Over 200 Youth Participate in Summer of Nonviolence Youth Basketball Camp

ALBUQUERQUE – Today over 200 local youth took to the court for the 2nd Annual Summer of Nonviolence Youth Basketball Camp, a free event centered on teamwork, leadership, and positive community connections. The camp was hosted by the City of Albuquerque's Albuquerque Community Safety Department, Bernalillo County, City Councilor Joaquin Baca, Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa, and the Albuquerque High School Boys Basketball team at the Albuquerque High School gym.

Open to students in first through eighth grade, the camp featured basketball instruction, team-building activities, and opportunities for young people to connect with coaches, student-athletes, and community leaders in a fun, supportive environment.

Led by members of the Albuquerque High School Boys Basketball team, coaches, and parent volunteers, the camp gave participants the chance to develop their basketball skills while learning the importance of teamwork, accountability, and respect.

Each participant received a complimentary lunch, a commemorative basketball to take home.

The season-long Summer of Nonviolence initiative encourages youth to take a pledge of nonviolence while providing free events and activities throughout the summer that promote safe, positive opportunities for young people.

"This camp is one of those moments where young people see what's possible when a community invests in them," said Mayor Tim Keller. "They're building confidence, making connections, and learning from mentors who show that leadership starts with how you treat the people around you."

"This camp brings both youth and mentors together, builds confidence, and reminds them they have a community behind them," said Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa (D3). "When kids have opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another, we're helping build a stronger community."

"When young people have positive spaces to learn, play, build relationships, and even mentor, they're more likely to thrive,” said ACS Outreach Manger Jeffery Bustamante. “We are thankful for the partnership with Albuquerque High, which helps Albuquerque’s teens become leaders in the community, teaching these skills. Camps like this give kids a chance to grow on and off the court while strengthening the connections that make our neighborhoods safer."

"Our players are proud to give back by mentoring the next generation,” said Albuquerque High School Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Leroy Barela. “We hope every camper leaves with new skills, new friendships, and the confidence to believe in what they can accomplish through hard work and teamwork."

The City thank the families, coaches, and student-athletes whose support made the second annual camp another success. Through partnerships like these, the Summer of Nonviolence continues to create meaningful opportunities for Albuquerque youth to stay active, build relationships, and strengthen their community.

The Seasons of Nonviolence campaign offers events throughout the summer that provide safe, engaging activities for young people across Albuquerque. For more information about upcoming events, visit the Seasons of Nonviolence website.

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About Albuquerque Community Safety

Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.