Thursday, February 6, 2025

JR NBA program takes off in Chelan despite gym space challenges

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CHELAN – Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club’s JR NBA program for kids ages three through sixth grade is a popular new program with over 200 kids participating. However, the group has struggled to find practice spaces because gym space is limited in the Chelan Valley.

This has led to some creative, though perhaps not ideal, solutions. 

Because of the limited gym space, teams have spread out across multiple locations, including Morgen Owings Elementary, the Lake Chelan School District’s gym, gymnasiums in the Manson School District, and even a residential gym. Manson Growers has generously offered warehouse space for practices and games, though the facility is cold during winter months, said Angela Collins, Unit Director for the Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club.

“We have not been able to offer families consistent days or times for basketball practice which would help families create predictable routines,” she said. “Sometimes really young kids are having to practice basketball at times in which they would normally already be in bed. This is far from ideal and I am so sorry about the inconvenience, yet I don't know what else I can do about it.”

The league, sponsored by the NBA through their JR NBA program, will play its first season games in the Lake Chelan Valley most often on Saturdays through February 2025. The JR NBA program donated NBA team jerseys to each team which the kids will get to keep after the season is over.

Volunteer coaches and staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to make the program work. Coach Jen Brandt rented a trailer with her own funds to transport a portable gym floor from East Wenatchee two times, while Collins’ husband, Kevin Erickson, assembled portable basketball hoops provided by the JR NBA. Both Brandt and Erickson have used their personal time to clean out the warehouse and put together the portable gym floor. 

“The Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club is thrilled about the local interest from families who want their children ages three through grade 6 to participate in our JR NBA basketball program,” Collins said. “It has, though, been an extreme challenge finding gym space for all of our 213 basketball players on 18 recreational teams to practice in.”

Collins emphasized that completing the gymnasium at the new Community Center would alleviate many of these issues, providing a consistent and family-friendly space for practices and games. 

“Parents have enough challenges when it comes to raising kids properly,” she said. “Simply finding gym time for kids to play basketball, get exercise, and learn how to work as a team while lessening screen time should not have to be so difficult.”

The Boys & Girls Club hopes to raise funds to complete the Community Center gym and invites community members to contribute. Volunteers are also needed to support the program as assistant coaches, referees, scorekeepers, and greeters.

The organization is offering community service hours to students ages 14 and up who would like to volunteer.

The JR NBA program aims to foster a positive experience for players and families, emphasizing respect, ethical competition, and the development of basketball fundamentals. 

“The JR NBA teaches that working hard and competing to the best of one’s ability is more important than the outcome of games,” Collins said.

Looking ahead, Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club has plans to expand its offerings, including before- and after-school childcare at Morgen Owings Elementary and Manson Elementary schools in 2025, summer camps, and extracurricular opportunities for middle school students. As the 27th club under the Snohomish County Boys & Girls Club umbrella, its mission is to help young people—especially those who need it most—reach their full potential as responsible and productive citizens.

Donations to support the club or its programs can be sent to P.O. Box 3125, Chelan, WA 98816. For more information, email Angela Collins at acollins@bgcsc.org.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media

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