Transcript of our interview with Amorell, Joookooo Sports Academy: Parent Interview with Amorell Saunders N’Daw

What was unique about Camp Joookooo that made you want to enroll your child there?

Camp Joookooo is unique in that it really embraces you as a member of a family. They treat you so respectfully. There is so much care and compassion in the way they reach out to you. They connect with you. They are very responsive, communication is strong. So as a Camp Joookooo alumna, I still feel very much a part of this really supportive and compassionate family.

What would you highlight about it?

My most favorite aspect of Camp Joookooo was the reassurance that it gave me, knowing that my son was in a safe space. Safe and secure environment surrounded by campers who he liked and had fun with. So at the end of the day when I picked him up, I always knew that he was having a positive experience. And one word I'd use to describe Camp Joookooo is reassuring.

Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your child after time at Camp Joookooo?

I can say that Camp Joookooo really helped my son with his self-confidence and his social skills because when he was at Camp Joookooo, he really got the opportunity to interact with different campers as well as interact with the younger campers. So he was able to develop some good leadership skills that served him well both at high school and as a result of graduating. So I'm really, really pleased that he was part of the program for a long time.

What do your children say about Camp Joookooo?

Amari had a great experience at Camp Joookooo. Not only did it focus on athletics, but it really focused on developing the whole child. So he was able to improve his social skills; he made a lot of friends, and they learned a lot.

So it's not just about dribbling a ball up and down a court. It's really about developing your confidence as a young person, and I know that the directors at Camp Joookooo really focus on that, and I know that it was a great experience for my son.

What advice would you offer to other parents who are considering this program?

I think that prospective parents considering Camp Joookooo should really speak with the camp directors. They are great at communicating, they're responsive. They should not be afraid to ask any questions they have. I know before they've had lots of information meetings both online, and you can also go and visit the locations. You can reach out to them in the communication method of your choice, including email or on phone, and they can answer your questions.

And I've got to say, they're parents too, so they understand how some parents may be nervous about picking the right kind of camp. And part of what made me invest in being a Camp Joookooo parent is just how responsive they were and how much time and care they put into the program.

Transcript of our interview with Brad, Joookooo Sports Academy: Parent Interview with Brad Jemmett

How was your first experience with Camp Joookooo?

My first experience with Camp Joookooo was fantastic. It was coming right out of COVID. It was the first year that my son played rep basketball and could not have been more impressed with the entire Camp Joookooo program.

What was unique about Camp Joookooo?

I think what certainly is unique about Camp Joookooo is, yes, sports certainly number one, but it really is a holistic program looking at education, looking at development not only on the court but also off.

What do your children say about Camp Joookooo?

Absolutely loved it. He's moved on to university now but certainly misses it and really appreciates all of the time with the coaches and stays in touch with the wonderful friends that he made over the 2 years with Camp Joookooo.

Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your child after time at camp?

A big change with Cole, certainly from a sense of responsibility, I'd say I saw a huge development from his side of things, not only in school but on the court as well too.

What advice would you offer to other parents who are considering this program?

There are so many programs out there that it's a challenge to figure out which is going to be the best fit for your child. Camp Joookooo, bar none, is the absolute most professional, most dedicated coaching staff of all of the programs that we're out and experiencing.

Any final thoughts about Camp Joookooo?

If I could describe Camp Joookooo in one word, certainly it would be family, and that would be my favorite thing about the entire Camp Joookooo program. From the parents to the athletes to the coaches, it is like one big happy family. Everybody looks out for each other, has a great time together, and grows together.