Beyond the Arc: How Jr. Knicks Camps Unite the World Through Basketball
Each summer, the sounds of squeaking sneakers and echoing high-fives fill the courts across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey—not just with the rhythm of basketball, but with the heartbeat of community. At the center of this vibrant energy? The Jr. Knicks Summer Camp, where basketball is the game, but community is the win. And at GrubPassport.com, we’re here to tell stories that show how sports events like this have the power to unite cultures, spark friendships, and build something bigger than basketball.
The Jr. Knicks camp isn’t your average week of layups and line drills. This year, the Knicks have leveled up again, hosting 21 sessions across 9 venues in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, serving nearly 2,000 kids between ages 6 and 14. Whether you’re a future point guard or just trying to learn how to pivot without traveling, there’s a spot for you in this hoops haven.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its founding in 1994, the Jr. Knicks program has committed to not only teaching basketball fundamentals but also instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and respect. Not even a global pandemic could slow them down—in 2020, they kept the tradition alive with virtual camps to stay connected with young athletes during unprecedented times. The Jr Knicks program, along with the Knicks’ organization as a whole, perfectly embody the tenacity, grit, and can-do spirit of the best city in the world, New York City.
This year, they’re back in full force.
Each camp day is thoughtfully designed:
• Learning stations to build core skills
• Individual competitions to inspire confidence
• Team practices and game play to forge chemistry
• And of course, giveaways, including chances to win special prizes like player autographs and Knicks merchandise!
One of the most inspiring things about Jr. Knicks camps is the diverse base of campers. This isn’t just a local park. This is a global court.
Kids came from all over: From the tri-state area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) to places as far as Mexico and France. And what brought them together wasn’t just a love of basketball, it was the thrill of building friendships, learning from legends, and being part of something bigger. A crossover dribble needs no translation. Neither does the joy of sinking your first three-pointer or high-fiving a teammate after a game-winner.
Coaching that Inspires
From high school varsity coaches to college assistants, and even current and former overseas professional players, the coaching staff at the camp also reflects the global reach of basketball. Experienced coaches like Coach Tony and Coach Bedias take pride in sharing their basketball knowledge and passion. Whether it’s a French camper learning a new crossover from a coach who once played in Spain, or a Brooklyn 6th grader bonding with a teammate from Mexico over a shared love of the Knicks, this camp is living proof that basketball is a passport—and the Jr. Knicks are stamping it.
At the heart of the Jr. Knicks camp legacy is Coach Marty Riger, who for over 20 years, served as the camp director bringing heart, discipline, and joy to the program.
Since his passing in 2022, the camp has honored his memory each morning by reading inspirational quotes, a tradition that sets the tone for the day and reminds everyone of what Coach Marty stood for: grit, respect, and love for the game. One of the Jr. Knicks’ most meaningful individual awards is now named after him—a lasting tribute to a man who made the camp feel like home for so many.
When Legends Walk Through the Door
And if the atmosphere wasn’t electric enough already, imagine the buzz when Knicks greats walk through the gym doors.
This summer, John Starks and John Wallace paid special visits. Wallace even pulled campers in for a spontaneous breakdown of the 2-3 zone defense at Baruch College, showing the kids how champions think and move. It wasn’t just a show—it was a masterclass. And the best part? Campers had a chance to ask questions, snap photos, and soak up wisdom from the legends who once wore the Knicks blue and orange.
At GrubPassport.com, we celebrate the ways sports, food, and travel unite the world. The Jr. Knicks program captures that spirit perfectly. In every jump shot and every post-game laugh, kids are creating shared memories that transcend background, language, and borders.
This isn’t just camp. It’s community. It’s culture. It’s connection.
As the summer heats up, the Jr. Knicks camp continue to prove what we at GrubPassport already know: sports are one of the most powerful forces on the planet. They don’t just build athletes. They build bridges.
