Forget any other hoops camp on the planet, because the annual PMBL Youth Basketball Camp in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, is doing things no one else is. Now in its twelfth year, this non-profit camp, built on the mantra “one team, one dream,” has become absolutely transformative for basketball in Jamaica, especially with a fresh partnership from NBA star Deandre Ayton. Camp founder Jake Kind isn’t even trying to play it cool, saying they’ve “witnessed big time progress when it comes to the growth of basketball in Jamaica,” directly tying it to their “persistence and dedication” over more than a decade at the grassroots level. You love to see it.
From Humble Beginnings to Massive Impact
This whole incredible journey kicked off back in 2013 with four buddies: Jake Kind, Ben Kay, James Schluchter from Philly, and Zack Schwartz from Charlotte. They linked up with Jamaican hotelier Jason Henzell, who hooked them up with Jake’s Hotel and gave them full access to the Breds Treasure Beach Sports Park. That first year, they started with 35 kids on day one. By the end of the week? 225 kids were showing up, all because word spread like wildfire that the camp was handing out free athletic gear. Talk about organic growth! Thirteen years later, that core idea is still there, but the scope? It’s blown up! Now, largely through individual donations from their volunteer networks, this camp hooks up over 1,500 kids every single year with new shoes, shirts, backpacks, and even hygiene and school supplies. That’s a massive win for those communities.
Ayton Family Foundation Bringing the Love
The partnership with the Ayton Family Foundation (AFF) is just another example of how much influence this camp is building. Established by Washington Wizards center Deandre Ayton himself, the AFF is all about youth initiatives in places like Los Angeles, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, with a huge focus on nutrition. Ayton’s mom’s belief that “feeding people is love” clearly drives their mission. And while Deandre might have been born in The Bahamas, his mother is Jamaican, and the family still has deep ties to her hometown of Cedar Springs, which is right in the same parish as Treasure Beach. After Hurricane Melissa devastated much of St. Elizabeth Parish in October 2025, the AFF stepped up big time, spearheading the busing of campers from those hardest-hit areas like Parrottee, Galleon, and Black River. Kind couldn’t emphasize enough how grateful they are, noting, “With their local ties and everything the St. Elizabeth Parish community has been through, the Ayton family’s involvement resonates so strongly with everyone involved.” It’s clear this camp isn’t just about hoops, it’s about resilience, community, and genuine support.
This camp is proof that “one team, one dream” isn’t just a mantra, it’s a lifestyle. With the Ayton Family Foundation now in the mix, expect the PMBL Youth Basketball Camp to keep growing and inspiring thousands more kids in Jamaica. The future of basketball and the well-being of these communities? They’re definitely looking brighter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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