Joookooo Sports Academy: Parent Interview with Amorell Saunders N’Daw

Watch our Parent interview with Amorell Saunders N’Daw to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at Joookooo Sports Academy.

Transcript of the interview

What was unique about Camp Joookooo that made you want to enroll your child there?

Camp Joookooo is unique in that it really embraces you as a member of a family. They treat you so respectfully. There is so much care and compassion in the way they reach out to you. They connect with you. They are very responsive, communication is strong. So as a Camp Joookooo alumna, I still feel very much a part of this really supportive and compassionate family.

What would you highlight about it?

My most favorite aspect of Camp Joookooo was the reassurance that it gave me, knowing that my son was in a safe space. Safe and secure environment surrounded by campers who he liked and had fun with. So at the end of the day when I picked him up, I always knew that he was having a positive experience. And one word I'd use to describe Camp Joookooo is reassuring.

Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your child after time at Camp Joookooo?

I can say that Camp Joookooo really helped my son with his self-confidence and his social skills because when he was at Camp Joookooo, he really got the opportunity to interact with different campers as well as interact with the younger campers. So he was able to develop some good leadership skills that served him well both at high school and as a result of graduating. So I'm really, really pleased that he was part of the program for a long time.

What do your children say about Camp Joookooo?

Amari had a great experience at Camp Joookooo. Not only did it focus on athletics, but it really focused on developing the whole child. So he was able to improve his social skills; he made a lot of friends, and they learned a lot.

So it's not just about dribbling a ball up and down a court. It's really about developing your confidence as a young person, and I know that the directors at Camp Joookooo really focus on that, and I know that it was a great experience for my son.

What advice would you offer to other parents who are considering this program?

I think that prospective parents considering Camp Joookooo should really speak with the camp directors. They are great at communicating, they're responsive. They should not be afraid to ask any questions they have. I know before they've had lots of information meetings both online, and you can also go and visit the locations. You can reach out to them in the communication method of your choice, including email or on phone, and they can answer your questions.

And I've got to say, they're parents too, so they understand how some parents may be nervous about picking the right kind of camp. And part of what made me invest in being a Camp Joookooo parent is just how responsive they were and how much time and care they put into the program.

Interviews with parents, participants, and alum

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