Camp Time - so much more than dribbling and shooting basketballs

Approximately 150 attended the 2024 camp.

Twenty-nine years ago Coach Norman Aiken began a basketball camp in Spindale that he would only dream about when he was a young boy in Spindale. As a sixth grader, Aiken remembers his friends talking about going to basketball camp. The fee was $60 and much too high for Aiken's parents to afford.

"I remember sitting on the front porch crying because I couldn't go," he said. "I always wanted to go."

After graduating from Gardner-Webb where he played basketball, Aiken began making plans for a free camp for children.

"I didn't want other children to feel like I did," he said.

Aiken has begun his 30th year with the Rutherford County Schools where he is a Special Education teacher for children K-5th grade.

He took a few moments while packing his office for the move from Rutherfordton to Ellenboro Elementary to talk about Camp Time - the free camp for children ages 5 to 15, held each year at the Spindale House. The Town of Spindale allows him access to the Spindale House at no cost to him.

"This is an incredible program that Norman Aiken has provided free of charge to the young people of Spindale and Rutherford County," Spindale Mayor Mickey Bland said. "This provides many young people the opportunity to attend camp that ordinarily would not be able to afford such a benefit. He is not only a basketball coach but a mentor to many of the students to guide them along the correct path in life. He has worked tirelessly each summer to devote a week to the young people who need it the most. I cannot give him enough praise for all of his efforts over the past 30 years," said Bland.

Approximately 150 children and youth attended this year's camp, including three of Aiken and his wife Dianne's grandchildren. Their oldest grandchild, a senior in high school, began camp at age 4.

"I love this. Oh my goodness...this is what God has called me to do," he said.

"I'm still going and I will still be going until the Lord tells me to stop."

Tonja Pratt's grandson Declan Pratt, nine, a student at Forrest Hunt Elementary School, was among campers. "He (Aiken) taught more than just about basketball, dribbling, trying to shoot and guarding...and the basics of basketball. He taught them much more," she said.

Aiken's primary goals are to teach campers to "look, learn, listen."

He strives for the students "to be a better person in life," said Pratt.

Several times during camp, Aiken talked about God and the importance of a good attitude.

"It is such a well organized camp," said Pratt. "The attitude is a big thing when people are looking to recruit for college."

The campers who age out at 15 years old are asked to return to camp each year to volunteer beside the campers.

"We try to teach them to give back," Aiken said.

The camp is possible each year due to multiple sponsors that also provided gifts to the campers.

"They were awarded shoes, medals, shirts, school supplies and athletic wear," said Pratt.

Every aspect of the camp was possible because of donations, sponsors and the desire in Aiken's heart that no child in Spindale or Rutherford County would have to sit on the porch and cry because there was not enough money for basketball camp.

"Lots of churches in the community, businesses, basketball players and others who heard about the camp helped sponsor the camp," Aiken said.

On a social media post Aiken publicly thanked all who supported, sponsored and donated their services and items to the camp.

"God truly blessed the camp this year and many of you had a hand in placing smiles on each camper's face. I want to thank all of the parents who came out in support of the camp, Aiken added.

The last night of camp, there was a "hot shot" night and parents were invited to come in and participate.

Penny Logan commented on social media to Aiken and his wife, "You always come through for the kids. We really appreciate you."

While not teaching Special Education for Rutherford County Schools students, hosting basketball camps, and coaching basketball at Chase High School, Aiken pastors New Zion Baptist Church in Henrietta.

Camp is over for 2024, but Aiken has already begun planning for the next camp.

"I'm getting ready for camp the next day (after camp ends)," he said.