Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) hosted a Fall Break Camp for students in grades K-8, offering four days of fun, learning, and skill-building at the MAM Grizzlies Center. From Monday, October 7th, to Thursday, October 10th, over 60 campers enjoyed full days of engaging activities centered around financial literacy and basketball skills.
Each day began with a warm welcome and a morning devotional, setting a positive tone. After breakfast, students split into groups for their first rotation, alternating between hands-on financial literacy lessons in classrooms and basketball drills in the gym. A mid-morning snack provided a break before the second rotation, leading into a well-deserved lunch. Afternoons brought two more rotations, packed with fun and educational activities, before ending with reflection and a closing huddle.
A highlight of the camp was our financial literacy curriculum, tailored to each grade level. Whether it was kindergartners learning about money basics, or middle schoolers diving deep into budgeting, every student walked away with essential life skills.
For students in grades 6-8, the financial literacy sessions were particularly engaging. They started the week by imagining themselves as recent high school graduates, ready to step into the working world. Students learned how to create a budget, manage taxes, and balance their income with real-life expenses like housing, transportation, and groceries. Through hands-on exercises, they quickly realized how quickly expenses can add up—and how important it is to make smart financial choices.
One notable activity had students choose their dream housing, transportation, and leisure items, only to later discover how much they could realistically afford after paying their taxes and other necessary bills. This eye-opening experience sparked lively discussions as students reflected on the financial decisions they would need to make in the future.
Throughout the week, students also explored career traits, learned about the importance of savings, and even practiced job interview skills. The lessons on banking, credit, and managing unexpected financial events helped students better understand the complex world of personal finance.
Basketball drills provided a great way for students to stay active and practice teamwork. Coaches focused on developing fundamentals like dribbling, shooting, and defense, while also incorporating leadership and communication skills through team-building exercises. By the end of the week, students had not only improved their basketball abilities but also learned the value of working together on and off the court.
The excitement reached a new level when three University of Memphis Tigers Basketball players—Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, and Colby Rogers—visited the camp. They took time to play basketball with the kids, sign autographs, and hand out signed basketballs. Their visit was a major highlight, leaving campers inspired by the athletes.
MAM’s Fall Break Camp was a resounding success, blending financial literacy, athletics, and character development in a fun and interactive way. Students left with new skills, new friendships, and lasting memories—ready to apply what they learned to both the classroom and real life.
