Snow Valley California Basketball Schools - Westmont College
Average Rating Stars
Where Serious Players Go to Become Seriously Better Players
Some youth basketball camps are just plain fun, where you also get better. For most young players, that's perfect.
But here, at SNOW VALLEY CALIFORNIA BASKETBALL SCHOOLS - WESTMONT COLLEGE, our emphasis is on making YOU a seriously better player!
If your desire is to focus on the skills and attitudes that will help you leapfrog average players and vault into the category of an 'MVP-type competitor' then THIS is the camp for you!
"My son couldn’t stop talking about all the fun he had doing drills and playing 5 on 5. The next tournament he played, he got game MVP, so he obviously improved."
THAT's what we're talking about. Making you the very best that you can be ... while building and maintaining that winning attitude which focuses on teamwork, precision, & excellence in every category — on/off the court, mental toughness, proper conditioning, and optimum nutrition. The whole package — geared to take you to the very top of your game.
You'll be entering a rigorous overnight basketball camp experience like no other ... a program that has been perfected over a period of 61 years! ...since 1961.
Snow Valley Basketball School, the longest running basketball school of its kind, is known for its highly qualified and licensed USA Basketball coaches who coach you up with early morning workouts, intensive trainings, and late night games.
Emphasis is placed on defense (stance, movement, playing under control, closing out), offense (passing, receiving, movement, perimeter, inside play), position, shooting fundamentals, rebounding skills (ball and help side), transitions, open court work (guards and forwards), and 4 on 4 cut throat instruction.
"My daughter very much enjoyed her overall experience and explained that although it was tough, she loved every second of it. Upon picking her up from camp we drove to San Diego for a 4 Day tournament and I was able to immediately see a difference in her overall performance, particularly defense!"
Highlights Include
- Over 30 hours of guided basketball instruction
- Concentrated schedule of skills training, basketball IQ sessions, and competitive scrimmaging
- Daily focus placed on fundamentals, individual development, and game play tactics
- A personal evaluation and individual report card from your coach at the end of camp
- A Stunning Location! ...on the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline.
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Pete Rivas
Pete Rivas, founder of The Works Basketball Academy, has an impressive basketball teaching resume with over forty years of boys and girls youth, high school, and college coaching experience. Rivas is also a USA Basketball licensed coach, long-time Nike Basketball Camp Director, and Snow Valley Basketball Schools Co-Director. He is currently on staff in La Habra High School’s Special Education Department.
View Pete's Bio & Basketball Tips ⟩ -
Camp Director Manasa Chanaiwa
Coach Chanaiwa is USA Basketball licensed and has been a coach at Snow Valley California Basketball Schools since 1998 and contributes his SV experience to the growth of his coaching philosophy. Chanaiwa believes strongly in Snow Valley’s emphasis on teaching the game of basketball, taking this passion to various countries throughout the world as an ambassador for the game.
View Manasa's Bio ⟩ -
Camp Director Pablo Garcia
Coach Pablo Garcia is heading into his 6th season as Head Boy's Basketball Coach at San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino for the 2019-20 year. He has been coaching high school basketball for 16 years, most of those seasons were in the Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino Counties).
View Pablo's Bio ⟩ -
Director of Camp Operations Barbie Toscano
Coach Barbie Toscano is an assistant coach with Orange Lutheran Girls Varsity Basketball team. This year she helped guide the Lady Lancers to a CIF Division 1 title.
View Barbie's Bio ⟩ -
Assistant Director of Operations Casey Kuramoto
Coach Casey Kuramoto just finished her 4th and final season of college basketball at the University of La Verne.
View Casey's Bio ⟩ -
Director of Strength and Conditioning Grady O'Donovan
Coach Grady O’Donovan is the Strength Coach for The Works Basketball Academy, Buena Park High School and has been working with Snow Valley Basketball Schools for the last three years. Grady has worked with multiple high school and college teams, athletes from middle school to the professional levels ranging from boy’s and girl’s lacrosse, soccer, and basketball.
View Grady's Bio ⟩ -
Staff Snow Valley California Basketball Staff
The Snow Valley California staff is made up of of some of the state's top high school and collegiate coaches. Many bring decades of coaching experience to camp and hold regional, state and national titles. They are dedicated to providing the serious athlete high-caliber, professional training with emphasis on individual and team development, shooting technique, transitions and open court work.
View Snow Valley California Staff's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
2023 Dates
Boys I: July 16-19
Boys II: July 20-23
Boys III: July 23-26
Girls: July 27-30
Camp Hours
Boys Sessions:
Check-in: First Day between 12pm-2:30pm at the dorms
Check-out: Last Day between 11am-12pm
Girls Session:
Check-in: First Day between 11am-1pm at the dorms
Check-out: Last Day between 11am-12pm
Camp Philosophy
Since 1961, the Snow Valley California Basketball Schools have been instructing kids on the fundamentals of basketball. As the longest running basketball school of its kind, you'll receive more instruction in the fundamentals and more chances to improve your skills than anywhere else in the world. This rigorous daily format includes fundamental instruction, clinics and team games that will leave each camper with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Overnight Campers
Housing & Roommates: Campers will reside in the Van Kampen Residence Hall dorms on campus and stay two per room. If you have a roommate request and have not already given it to us, please do so as soon as possible. Roommate requests are not guaranteed, if you don't have a roommate request, you will be placed in a room with someone near your age. It will be a great opportunity to meet someone new!
Bathrooms: Shared
Linens: Not provided
Air-conditioning: No
Pool: Yes
Suggested Spending Money: $40 (Cash only)
Supervision: The staff live in the dormitories with the campers and participate in evening activities. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited, and constitute, along with general misconduct, grounds for dismissal from camp without a refund.
EXTRA NIGHT STAYOVER
Campers attending both Boys I and Boys II are welcome to enroll for an extra night between sessions on July 19th. This will be an additional cost of $100 and may be added during registration.
Personal Player Report Cards
Snow Valley Basketball programs feature staff and players whose own high school and college coaches were important in their basketball development, so they know how to help you achieve your basketball goals. Snow Valley treats each player as an individual. A Personal Player Report Card will be kept on your camper throughout the week, and given to them at the conclusion of camp. This report card will note particular strengths and weaknesses, and offer suggestions for individual improvement once they have left Snow Valley.
Daily Basketball Play
Daily game competition against other players of similar age and ability levels will be scheduled. Every participant will play a minimum of one-half of every game. In addition to games, a minimum of nineteen clinics concerning individual and team fundamentals will be presented during the week-long session. Drills are a big part of each clinic. We design our program to have an eight to one player to coach ratio and guarantee your son or daughter will receive an excellent week of basketball involvement.
Transportation
Snow Valley Basketball Schools does not directly provide transportation to/from camp but we have gathered local transportation information to help you finalize your travel itinerary.
For general driving directions to Westmont College from SBA and LAX, visit http://www.westmont.edu/_visit... you are flying, we recommend Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport: SBA is located 15 miles (22 min drive) from Westmont College and operates the following carriers: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. From the airport, campers can travel by rental car (if traveling with a parent or guardian), commercial and courtesy shuttles, taxis and MTD buses.
PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist. All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!
PACKING LIST
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
● Athletic, on-court clothing
● Athletic shoes
● Water bottle
● Small gym bag/backpack
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS ONLY:
● Athletic clothing mentioned above
● Comfortable off-court clothing
● Flip flops
● Toiletries
● Personal items & medications
● Washcloth and bath towel
● Fan (optional)
● Pillow, pillowcase, bed sheets, comforter, or sleeping bag
MEDICAL PROTOCOL
Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
COMPANY POLICIES
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is not provided by the camp to or from any airports. If you are flying to or from camp, we recommend using an airport shuttle service. Please schedule flights as close as you can to the check-in times on the first day and check-out times on the last day.
BASKETBALL CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our basketball camps please see our FAQ page.
*Please note, this information is subject to change.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 6:00 AM Point Guard & Post Clinic
- 7:00 AM Breakfast
- 8:00 AM Organization and Warm-up
- 8:45 AM Clinic - Offense
- 9:35 AM Clinic - Defense
- 10:35 AM Clinic - Shooting
- 11:30 AM Team Practice
- 12:30 PM Lunch
- 1:15 PM Clinic - Offense
- 2:30 PM Central Division Games
- 3:45 PM Eastern/Central Division Games/Break for Western
- 4:45 PM Dinner
- 6:00 PM Organization & Individual Athleticism
- 6:30 PM Clinic - Defense
- 8:00 PM Western Division Games
- 10:45 PM Lights Out
Train where it all began at Snow Valley California's original site. Westmont College is boasted in the secluded foothills of Santa Barbara, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Campers will utilize the indoor courts of Murchison Gymnasium for all of instruction this year.
Murchison Gymnasium has been the home for Warriors basketball and volleyball since it opened on January 4, 1969. The gymnasium was renovated in the summer of 2008 with a new floor, new bleachers, new paint and a new sound system. The result is a brighter, more fan friendly arena which servers our athletes coaches and fans.
Camp Reviews
Submit a reviewOverall Average Rating Stars
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It was truly an amazing experience for him
July 25, 2021: Anthony really liked all of the kids, coaches, and staff. It was truly an amazing experience for him. He couldn’t have been more excited to go to one of the top camps in the country after working so hard to make the money for two years. He is very excited to return the next year.
— Kimberly E., Parent
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He learned a lot with skills training and the games
July 17, 2021: Joseph loved all of the trainers and the stretch coach. He learned a lot with skills training and the games. Met a lot of new players and coaches and learned a lot. Food was good and he was well nourished and hydrated.
— Mary P., Parent
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Snow Valley is a great basketball camp!
July 13, 2021: Snow Valley is a great basketball camp! Teaches great basketball skills and discipline as well a great life lessons! My sons have been going for a few years and they get dramatically stronger both mentally and physically each time! Thanks to Pete Rivas and team!
— Jarod I., Parent
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We will be back next year!
July 19, 2019: There was lots of really good training and the food in the cafeteria was awesome! He really liked the Cutthroat game. We will be back next year!
— Jennifer G., Parent
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had a great time
July 19, 2019: My favorite part was the presence of the knowledge of the coaches that participated. They definitely increased my son's basketball skill knowledge. He was able to develop friendships and had a great time.
— Raymond W., Parent
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he coaches were positive
July 19, 2019: Spencer had a great experience. The coaches were positive and gave great constructive coaching. Spencer also loved being immersed in basketball from morning until night, learning as much as he could and spending time with other players.
— Michelle M., Parent
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Special Experience
August 5, 2018: This camp could not have been more perfect for my daughter. She improved so much and also made the most amazing friends. She is looking forward to going next summer and seeing all her camp friends again. She also mentioned the food at camp was "fantastic" and the dorms were "super cool." Such a special experience for a young athlete.
— Cindy J., Parent
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Intense Instruction and Friendly Coaches
July 29, 2018: The coaches cannot be beat! They are friendly, knowledgeable, and just one of a kind. My son and daughter had a great time at camp and learned a lot. They felt like their coaches took the time to get to know them and really went the extra mile to make camp special. The instruction was intense, but they are better off this season because of it!
— Joel H., Parent
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Awesome Experience
July 26, 2018: My son had a blast at camp and could not stop talking about his positive experience. He improved so much over the course of camp and really came into his own as a player. Can't wait to send him back next summer and see him grow even more
— Tom B., Parent
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Really Enjoyed the Instagram Posts!
July 20, 2018: My son enjoyed meeting other players from around the world, made new friends and his game got better. He said the breakfast is great! As parents, we really enjoyed the Instagram posts so we could follow with him during the week to see what he got up to!
— Aaron A., Parent
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Loved Every Second
June 29, 2018: My daughter very much enjoyed her overall experience and explained that although it was tough, she loved every second of it. Upon picking her up from the camp yesterday, we immediately drove down here to San Diego for a 4 Day tournament that she is playing in and I was able to immediately see a difference in her overall performance in her game last night and this morning, particularly defense!
— Mike R., Parent
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Great camp experience!
August 1, 2017: Great camp experience! Great instruction and instructors! I loved all of the offensive skill work!!
— Daniel S., Parent
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My son's second time attending this camp!
July 28, 2017: This was our son's second time attending this camp, and he enjoyed his experience so much last year he convinced a friend to join him this year. Although the two boys had different skill levels, they both grew tremendously at their own level and had fun doing it! My son felt a connection with his coach and really appreciated the personal attention
— Cole W., Parent
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Loved every minute of it!
July 24, 2017: My son told me this was one of the most intense athletic experiences he has ever had, and he loved every minute of it! I've never seen him so happy to be so exhausted!! The coaches were positive and gave tremendous individualized feedback that has really made a positive and lasting impact on his game. Thank you!
— Cole R., Parent
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Simply fantastic!
August 10, 2016: Simply fantastic! I loved everything. The clinics, the games, the experience, and all the other activities. I think that the clinics were the best part of it all, because it was incredible to be coached and improve my game.
— Luca C., Camper
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This camp pushed me in every way.
August 10, 2016: I loved the coaches and staff. They were very positive and taught me many things about the fundamentals of basketball. Cutthroat was intense and I loved it! This camp pushed me in every way. Very, very helpful. Thank you!
— Ka'iulani H., Camper
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My son came home a better player and a better person.
August 6, 2016: More than anything, my camper is a much better defensive player. It's an intense and structured camp which made my son a harder worker after 2 weeks. My favorite part was seeing the fellowship between the campers and teh coaches. The coaches care about the campers and spent 1-on-1 time with my son to make sure he had everything he needed to succeed. He came back a better player and a better person.
— Sally B., Parent
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My son is a skilled player and really enjoyed camp.
August 3, 2016: My son is a pretty skilled player and he really enjoyed the camp. He liked the staff and coaches a lot and felt it was a great place to try and improve his skills. Thank you!!!
— Tom S., Parent
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The perfect balance of hard work and enjoyment.
August 3, 2016: Coach Amir at Snow Valley was amazing. He really connected with our son and our whole family. Awesome intensity. Perfect balance of hard work and enjoyment.
— Cassie N., Parent
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Friends are already looking to come with us next summer!
August 3, 2016: Loved the encouragement, constructive criticism & levels of experience. My daughter loved the diversity of levels at the camp. It made her feel more comfortable. Friends have already inquired in attending with us next summer. We can't wait!
— Nikki V., Parent
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I really enjoyed how intense and exhausting it was.
I really enjoyed how intense and exhausting it was. I also loved the coaches enthusiasm, they were all really energetic everyday and they knew what they were doing. Im definitely going to try and come next year.
— Lamees B., Camper
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My game has grown astronomically.
Every year I have been to this camp, my game has grown astronomically.The rigorous clinics, they are not for the faint of heart. However, if you want to grow as a player it is a MUST, to go to the clinics.The night games, that was always my favorite. They were the best. All of the campers would be excited to play eachother throughout the day. It is truly once in a lifetime experience.
— Jake V., Camper
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The focus on skills and technique was amazing.
My son had an absolutely amazing time. He enjoyed the diversity of the campers (boys from Germany, Greece, China, Africa, Switzerland), and loved the structure of the camp. He came home inspired, motivated, and ready to dive into basketball on an even deeper level. He appreciated having the trainers on hand and had his ankles wrapped on a couple of occasions. The focus on skills and technique was amazing - and the overall experience was a great "first time" away from home memory.
— Robin W., Parent
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Snow Valley was an incredible learning experience.
Snow Valley was an incredible learning experience. I learned about discipline, working hard, fundamentals and attention to detail. I worked hard on my skills and I know it will definitely pay off when my club and school seasons start. Thanks to all of the great coaches!
— Justin W., Camper
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You get a lot for your money.
Really enjoyed the camp. It all starts with the Head Director and their staff. They were all very knowledgeable, friendly, and worked well together with the staff and kids. You get a lot for your money.
— Thomas U., Parent
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Lots of basketball!
The games at night really improved my game and the food was amazing. Food was great, dorms were great, gym was nice and lots of basketball!
— Dominic C., Parent
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My son looked like a different kid when I picked him up
My son looked like a different kid when I picked him up. He was always very quiet and unsure of his basketball abilities. He now is vocal and confident and becoming a leader. Camp not only helped his Bball skills but helped him grow as a young man.
— Wesley B., Parent
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I feel more confident as a player.
I loved how we had the ability to play so many games because I felt they were really beneficial to me and I feel more confident as a player.
— Greg J., Camper
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Priceless
My son loves the game of basketball. He is always working hard to get better, but to get to the next level needs experience coaches to provide him the tools needed to acheive this. During the week long camp, he attended every clinic and was given the tools to help him reach the next level. When I picked my son up after this camp, he was so excited about the one to one coaching he received which focused on his skills and how to get better. The tools and feed back provided by the coaches was priceless to my son and he feels he has additional tools to help he reach the next level. He can not wait until the next camp!! Thank you!!
— Judith C., Parent
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This camp kept us going.
This camp kept us going. Taught endurance and discipline for the game. I recommend this camp to anyone that wants to really improve their game. Met people from all over. My room mate was from Norway. Great experience.
— Michael H., Camper
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As a parent, I appreciate the report card.
My son had a great time and learned a lot. As a parent, I appreciate the report card at the end where there is specific feedback and areas to focus on.
— Kristalyn F. Parent
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Thanks mom!
I would like to take opportunity to thank my mom for sending me to this camp and this was the best camp I have attended. I would highly recommend any students to attend this camp. I was impressed with the campus of beautiful view.
— Donna S. Camper
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It helped me know myself better.
I definitely learned a lot about basketball. I now know my strengths and weaknesses and will definitely practice to make my game better. It helped me know myself better. Great experience.
— Miguel B. Camper
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Memorable experience.
I enjoyed a lot of the instruction and teaching of the camp. Most camps worry about jamming a ton of drills in your head and not a lot of instruction and teaching behind it all. They never tell you why or when to use the drill. They just give it to you and expect to see you use it somewhere. Some of the memorable experiences I had would have to be in the cafeteria and playing music on the way to the gym!
— Kelly T. Camper
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Thank you for an excellent week!
Snow Valley basketball camp is by far the best camp experience my boys have ever had. They learned a ton, worked really hard, and can't wait to return next summer. Thank you for an excellent week!
— Julie B. Parent
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An awesome overall experience.
I made new friends, both players and coaches, and had an awesome overall experience. It was really tiring, but that was a great thing. I am very proud of myself and recommend this camp to anybody who loves basketball.
— Mitchell M. Camper
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I learned many valuable experiences.
Overall, a very good camp. The coaches and staff were great. The food was good and the games were very fun. I learned many valuable experiences and look forward coming back to the camp again with a friend this next coming year.
— Nathan M. Camper
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Snow Valley Basketball School will help you get to the next level!
Snow Valley Basketball School will help you get to the next level! I improved in all areas of my game due to the knowledge and passion of the coaches. I am more prepared for varsity basketball and will utilize the fundamentals I learned this summer.
— Kaylin B. Camper
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SVBS is an elite camp.
SVBS is an elite camp -- better than any others in which I participate. The "old school" approach is most valuable when considering basketball is best played when the team works well together.
— Dylan S. Camper
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I met people from all corners of the world.
Playing games were fun because of level of competition. Meeting new people from all corners of the world. Awards and report cards were greatly appreciated. I would definitely try to come back next year.
— Camper
Snow Valley California Basketball Schools - Westmont College
Santa Barbara, California 93108
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.
Camp Dates & Prices
