USA Basketball Gold Camps are youth basketball camps for rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys and girls that focus on fundamental skill development through station work, group drills, small sided games, 5x5 competition and character and leadership development. Gold Camps are designed for athletes that demonstrate skills in line with the advanced level of the USA Basketball Player Development Model. Campers who get accepted to camp will receive USA Basketball gear that they will wear to their sessions. Gear includes shorts, a jersey, and a backpack. Depending on the times of the camp, athletes will also receive either lunch or dinner. Camp duration is one and a half days for a standard camp, and two full days for an extended camp.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION PROCESS
 
Athletes interested in registering for Gold Camp must submit an application containing material that is consistent with the advanced level of development. USA Basketball staff will review all submitted applications and reply by email with formal acceptance or denial on a rolling basis. Applications are free to submit, and if accepted payment for camp will be collected in the official registration process which secures the athlete’s spot at camp. Camp registration is $185 for a standard camp (Atlanta, Houston, Omaha) and $265 for the extended camp (Pittsburgh). 

APPLICATION REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Official documentation of athlete’s birth certificate.
• Official documentation of athlete’s most recent report card.
• Letter of recommendation from an adult coach or teacher describing athlete’s character traits, athletic ability, commitment to academics and any additional information.
• A 1-3 minute highlight link of game footage or training session that demonstrates advanced skills and/or a list of athlete's accomplishments. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
Participation is limited to athletes based on the eligibility criteria below:

• Rising 7th, 8th and 9th grades for the 2023-2024 school year
• Athletes must have been enrolled in 6th, 7th or 8th grade as of October 1, 2022 of the 2022-2023 school year.
• Athletes cannot be older than 16 at time of camp.

APPROVAL PROCESS 

• USA Basketball staff will evaluate applications through the close of the application period. 
• Applications will be approved on a rolling basis.
• Each athlete will receive an approval status notification email.
• Athletes who are approved must pay a registration fee to secure their spot at camp.

CAMP GOALS
 
The primary goals of Gold Camps are skill development and individual improvement in a competitive setting. They are not a part of USA Junior National Team trials; however, if talent is recognized as USA Junior National Team quality, it could result in an invitation to a future USA Basketball trials and/or training camp.

GOLD CAMP COACHES

Every gold camp is led by a Camp Director who will follow curriculum set by 10-time USA Basketball gold medalist head coach Don Showalter. Coach Showalter has amassed an astounding 62-0 record in international competition from 2009-2018 as the head coach of the USA men’s U16 and U17 national teams. 

USA Basketball Licensed Coaches serve as court coaches to implement the camp curriculum through skill development teaching.  If you are interested in applying to be a Court Coach, please click here. 

ATHLETES WILL RECEIVE AND WEAR A GOLD CAMP JERSEY, SHORTS, AND BACKPACK, BUT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Transportation to and from the gym.
• Lodging.
• Registration fee.
• All clothing and basketball shoes (jersey & shorts provided by USA Basketball).
• Water bottle.