FCA Basketball Instructor Drew Wilson talks to campers this week
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON-  Motorists passing Bob Jones High School this week may be wondering what is going on with all the activity on the playing fields and in the gym.

It is the first annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sports Power Camp for kids. Instruction in 13 sports is offered by coaches with high school athletes pitching in to serve as huddle leaders.

Among the huddle leaders are Bob Jones quarterback Jeremy Frye, former Patriot Dylan Haraway, and current volleyball player Rachel Shockey.

“This is our first year in Madison and we have 190 kids going through the week-long activities,” said Jaime Strange, Director of Camp Ministries for FCA.  “They are having a good time learning about their chosen sports and playing ball with their huddle leaders. We also feed them lunch and then have a time where they will have a spiritual message and share with them about the relationship they have with Christ.”

Strange and his team just concluded a camp in Albertville last week. He said next year with more time to plan he thinks they can double the attendance. Most of the kids are from Madison/Harvest area.

The camp runs through Friday and concludes that night with FCA Sports Camp Family Night at 6 p.m. with a free dinner and a service afterward.

More kids signed up for basketball than any other sport (40) with baseball and football also well attended. For the girls, volleyball, cheerleading, and softball are popular choices.

Sparkman cheerleaders are leading cheer activities. Shown with Lisa Aderholt sponsor

Drew Wilson is the Associate Head Basketball Coach at Snead State and has instructed at camps for several years.

“The kids go real hard in the morning then we have a short devotional and go to lunch. Then we go play basketball for about two hours. You see them get a lot better from this week. It is not an end all; they have to continue to work. The workers do a good job of instructing them,” Wilson said.

“My goal is for them to have a positive experience from basketball. To have a lot of fun, learn a lot and leave here with a positive view of the game so they can stay around basketball and let it help them grow in their lives,” Wilson said.

The cam coincides with All-Star Sports Week in Montgomery and the AHSAA mandated dead week for high school athletes so all the facilities at Bob Jones were available.

Former NFL player and New England Patriot Devin Wyman is on-hand to talk to the kids about sportsmanship. He also helped with the football activities.

There are also a number of retired coaches who lent a hand to make the games a success.

Rodney Ring, Gulf Coast FCA Worship Leader, will be the guest speaker at Friday night’s program.