Winners at week one of the Do Hugs-Not Drugs basketball camp are Grace Leeson (standing, left to right), Chad Forcella, camp director “Big” Al Szolack, Justin Meldrum and Ricky Torres. Kneeling are Jack Savage (left to right), Brooklyn Lybulski, Rinoa Palmer, Bradley Peck, Hunter McNemar and Cade Calabra.
“Big” Al Szolack hosted his two-week Do Hugs-Not Drugs basketball camp at Harrison Township Elementary School last month to teach kids not just game basics, but how to avoid destructive behavior.
A resident of Mullica Hill, Szolack opens the annual camp to kids entering grades four through 10 in September. Campers are grouped based on a combination of age and skill level.
Szolack was a pro basketball player for the Washington Generals, known for competing against the Harlem Globetrotters. His camp coaching staff has a combined four state championships.
“The two weeks of my Do Hugs-Not Drugs basketball camp was great,” he said. “We’re making such a positive difference in these kids’ lives.”
On top of teaching basketball skills like shooting, dribbling, defense and passing, Szolack talked to the kids and their parents about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and bad decisions and how they can ruin not only one life, but the lives of others.
Szolack himself is a former cocaine addict whose decisions nearly cost him his own life and everything he loves. During his talk, he got his point across when he used props such as a bowl filled with mucus to illustrate the phlegm a smoker spits out.
“Some of these kids have been with me for six years and they hear my speech every year,” he pointed out. “It’s always the same speech, but as kids get older, they listen differently, plus their experiences in life are different. Both Fridays of my camp I gave my talk to the parents and they were impressed.”
At the end of each camp, rewards go to participants with the best attitude and those who perform the best in activities and small tournaments, such as a foul shot competition. The kids also write an essay explaining why they will stay away from drugs, alcohol and smoking. One winner is chosen for the best written essay and presents it at the end of the camp.
