It started back in 1990 as a basketball camp.

Eddie Lee Wilkins, a former professional basketball player with the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, came back to his hometown to bring a positive program to the youth of his community.

Now, some 22 yeas later the Eddie Lee Wilkins Youth Association has seen hundreds of youngsters benefit.

“The program has grown tremendously providing a multitude of athletic, educational, and social intervention programs for youth ages, 6 to 15, in the Cartersville/Bartow County community,” said co-organizer Dawn Wilkins.

The camps begin June 4 and run for five sessions.

The camp themes are track and fitness, baseball, basketball, reading, and dance. All camps are taught by certified professionals in their fields, Wilkins said.

Wilkins said the camps are a great summer activity for the youth of Bartow County.

“The Eddie Lee Wilkins Summer Program is great because we provide free educational and social intervention programs, and an assortment of fun camps,” Wilkins said. “Our programs are designed to capture the youth through the power of athletics, and enhance their self-esteem through education, social intervention and competition.”

The deadline to register is Friday.

If interested, visit the program’s website to down load a registration form, www.elwyouth.org, send an email to info@elwyouth.org or call (770) 882-5236.

The camp is sponsored by the city of Cartersville, so it is free for youth ages 6 to 15, in the Cartersville/Bartow County area.

Wilkins said there are special activities and guests who will be a part of this year’s camps.

Hamilton State Bank will sponsor and bank officials will teach the “Money in the Bank” program on June 13 at the JH Morgan Gym. The program is designed to motivate youth to save money and improve math and decision- making skills.

Wilkins said the youth will learn how to open a savings account at the bank, how their money can earn more money through compound interest, and more. In addition, 10 youth will be given $25 to open a savings account.

“Our program provides a positive impact of the youth of the Cartersville/Bartow County Community,” Wilkins said. “We stress the importance of an education, staying in school, setting goals, saying no to drugs, respect, integrity and more.”

Wilkins said the summer camps are made possible by support from the city of Cartersville.

“We are very grateful to the city of Cartersville for their contribution, dedication, and the interest in the youth of the community,” Wilkins said. “Special thanks to the city of Cartersville Schools for providing the free lunches and snacks daily.”

Information: www.elwyouth.org.