Michael started the Below The Rim Basketball Camp in 1996 after directing the Jerry Sichting Basketball Camp for four years. Originally from Northern Ireland, Michael first got involved in camping by working as a camp counselor at Camp Becket in the Berkshires. Having immigrated because of this influence, he truly understands the value of a positive camping experience. He has spent the last twenty-four years working as the Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher at the Meadowbrook School of Weston. Therefore, Michael brings a professional educator’s approach to the camp. He believes strongly that life skills can be taught through healthy competition; which is the main focus of the Camp.
Please Contact: Michael Snoddy
at:(978) 562 5603
E-mail: msnoddy@comcast.net
Camp Philosophy
Every camper that attends Camp has a love for basketball. The philosophy of the Camp is to nurture this love in a positive environment, with the goal of further enhancing each camper’s self-esteem. This is achieved by establishing an environment that is physically, socially and emotionally safe. Qualities such as teamwork, sportsmanship and a positive attitude are strongly encouraged.
The Program
The emphasis is placed in the values of hard work and trying your best, while giving each student a strong foundation in the fundamentals of basketball. The individual skills of rebounding, dribbling, shooting and ball-handling will be given special attention. Priority is placed on how these skills are incorporated into a team setting.
In order to guarantee individual attention and playing time, the number of players on a team will be limited to a maximum of eight. Each camper will have the opportunity to participate in competitive games during the day. Teams are selected based on ability rather than age or gender. Girls will be given the choice of playing on coed or all-girl teams. The emphasis here is placed on the values of hard work and trying your best.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Michael Snoddy at (978) 562-5603
Email: msnoddy@comcast.net
Staff
The success of any camp is in part due to the quality of the staff it employs. Many of the staff are professional educators who not only demonstrate a high degree of basketball competence, but more importantly the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate in a positive way with each camper. This year’s staff will also consist of college coaches and players, along with experienced high school coaches.
Staff members include:
Linda Martindale – Newton High School Head Coach
Donald Morris – Lesley College Head Coach
Malcolm Andrews – Lesley College Assistant Coach
Troy Brown – Providence College, 34th Pick in NBA Draft
Facilities
Indoor and outdoor basketball courts, plus locker rooms. Swimming available at Meadowbrook, Regis & Dana Hall
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers over the years have included NBA pros such as: Joe Kleine, Rick Fox, Derek Strong, Ed Pickney, Billy Curley and M.L. Carr and former Celtics assistant coach John Carroll.
Medical Information
The Below the Rim Basketball Camp complies with the Regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Health 105CMR430. It is licensed by the Weston Board of Health. There will be a fully-qualified Athletic Trainer on staff. If a camper gets injured and requires medical attention, the Camp has a doctor on call. Our medical staff will contact a parent/guardian should an illness be of a serious nature. Board of Health and Commonwealth of Massachusetts require a yearly physical exam within a 24 month period of the date the student is scheduled to attend camp.
Parents may request to review Below The Rim’s policies on staff background checks, healthcare and discipline.
Happy Campers
Campers have come from as far away as France and Belgium to attend the Below The Rim Camp.
“As a parent, I was greatly impressed by the Camp’s emphasis on character development, encouragement on doing your best and on playing as a team. My sons said it was great and they had a lot of fun.” – Dr. Ken Lowey, father of two sons & campers for four years.
“At Below The Rim, kids learn more than just basketball! They form lasting friendships with their peers and counselors. They come away from the week with enough memories and stories to carry them through to the next summer. They can hardly wait to return!”- Beth Wittcoff, mother of two sons & campers for 6 years
