Despite that fact that school is not in session, the screeching of shoes on hardwood and the telltale sound of bouncing basketballs can still be heard in the gym of Georgiana School.

Inside, Georgiana basketball coach Kirk Norris, and some 50 kids ages 8 to 14, are spending their summer vacation at camp, honing their skill on the court.

“We do it to try to help the young kids develop, work on their fundamentals and get them more interested in playing the game of basketball,” Norris said. “It gives them something to do while they are out of school.”

This year marks the third time Norris has held the basketball camp. Over the years, the camp’s attendance has improved, growing from 35 the first year to 40 the second, Norris said.

He’s glad to see the camp grow, he said, but perhaps one of the best improvements over years past is the new air-conditioned gym.

Campers start the day with “station work,” which Norris leads with the help of some of his players volunteering.

“We have four stations set up, ball handling and dribbling, shooting and lay-ups, passing, and defense,” Norris said. “They go to each station and then rotate every 10 minutes or so.”

Then, the kids get to participate in some competitive games, which Norris said is by far one of their favorite parts of the day. Campers start with Hotshot, in which the players see how many baskets they can score in 30-seconds, followed by a free-throw competition.

“Gotcha”, however, grabbed the kids’ attention like no other activity. Players line up single file with two basketballs. The objective is to score a basket before the player behind you does. If the player behind you scores first, you’re out.

Each day ends with a 5-on-5 scrimmage.

Norris thanked BankTrust for helping sponsor the camp for the third year in the row.

Prizes will be handed out to the overall winners of the competitive events when the camp concludes on Wednesday.