About the Sixers Camps
Director Sonny Elia (right) with former Sixer Kevin Ollie
The Sixers Camps were started in 1985 as an opportunity for youngsters to learn the fundamentals of the game and "rub elbows" with some NBA players. The first year began with four weeks of overnight camp of approximately 100 campers at our current facility in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
The unique aspect of the camp has been the combination of a traditional camp setting with a developmental basketball program. Campers participate in two hours of instruction and play two league games daily, but still have an opportunity to boat, swim, fish, and play miniature golf, table tennis, beach volleyball and a host of other activities supervised by our activities director.
By 1988, the 6 weeks of overnight camp had filled to capacity of 200 campers per week. It was that year that the Day Camps were started in 4 communities throughout Philadelphia and the suburbs.
Director Todd Landrey (right) with former camper and NBA star Richard Hamilton
The Day Camp program has since grown to 13 sites providing a great learning experience for the beginner as young as seven to kids as old as 13. Each camp is directed by a coach based in his or her community.
Over the last 10 years, the Sixers Camps have sold out each year. Over 300 kids were turned away last year. The camps have grown to include boys and girls from over 40 states and 45 countries.
Sonny Elia has been the Administrative Director for the Sixers Camps since the beginning. Sonny has directed sports camps for 30 years, using his teaching, coaching and camp background to continually work to provide a safe, instructional, fun program for our campers.
Todd Landrey, a former college coach, has 17 years camp experience and has been the Director at Sixers Camps since 1992.
