Julius De Loatche Basketball Camp Postponed until Summer 2023
Dear Julius De Loatche Basketball Camp members and staff:
Due to the ongoing covid threat, camp will be suspended again this summer.
After careful consideration for the health and safety of participants, the decision was reached to look forward to 2023.
The Camp will provide school back-packs to all registered camp members while supplies last. Please contact 309-673-8933 for information on receiving them. We sincerely thank all our camp members and supporters.
James L. De Loatche,
Pres. & CEO
The 20th Annual Julius De Loatche Basketball Camp, 2019, was a GREAT SUCCESS!
Rev. James L. De Loatche Receives Dr. M. L. King, Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award
2019 Christine Zak-Edmonds Volunteer Award
Our camp founder and CEO, Rev. James De Loatche, is the 2019 Christine Zak-Edmonds Volunteer Award recipient. Awarded by the OSF Heathcare Chidren's Hospital of Illinois, the honor "Recognizes those adults who embrace children and their issues, offer their time and talents as a volunteer to improve the lives of children."
Coach Eric Cameron accepts the award for James. Dr. Ed Lamoureux introduces the nominee.
Peoria Journal Star article, July 10, 2019
"Examining Julius De Loatche's lasting legacy"
The Julius De Loatche Basketball Camp, Inc. celebrated it's 20th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at Peoria's Dream Center August 2019.
The celebration followed six weekends of intense basketball activity and mentoring for 53 area youth (boys and girls).
Peoria City Council member and ICC executive, Dr. Rita Ali, provided the keynote address, encouraging the audience, of more than 150 attendees, to represent the camp's theme,“Rising to Excellence,” as had this summer’s participants.
Entertainment was provided by New Mount Sinai Baptist Church of Peoria’s “Praise Dance Team.”
We heartily congratulate last year’s awards winners:
Most Valuable Player and first place award winner:
Zaccarius Drummond-- $100.00
2nd place: Derrick Lemon, Jr.-- $50.00
3rd place: Dante' Mann--$25.00
Four merit awards of $20.00 each went to:
D'Anthony Spencer, Bryson Marshall, Lamarco Spencer, and Jahiem Welch.
All 53 participants received fully equipped school back- pack, Camp T-Shirt and Camp medallion.
Imana Bobo, a long time camp member and now coach, received 2019 Coach of the Year honors.
Mr. Bill Davies, Commander of Peoria's American Legion, was honored with the camp's Life Time Achievement Award .
The event took place on Aug. 10th, Julius' birthday, and so a birthday cake was cut and a rendition of “Happy Birthday Julius” ensued.
Our 20th Anniversary session was an unqualified success thanks to the many friends and businesses who so loyally support our program.
The De Loatche family sincerely thanks everyone for the dedication and support you've given to us over the past 20 years!
Plans are underway for our 21st season. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.
Sir James Watson (l), James, and Frank Ball (r) [Michelle McFadden Photography]
Mrs. Diane Risby, Camp banquet director and staff provided a delicious dinner to help highlight the occasion.
Diane Risby [Michelle McFadden Photography]
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During the 16th summer, in 2015, 68 campers, plus our outstanding cast of coaches, staff, family, and supporters, were featured in a July 25, 2015, Peoria Journal Star article written by Adam Duvall: "Area summer basketball camps tackle more than playing a game." The section on the camp begins at the bottom of the second page.
FEATURED ON WMBD-TV [URL/Site/Article/Movie may require reloading; refresh the page if needed
2018 Campers and Coaches and families [Michelle McFadden Photography]
Camp Enrollment and Participation (including banquet) are Free!!!
The camp is held annually in memory of Julius De Loatche, who died in a house fire at age 10.
The Rev. James L. De Loatche and wife Relmer, Julius’s parents, are the founders of the camp.
Rev. De Loatche serves as Pres. & CEO. Eric Cameron is the camp’s director.
Julius De Loatche Summer Basketball Camp Theme: “Rise to Excellence”
Julius De Loatche Summer Basketball Camp Scriptural Motto:
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME” (Phillipans 4:13)
Our Camp Colors: Green and Gold
Green Symbolizes Spiritual Strength and Youth
Gold Symbolizes Purity of Heart, Soul, & Mind
CEO James DeLoatche
Unbroken Circle -- Promises Kept
