Windham boys’ summer basketball camp teaches game to young players

By Matt Pascarella

Windham kindergarten through sixth graders took advantage of an opportunity to work with many of the high school varsity players while learning the foundations of basketball and having fun and making friends at the same time during Windham’s boys’ summer basketball camp. All the proceeds from the camp go right into Windham High’s varsity boys’ basketball program for tournaments, gear and any needed equipment.

Windham sixth grader Landen Rancourt helps Windham High
varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen out with a
demonstration during the Windham Eagles 2026 summer  
boys' basketball camp at Windham High School on
Wednesday, July 15. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

This year’s weeklong camp took place at Windham High School from July 13 to July 16.

“One of the big reasons is getting the youth involved with a fun sport that they can get some exercise, learn how to compete, learn new skills. I think that’s important for the community and for the youth,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach and summer youth camp instructor Chad Pulkkinen in regard to why he feels it’s important to hold the camp every summer. “The other part is our guys, them becoming role models ... I think our guys understand that at one point they were in their shoes and they looked up to those players in high school. Watching kids get to enjoy the game that I love (is what I get out of it). Getting to know these guys ... as they progress in the camps and then into high school; watching the joy in their faces as they play the game is probably the biggest part for me.”

This year the summer basketball camp had around 60 participants showing up every day and putting in a solid effort. The skill levels are broken into two groups, kindergarten through third grade who primarily work on more foundational skills, like the basics of playing the game. The fourth, fifth and sixth graders work on skills like learning to make the right decisions, learning how to move off the basketball and a lot of other different things to teach them to be successful on the court.

“I have a great time,” said Windham junior Boston Krainis. “They are all so happy and excited to be here. It feels good to be giving back to the community. I remember when I was this age looking up to the high school players. I went to a camp like this, and I remember how it felt, (the high school players) being there for me; I just try to replicate that for them.”

Pulkkinen said Windham has great kids in the community and over the years it’s been awesome to see these guys grow. It’s cool to see their progress and how hard they’ve worked. One of the biggest and most important things he and the high school players teach the kids is the importance of being a good teammate. Positive encouragement is key and he wants them to understand that once they get to the high school level, being a good teammate is the most important thing, basketball will come second.

Sixth grader Sammy Stubbert had been to the summer basketball camp before and says he came back because he likes playing in the camp games. He’s learned types of passes and being involved with the camp has improved his shooting. He said it’s cool for him to interact with the high school players. Stubbert said he wants to play varsity basketball in high school.

Sophomore and boys’ summer basketball camp coach Ryan Manning says he enjoys the camp because it gets the kids really excited to learn about the game.

“Ever since I discovered the game of basketball, I’ve been like a hard rock fan of it,” said Windham sixth grader Landen Rancourt. “I can just get those rebounds ... I’ve learned to be a good teammate, to not get mad at stuff and to work on the dribbling skills. (Interacting with the bigger kids) is great, they’re role models to me. Seeing all my friends (has been my favorite part). I would come back next year.” <