PROGRAMs
Learn more about how we support youth and families in Philadelphia!
Annual Thomas & Woods Basketball Camp
The Thomas and Woods Foundation Basketball Camp is our longest-running and largest annual program, and offers Philadelphia boys and girls ages 6-16 a week of activities, coaching, and fun at the end of the summer. We also provide and drinks, and snacks for all campers as well as our TWF t-shirt.
Although basketball is the sport that underpins the camp, we offer a unique mix of athletic and educational programming during the week, including workshops on yoga, coding, physical education, and arts and crafts. Almost every day a guest speaker will visit the camp, including state and local legislators, former or current professional athletes, and entrepreneurs.
The camp is staffed in part by former campers who have graduated high school, gone on to college, trade school or employment, and return as mentors and coaches to share what they have learned with the next generation of campers. This virtuous cycle of camaraderie and support is what keeps our campers coming back year after year.
From its start in 2012, the camp has expanded from one site to two. In 2022, we hosted approximately 300 campers at three sites.
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Basketball Beyond Buckets and Youth Leagues
The TWF Basketball Beyond Buckets program is a year-round program for high school students. Led by our founder Isaiah Thomas, BBB engages older youth in Sunday basketball practices, and provides SAT tutoring and college visits to help bring a college education within reach.
We also sponsor team entrance into youth basketball leagues for elementary and middle schoolers, to give them year-round access to the support and structure of organized sports.
Martin Luther King Day Speech Contest
Our annual MLK Day Speech Contest gives high school youth the guidance and platform to write and perform a 3-5 minute speech about an issue they care about. The program matches each student with a coach to help them prepare their speech over at least three coaching sessions. During our final event, held on MLK Day, the students perform their speech for a panel of judges and a live audience. The top three students win a scholarship to be used for college, trade school or other training program after high school.
Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Community Giveaway
Each year TWF partners with community organizations and leaders to ensure low-income families can have the Thanksgiving they deserve. In November 2022, we and our partners served approximately 450 families with turkeys/roasters, ingredients for side dishes, and pies.
