New Haven native Raiquan Clark is giving back to his community by hosting a summer basketball camp for local youth. The Raiquan Clark Basketball Camp (RCBC) just wrapped up its third year, with its highest enrollment ever – around 45 campers ages 8-17 years old.

More Than Just Basketball

The camp, held at the Q House on Dixwell Avenue, uses basketball as its foundation but also includes financial literacy workshops and seminars focused on getting through adversity and learning to express oneself. This year, it hosted M&T Bank to teach about credit, budgeting, and checking and savings accounts.

Clark, who has played professionally in Germany, Finland, and Spain, wants to provide youth with an outlet to stay active, learn life skills, and have a safe space to enjoy with their peers. "This is us doing what we have to do as a community," he said. "The biggest win is giving back."

One of the campers, 14-year-old Avery McClure, said he enjoys being pushed to be better on a daily basis and hopes to play basketball professionally one day. Another camper, 12-year-old Jennavie Roman, said she gained new problem-solving skills and confidence from the camp.

A Community Effort

Clark is not alone in his efforts. He has help from his family, including his mom, Shontay Watts, and five of his friends and fellow pro-basketball players who coach at the camp. The camp also hosted an All-Star cookout for the campers and their families to celebrate the conclusion of the summer session.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.