A free youth basketball camp co-sponsored by Russellville varsity boys basketball coach Michael Smith and the Russellville Parks and Recreation Department still has opening available for the July 19-20 camp at the Chucky Mullins Center.

Chad Sears of the Parks and Recreation Department said early response to the camp, which is for boys and girls ages 6-14, has exceeded expectations.

“It really filled up in no time,” Sears said. “We wanted to take 60 kids, but we have 65.”

Sears said the biggest surprise from the early turnout is the number of girls who have registered. He said girls do not participate in basketball as much as the boys do at the recreation center, but said the number of girls and boys is about equal.

The first session of the camp, which will take place at the Parks and Recreation Department, has 65 kids enrolled and will not be accepting any more campers. The session at the Chucky Mullins Center has only 25 campers so far and enrollment is being extended until the limit of 50 campers is reached.

Sears said he

Smith will not be the only high school coach instructing the camp. Sears said Florence coach and former Russellville player Byron Graham is expected to help instruct the campers on the fundamentals of basketball.

The camp runs from 8 a.m. until noon and resumes from 1-3 p.m. It is free of charge and includes meals

Sears said the camp would not only pay off for the campers, but for the staff of the recreation department.

“I feel honored to learn from the area’s top basketball coaches,” Sears said. “I can carry what I learn down to our league at the parks and recreation department.”

For more information on the camp at the Chucky Mullins Center, contact the Russellville Parks and Recreation Department at (256) 332-8770.