BBA Launches ‘Play It Forward’ Camp
The Bermuda Basketball Association [BBA] has partnered with U.S.-based nonprofit Leave It Better to launch the inaugural Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp, combining “elite basketball instruction with leadership development, life-skills training, and college and career preparation.”
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Basketball Association [BBA] has announced a new international partnership with Leave It Better, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leadership, character, and life skills through sports.
“Leave It Better’s inaugural Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp will take place July 20–24, 2026, at Bermuda College, bringing together U.S. college coaches and current collegiate student-athletes, BBA coaches, and local youth for a one-of-a-kind development experience.
“Far more than a traditional basketball camp, Play It Forward Bermuda combines elite basketball instruction with leadership development, life-skills training, and college and career preparation.
“Leave It Better was inspired by the philosophy of New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks rugby team – that every player is a temporary custodian responsible for leaving their jersey better than they found it. Leave It Better challenges young people to make a lasting impact wherever they go. This summer, their mission comes to Bermuda.
“The Leave It Better/Bermuda Basketball Association partnership marks a significant milestone in the BBA’s ongoing commitment to growing the game while developing student-athletes into confident leaders in school, sport, and life.
A Partnership Rooted in Bermuda Basketball History
“While this is Leave It Better’s first official program in Bermuda, the organization’s connection to the island stretches back decades.
“Longtime basketball fans will remember the Trout Twisters, a Bermuda Basketball Association team composed of NCAA Division I players that competed during what some consider the golden era of Bermudian basketball. The Twisters regularly squared off against legendary local clubs, including the Top Guns, Pest Control Hornets, Bratt Pack, and Source Hotshots.
“Beyond winning championships, the team helped elevate the standard of basketball on the island through its emphasis on teamwork—raising expectations across the local basketball community.
“Among the Trout Twisters’ standout players was Kit Mueller, an All-American at Princeton University, whose ties to the island helped inspire the creation of Play It Forward Bermuda.
“Years after Kit moved to the US, Leave It Better directors, Jason Fisher and MariBeth Doyle, coached Mueller’s son and daughter in youth basketball. A shared commitment to teamwork, leadership and character developed into a lasting friendship that ultimately helped spark this inaugural effort. With support from Mueller and a network of basketball colleagues, the vision for Play It Forward Bermuda began to take shape.
“Today, that vision has become a reality through a partnership committed to investing in Bermuda’s next generation.
Preparing Student-Athletes for Success
“Throughout the week, campers will receive age-appropriate instruction from experienced coaches. Elementary school participants will focus on fundamentals, while middle and high school athletes will combine skill development with leadership and personal growth sessions led by Leave It Better.
“U.S. collegiate student-athletes will also provide first-hand insight into the recruiting process, balancing academics with athletics, and preparing for the demands of college sport. Parents and guardians will be invited to attend the college and career preparation session.
“Older campers will also take part in an interactive workshop on technology and artificial intelligence presented by SEI, a leading U.S.-based technology and investment company.
“A highlight of the week’s programme will be an exhibition match featuring the visiting U.S. collegiate team and Bermuda’s National Teams. The public is invited to attend an exciting showcase of high-level basketball while raising funds for the Bermuda Basketball Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda. Proceeds from the event will benefit both organizations.
“Details on the exhibition event will be made available through the Bermuda Basketball Association website and Instagram @bermudabasketball and Leave it Better Instagram @weleaveitbetter.
Leadership Through Service
“Community service is a cornerstone of the Leave It Better philosophy.
“To close the week, campers, coaches, and volunteers will partner with Keep Bermuda Beautiful for a beach cleanup at Elbow Beach, reinforcing the message that leadership is defined not only by performance on the court but also by service to the community.
A Commitment That Lasts Beyond Summer
“Unlike many youth camps, Play It Forward Bermuda is designed to create lasting relationships long after the ball stops bouncing.
“Following the camp, Leave It Better will establish year-round virtual mentoring groups pairing U.S. counselors with Bermuda middle and high school students. Meeting quarterly, participants will focus on goal setting, accountability, leadership, time management, basketball development, and college and career planning.
“Play It Forward Bermuda is about much more than basketball. It’s about creating opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and empowering young people with the confidence, skills, and support they need to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Teamwork on and off the court
A Fidelis Partnership spokesperson said, “Play It Forward Bermuda has been made possible through broad community collaboration. The Fidelis Partnership proudly serves as the founding sponsor. Investing in Bermuda’s young people is an investment in our future. We’re proud to support an initiative that creates opportunities, builds confidence, and inspires the next generation.”
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda College will host the camp, while Keep Bermuda Beautiful will coordinate environmental programming. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda will support outreach and engagement, and Horseshoe Bay Live will host an end-of-camp beach barbecue for participants, showcasing Bermuda’s hospitality. La Trattoria will provide meals for all parties involved as part of the week’s programme.
From Basketball to Lasting Impact: Leaving Bermuda Better
“For the organizers, Play It Forward Bermuda represents more than a summer camp. It is the culmination of decades of friendships built through basketball and a shared belief that sport can shape lives.
“Basketball connected Kit Mueller to Bermuda, and over time those ties extended to Jason Fisher and MariBeth Doyle through the game. Those relationships have now come full circle through a partnership with the Bermuda Basketball Association, forming the foundation for an initiative focused on investing in Bermuda’s next generation of student-athletes.
“Organizers hope this inaugural camp marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that opens doors for Bermudian student-athletes while inspiring them to lead with character and make a lasting impact in their communities.
“Jason Fisher is a four-time PIAA state champion at Devon Prep, three-time Pennsylvania Coach of the Year and Philadelphia Catholic League Coach of the Year.”
Mr. Fisher said, “As a coach and teacher, I’ve always believed that sports are a powerful classroom for life. This camp is bigger than basketball – it’s about teaching young people to leave every place, every person, and every opportunity better than they found it. Our hope is that everyone we meet in Bermuda feels the spirit of “Leave It Better” and that our time together creates something positive that continues long after we leave the island.”
