities possible for so many families was the Score for Scholarships program, powered by Kenneth S. Nugent Attorneys at Law. Thanks to this initiative, about 75% of Jr. Hawks campers received scholarship funding. Since 2017, Ken Nugent has donated more than $200,000, helping provide access for over 3,000 youth to experience the Jr. Hawks Summer Camps.

Since its launch in 2015, the Hawks Basketball Academy has reached more than 11,000 youth, continuing its mission to build bridges through basketball while fostering connection, growth, and a lifelong love for the game.

For more information about upcoming camps and youth basketball opportunities, visit Hawks.com/basketballacademy.