Activities

Books ‘n Hoops participants learn to organize their lives in a way that reflects their beliefs by participating in a variety of activities: 

• Crossing Neighborhoods and Cultures.  Students, faculty, staff, presenters, and counselors, including Books ‘n Hoops Program alumni, come together from culturally and economically diverse Chicago neighborhoods such as Englewood, Hyde Park, Altgeld Gardens, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Little Village, and Austin to work in teams.
  

• Literacy.  To prepare for intelligent discussion and reflection with their peers, campers read a common novel in advance that integrates the themes reinforced throughout the week. 

• College Preparation.  Freshmen learn the study skills needed to successfully reach their goals in high school and what it takes to be a college student.  Sophomores focus on life/social skills necessary to succeed in high school and beyond.  Juniors receive ACT test taking skill-prep, begin the college search process, and participate in financial aid presentations. Seniors complete the process of choosing and applying to college, and Books ‘n Hoops staff provide instruction on resume skills, essay writing, and interviewing skills.

• Basketball Instruction/Skill Development.  Campers learn basketball from experienced coaches and basketball student athletes. In addition, all practices, drills, and competition take place in St. Xavier 's state-of-the-art Shannon Athletic Center.

• Arts/Technology.  Campers use computer lab facilities to complete class work and build their technology skills.  They design resumes and essays for college applications, but also learn to more effectively utilize the Internet for college searches, and to practice the skills needed to create PowerPoint presentations that are shared with the entire camp and guests.

• Study Skills.  A primary emphasis of the Books `n Hoops is the development of strong study skills and strategies that will help students achieve greater success in the classroom throughout high school and college. 
  

• Race Relations.  Most new participants are transitioning from an elementary school with little diversity to a high school with significant diversity, making the issues of race very relevant.  Presentations and facilitated discussions allow campers to express their ideas and feelings on racial issues, while listening to the experiences of campers from other races/ethnicities.

• Teamwork/Leadership.  Books ‘n Hoops reinforces the experience of all campers through a team-based rewards system.  Campers learn skills in collaboration and leadership through a teamwork challenge course, morning academic sessions, evening discussion/reflection sessions, and of course, on the basketball court.

• Social Development.  Campers develop an understanding of the importance of their social development through exercises on anger management, self-awareness, and the value of human life.