Portland, OR. - This past Saturday, men's basketball hosted a BBQ and Reptile Show to promote their upcoming basketball camp.

     

Over 80 boys and girls registered Saturday for the free basketball camp, that will be held the week of August 11th - 15th at Portland Christian Jr/Sr high school.

Co-Sponsors of Saturday's event were two local churches; Gateway Baptist and Rivercrest Community Church.                                                      

Local area kids were treated to a show put on by the Oregon Reptile Man.  The show featured a 3-foot Alligator, a Python, a King Cobra, and many more exotic reptiles.

After the Reptile Show, kids and their families were able to meet members of the Cascade men's basketball team, the coaching staff and their families while enjoying the BBQ.

"We wanted to provide an opportunity for the kids to have a fun day in the park, hear about our camp and connect with some local churches in their community," stated Coach Baugher. "This day would not have been such a huge success without our partnerships with local churches here in Portland."        

"The food was great and I can't believe I held a snake," stated Kao Saelee, a player for the Thunderbirds. "But the kids enjoyed it, so I would do it again in a second." 

Following the BBQ, the kids headed over to the basketball courts for games and prizes.  "You can tell that these kids love basketball," stated Jordan France, a player for the Thunderbirds. "It is going to be a great week of basketball at the camp."

Also in attendance was Matt Murphy, head women's coach and athletic director for Cascade College.  "We are pleased that we are able to team up with Rivercrest Community church, Gateway Baptist church, and Portland Christian schools to reach our community," stated Coach Murphy. "As a department we want to continue our involvement in the years ahead, and partner with area organizations in using athletics as a service to others."   

"This is one of the many reasons why I coach, for the opportunity to give back," stated assistant men's basketball coach Adam Decker. "Camps are a great venue to reach kids in a positive light and share with them the tools to become good citizens."

If you missed the BBQ, you still have an opportunity to register for the camp on Monday, August 11th (1st day of camp) from 8:00am - 9:00am. 

Portland Christian Jr/Sr high school is located on 12425 NE San Rafael Street. Please contact Anthony Baugher at 503-257-1277 for additional information. 

Cascade College is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college emphasizing spiritual growth and career preparation. Cascade College offers a close academic community within a vibrant metropolitan area. Cascade is a branch campus of Oklahoma Christian University.  The 12-acre campus is located within the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon just ten minutes from Portland International Airport, near the Metropolitan Area Express train system (MAX) and a short drive from stunning natural attractions such as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls, and the Oregon coast.