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I played basketball for exactly two weeks in the seventh grade. I remember showing up to the first practice excited and ready to go—but it didn’t take long to realize I was completely out of my depth. The other girls already knew how to run plays, handle the ball and shout out defensive calls like they’d been doing it their whole lives. Meanwhile, I wasn’t even sure if I had ever watched a basketball game on TV. I just knew I wanted to be part of something, and I thought basketball might be my thing. It turns out that “my thing” was actually soccer—but looking back, I think if I’d had the chance to go to a summer basketball camp beforehand, I might’ve had a little more confidence (and maybe lasted more than two weeks).
Community and school sports are such a big part of growing up in Arkansas, even for the youngest kids. However, organized sports can be a major time commitment for families. Summer camps are a great way to dip a toe in the water without diving into a full season. Whether your child is brand-new to the sport or already spending afternoons practicing free throws in the driveway, basketball camps are a great opportunity to build skills, try something new and learn from experienced coaches and players in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Today, I am highlighting some of the summer basketball camps hosted by colleges and universities across Arkansas, but you’ll also find great options at local schools and community centers. No matter where your child is in their basketball journey, there’s a place for them to grow, learn, and have fun on the court this summer.
University of Arkansas | Fayetteville
The Razorbacks know how to bring the heat on the court. Now, with John Calipari calling the shots—yes, Coach Cal—Arkansas basketball is stepping into a new era. With a national title from 1994 and a passionate fan base that fills Bud Walton Arena to the rafters, this is the kind of place that makes young players dream big. Their boy’s summer camps are a slam dunk for kids who want a full-court experience and a chance to learn from one of the best in the game.
Satellite camps are coming to eight cities across Arkansas during June if you are looking for something a little closer to home. Other camps include:
- Father Daughter Camp – June 7 – 1st-12th Grade
- Father Son Camp – June 13 & 14 – 1st-12th Grade
- Day Camp 1 – June 16 &17 – 5th-12th Grade
- Day Camp 2 – June 23-25 – 1st-3rd Grade
- Day Camp 3 – June 23-25 – 4th-6th Grade
University of Central Arkansas | Conway
The Bears and Sugar Bears are working hard to build something special in Conway. The men’s team, led by Coach John Shulman, is steadily growing its program, while Coach Tony Kemper is leading the women’s team with confidence and experience. Whether it’s the elite showcase camps or youth day camps, UCA’s summer programs are all about skill-building, confidence, and having fun on the court.
- Boys Elite Showcase Camp – June 7 – 9th-12th Grade
- Future Bears Camp – June 23-26 – 1st-8th Grade
- Future Bears Camp – July 14-17 – 1st-8th Grade
- Boys Elite Showcase Camp – Aug. 2 – 9th-12th Grade
- Kids Day Camp – June 4-6 – 1st-7th Grade
- Girls Elite Showcase Camp – Aug. 3 – 8th-12th Grade
Harding University | Searcy
Harding knows how to do basketball with heart. Coach Weston Jameson leads the men’s team with intensity and drive, while longtime women’s coach Tim Kirby continues to build a strong and consistent program and led them to the 2025 Great American Conference Women’s Basketball Championship. The Bisons and Lady Bisons always show up with grit, and their summer camps are the same way—focused, friendly, and filled with the kind of encouragement that makes a difference.
Boys Camps
- Youth Camp – June 16-18 – 1st – 6th Grade
- Skills Academy – June 18-20 – 5th-12th Grade
- Elite Camp | Session I – Aug. 1 – 9th – 12th Grade
- Elite Camp | Session II – Aug. 2 – 9th – 12th Grade
Girls Camps
- Lady Bison Individual Camp – June 22nd – 24th – 5th – 12th Grade
- Lady Bison Elite Camp – June 24th – 9th – 12th Grade
- Lady Bison PeeWee Camp – June 25th – 27th – 2nd – 9th Grade
More Summer Basketball Camps
- Arkansas Tech Wonder Boy Basketball Camps – Russellville
- Breakthrough Basketball Camps – Springdale and Benton
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith Basketball Camps – Fort Smith
- University of Arkansas Monticello Basketball Camps – Monticello
- Nike Basketball Camps – Various Cities
- Arkansas Athletes Outreach – Fayetteville and Rogers
Whether your child dreams of hitting buzzer-beaters or is just looking for a new way to stay active this summer, Arkansas basketball camps offer a welcoming place to grow. From building basic skills to sharpening competitive play, these camps help kids gain confidence and fall in love with the game—without the pressure of a full season.
Cover photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
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