About Us

Inspiring Growth Through Sports, Academics, and Life Skills

The Donald Hicks Basketball Day Camp (DHBDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID 37-1959260), recognized by the IRS and the State of North Carolina. Our mission is to nurture the physical, academic, social, and personal development of all children by integrating the excitement of sports with educational and life skills training.

Campers

Our Mission

At DHBDC, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging. Our camps are designed to foster a love for both learning and living as responsible, respectful members of society. We harness children's passion for sports to motivate their participation in reading and mathematics classes, which are infused with sports themes whenever possible.

What We Offer

  • Athletic Skills: Basketball drills and games to improve physical fitness and sportsmanship.
  • Academic Skills: Engaging math and reading classes with a sports-centric approach.
  • Life Skills: Lessons in self-esteem, self-discipline, conflict resolution, teamwork, and character development.
  • Social Skills: Opportunities to interact with community leaders, government authorities, business owners, law enforcement personnel, and sports heroes.

Community Involvement

Building Stronger Communities Together

Our campers come from diverse socio-economic, political, ethnic, and family backgrounds. Many are at-risk children who might otherwise spend their summer without positive adult and peer interactions. At DHBDC, we become mentors, big brothers/sisters, coaches, and parental figures who guide each child to help others and to overcome their own challenges.

Meet Donald Hicks

Founder and Visionary

Donald HIcks

Donald Hicks, the eleventh of sixteen children, hails from Greenville, Mississippi. His journey from winning the "Most Improved Student Award" in a college engineering summer program, to earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Donald has been involved with children in various capacities since moving to North Carolina in 1982. His extensive experience includes tutoring, coaching, officiating, and running summer camps that integrate math, reading, and sports.

Donald is a gentle giant and a user-friendly role model committed to helping students achieve their fullest potential. He enjoys traveling with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, and solving brainteasers and logical puzzles. His passion for computer programming and mathematics is matched only by his love for inspiring the next generation.

Join Us

Get Involved

We invite you to join our mission of making a positive impact on the lives of children. Whether you want to volunteer your time, donate resources, or simply spread the word, your support is invaluable.

Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your support!

Contact Us

Contact Us
Email: contact@dhbdc.org
Phone: 828.461.6737

Stay connected with us through our social media channels for the latest updates and events!

Location

Location

Grace Reformed United Church Of Christ
117 E J St, Newton, NC 28658

Camp Hours

Camp Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 3 PM

We look forward to welcoming you to the DHBDC family!