Basketball can mean more than just playing a sport. It can build athletes, but it can also build character, determination and self-esteem.

That’s the idea behind Fitness Unlimited’s upcoming basketball camp for the county’s youth in need, selected from the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort County. And it’s an idea the community is embracing.

When Austin Thomas, owner of Fitness Unlimited in Washington, posted a message on Facebook asking the members of the community to sponsor a child to attend the camp, at a cost of $150 each, he said the outpouring of support exceeded his expectations.

Less than 24 hours after the post, 23 kids had already been sponsored. And as of Friday — just three days after the post — 31 children had been sponsored, with residents calling in to give donations and sending checks, he said.

“I am overwhelmed with the generosity,” Thomas said.

The camp will take place on Aug. 10-15 with John Lampkins, more familiarly “Coach John,” as the lead instructor.

While there, youth from ages 7 to 15 will participate in conditioning, skills training and playing scrimmages, Thomas said.

The Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort County is recommending kids based on their need for the benefits of a camp like this, said Donyell “DJ” Jones, executive vice president of the Boys and Girls Club of Pitt County. Jones helps to recommend Club members.

He said he is looking for kids who would not have the opportunity otherwise but still have good character and deserve to go.

One of the big draws to the camp is planned special appearances by two of basketball’s greatest players — Phil Ford, a star point guard for the University of North Carolina in the 1970s who went on to be a NBA Rookie of the Year and Phil Spence, a well-known forward on North Carolina State University’s 1973-74 national championship team.

Jones said he thinks it means a lot for a child to actually see a success story in person and learn what it took for someone to get there.

“You can be a preacher all the time. … Sometimes (seeing) it hits a different nerve with them,” he said. “They’re realizing there are rewards for, you know, being a positive person.”

Phil Ford, who is scheduled to speak on Monday, Aug. 10, said he decided to come speak at the camp to help motivate the kids in life and to be better players.

“I was approached by Austin to come and talk to the kids. That’s one of the things I do now,” he said. “I guess the rest of my life I’d just like to dedicate it to the youth of America.”

“I called (Ford) a lot. … I met him a few times, sent him a few Facebook messages,” Thomas said. “Phil Spence is going to be helping us close out the camp.”

He said Fitness Unlimited is not taking any of the proceeds from the camp but will donate what is left after expenses to the Boys and Girls Club.

“We definitely want to thank Austin Thomas and his team,” Jones said. “The community has embraced us.”

To sponsor a child, call Fitness Unlimited at 252-975-7400 or send a check to 622 W. 15th St., Washington, NC 27889.