Even during a four-hour basketball camp, kids preferred to keep playing the sport they love during their five minute breaks instead of resting.

Four former Vikings, three current Vikings, and 16 future Vikings came together for the first ever “Future Vikings Basketball Camp.” It’s an initiative of Wareham High School Varsity Basketball Coach Steve Faniel.

Most of the children in the camp were from grades one through five. Faniel said he hopes that next year, the camp will expand to middle schoolers from grades six through eight. Moreover, he hopes basketball coaches will come to see the varsity boys’ team practices and teach what they learned with the younger kids.

Though the varsity team had a rough season last year with an 8-12 record, Faniel says it’s doing “all the right things in the off-season,” such as coaching younger players.

The camp is not just about playing basketball, Faniel said, it’s also about instilling community involvement and creating well-rounded individuals. He said the players invited to coach exemplified those ideals.

Jordan Rezendes, who is set to play basketball in Brazil as part of an NCAA Division III trip starting Tuesday, teaches basketball clinics at the Gleason Family YMCA on Saturday mornings. Last summer, he hosted his own camp, which was called “Rise Above the Influence.”

“I like to give back to the community,” he said.

Jayshawn Morgan, another former Viking and a coach at the camp, seconded the sentiment.

“I’ve always wanted to help and give back,” he said. “I think little things like this really make a difference.”

Morgan recognizes that “Wareham basketball is something that’s been important to the town.” He commended Faniel’s efforts.

“I’ve never seen people go that deep with the kids, and [Faniel does it] because he really cares,” said Morgan. “He’s making sure kids are staying out of trouble.”

The gratitude goes both ways.

Faniel was appreciative of their volunteered time. He said as a coach, to have his former players return is “kind of the best thing that could happen.”

For the children in the camp, playing was the best part, but the lessons of character and integrity were not lost.

CJ Dows, a fifth grade student and junior basketball association player, said one of the things he learned in the camp was, “how to treat your teammates with respect.”

Sixth grade student, and travel basketball player, Mason Dunfree said he learned the importance of good grades. He added that “it’s okay to be upset if you lose,” but to remember to cheer friends on as they win.

The camp ran from July 11 to July 14 with proceeds benefitting the Wareham High School Boy’s Varsity Basketball Florida Tournament.

“The camp has been a wonderful experience for everybody I think,” said Faniel.