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Jake’s one of a Kind - Philadelphia native making huge impact with basketball camp in St Elizabeth
November 10, 2025
PHILADELPHIA native Jake Kind never imagined his idea for a summer programme would one day transform thousands of lives. Fifteen years later, the Philadelphia Mankind Basketball League (PMBL) Basketball Camp has reached over 15,000 participants from various parishes in Jamaica, fostering not just fun and friendship, but meaningful social change throughout the community.
According to Kind, the camp has helped children find new sports and he has seen significant personal growth in campers over the years.
"Eleven years ago, we had 20 coaches and 25 children for the first day, which grew to 250 children by the end of the week. Over the years, PMBL grew from 600 to 2,500 participants from various parishes in Jamaica," said Kind.
"The camp gives a bunch of kids an opportunity to meet people that could be there for them in their darkest time. This is something that makes me really proud," Kind added, noting the community makes him feel at home.
The camp partners with BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park and Academy yearly. In August, during their 11th annual event, they collaborated with P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy.
STRUGGLES
Kind has had his fair share of struggles, as he is a recovering opioid addict, bipolar and has survived colorectal cancer.
"I feel super fortunate that every time I made a mistake in my life, there has been somebody in my network or family who has been there to support me in my darkest time," Kind said, stating he almost died from phase 3B colorectal cancer three years ago.
Through charity, Kind expressed gratitude with the support network, including friends and family.
A container with 1,200 pairs of sneakers, 2,500 reversible jerseys, 3,000 pairs of shorts, 2,000 sports bras, 4,000 pairs of socks, 1,000 backpacks, 1,000 water bottles, 1,000 hats and personal items were distributed at this year's camp.
PMBL's curriculum includes basic basketball skills and values like discipline, consistency and fun.
The camp sends buses to some parishes like Manchester and St Elizabeth, in places such as Junction and Manning's Boys' Home in Southfield.
Thrilled to give back to the community, first-time coaching volunteer Cameron MacArthur said the programme leverages the emotional power of sports to inspire community service.
"Nothing activates people emotionally like sports. People get excited about sports, regardless of what nationality or country. It is a really good way to get people excited and interested in helping a community," said MacArthur.
"Tell a kid, there's so much opportunity that is outside of your bubble. Dream big and do anything you want to do. I think like so many of us here, the opportunity to really drive the messages home as more than just words," MacArthur added, "that there is a true experience to a young kid that can happen through basketball".
There are over 100 coaches who are involved with activities such as referee clinics and tournaments at the camp.
This initiative has led first-time camper, Maggotty High's Karena White, feeling grateful for the opportunity.
"I think the camp is beneficial because we get exposure not only to basketball, but other things. The children get to play, exercise, learn to be respectful and set boundaries. It is great for the community because there are a lot of people from St Elizabeth that come here and gain something positive," White said.
The idea of the camp was sparked during a conversation at a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game, leading to the establishment of the camp in August 2011.
The camp is scheduled to be held August 10-14 in 2026, with a welcome dinner included.
