For the past 32 years, the Potsdam Bears International Summer Basketball Camp has attracted over 10,000 campers from the small towns of northern New York, 20 different states, the provinces of Ontario and Québec, and around the world. One of the most highly rated camps in the country, players will learn the fundamentals of basketball for the 33rd consecutive year. Last summer over 380 players learned skills through individual and group instruction from a staff of over 95 top college and high school coaches.

Since almost 30% of the campers are from Canada, this co-ed camp is truly international in flavor. It is one of the only camps in the country where students from both countries have an opportunity to learn about their different countries and play on the same team. Although both boys and girls attend camp in the same sessions, the skill groups and teams are not co-ed.

The camp is held on the picturesque SUNY Potsdam campus, located in northern New York in the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Potsdam is easily accessible from both Ontario and Québec, New York State, and the Eastern seaboard. Your basketball experience in Potsdam is unmatched and a prime reason why so many players return year after year!

July 6-11, 2003
Boys and girls entering grades 3-13.
Campers will be grouped by age and/or ability level to ensure their maximum development!

Fees and Registration
$340 (U.S. funds) – residents $210 (U.S. funds) – commuters
Group rates available for five or more applications sent in together – $25 discount (U.S.) per person.

A non-refundable deposit of $50 (U.S.) is required to reserve your spot in the camp. Complete and return the attached registration form. Each camper receives an informational packet upon registration.

Schedule
Overnight campers may check in on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. on campus. Commuter campers check in between 5-6 p.m. at Maxcy Hall on Sunday. Camp begins at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday for all campers with a camp meeting and team selection.

Daily sessions for all campers are from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Overnight campers also will have evening basketball sessions, movies and activities.

Family and friends are invited to attend any camp session and the closing ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday in the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium at Maxcy Hall.

Accommodations and Meals
Campers stay in spacious dormitories on the SUNY Potsdam campus and will be closely supervised by the camp staff. The residence hall staff will be available around the clock to make your stay pleasant and comfortable.

Campers will receive three complete, well-balanced meals each day Monday through Thursday. Commuters will receive a noon meal each day Monday through Thursday.

Campers, staff, and families can enjoy the camp cookout following the Friday awards ceremony.

Facilities
Facilities are, without question, one of the strengths of our camp, and will enable each camper to realize his or her full potential! Campers will be afforded the luxury of playing in the North County’s basketball “mecca” SUNY Potsdam’s Maxcy Hall. The complex consists of five full-size indoor courts, one smaller court (for our youngest campers), and numerous outdoor baskets, including four new full-size outdoor courts. In addition, an Olympic-size pool, a state-of-the-art weight and exercise room, indoor and outdoor tracks, a modern athletic training room are available for all campers.

Thirty-three years of experience…
WE DO THINGS RIGHT!

Founded by legendary Potsdam Hall of Fame coach Jerry Welsh – renowned as a great teacher of the fundamentals. In 2001, Maxcy Hall’s main gymnasium was named in his honor.

Superior Staff and Instruction
Teaching is the major strength and emphasis of our camp, your skills will improve!

Fundamentals skills taught and drilled on a daily basis.

First rate and proven coaching staff includes experienced boys’ and girls’ high school coaches, college assistants and college players from both New York and Canada.

Developing a great work ethic and a complete “team attitude” is emphasized both on and off the court.

8:1 camper to coach ratio guarantees high quality instruction and personal attention.

Special Activities
Swim times available everyday.

Campers of the Day awards for all divisions.

Slam-Dunk Competition for all ages and sizes.

Special evening competitions, including “Hot Shot,” Knock-out, and 3-point shooting contests.

Campers vs. counselors challenge games.

Awards Ceremony and cookout for all campers and parents to conclude camp.

Professional Sponsorship
Anaconda® and The Rock® are world leaders in basketball equipment and apparel.

Proud sponsors for Potsdam Bears Basketball Programs.

Free equipment to each camper who attends.

Camp Store will provide shorts, jerseys, sweatshirts and other gear to purchase during camp.

We are very proud that many of our coaches and staff return summer after summer to be part of a very special camp. We have great staff continuity and experience to make each camp a tremendous week of learning for the students who attend. Our camp staff include:

Jerry Welsh, Hall of Fame Coach
Founder of camp that has hosted over 10,000 campers.

Led Potsdam to 2 National Championships; had 14 first team All-Americans, and 60-game winning streak during his tenure.

Currently an NBA scout for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bill Mitchell, SUNY Potsdam Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Nelson Schorr, SUNY Potsdam Head Women’s Coach
Mike Kelley, SUNY Potsdam Associate Men’s Coach
Abby Charbonneau, SUNY Potsdam Women’s Asst. Coach
Bill Merna, Ogdensburg Free Academy Boys’ Varsity Coach
Steve Kmack, Potsdam Central Boys’ Varsity Coach
Jeff St. Croix, Watertown IHC Girls’ Varsity Coach
Brian Nortz, General Brown Boys’ Varsity Coach
Scott Sargent, Heuvelton Central Boys’ Varsity Coach
Mike Sargent, Ogdensburg Free Academy Boys’ Junior Varsity Coach
Tom Miller, Massena Central Boys’ Varsity Coach
George Gordon, Gouverneur Boys’ Varsity Coach
Jerry Hourihan, former Canton Central Boys’ Varsity Coach
Rollie Moquin, Salmon River Central Girls’ Varsity Coach
Tim Leach, Sr., Johnsburg Central Athletic Director
Jim Miller, APW Central
Edgar Bell, former Canadian High School Coach
Larry Tomlinson, former Canadian High School Coach