ORONO – Orono youth in grades three to eight will have a new opportunity this summer. The Orono Recreation Department announced its newest summer program, the Fundamental Basketball School, which will provide the opportunity for area youth to learn the skills of basketball in a positive environment that allows success for participants.

Located at Orono High School, the Fundamental Basketball School has two sessions each week. A session for both boys and girls entering grades three-five will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a 1-4:30 p.m. session for those entering grades six-eight. Girls week is July 14-18; boys week is July 21-25. Cost is $60.

The Fundamental Basketball School will be directed by Tim Pearson and Mike Corneil, who have directed Bronco Basketball School in Hampden for the past eight years. Pearson has taught physical education in the Bangor area for the past 15 years and was Maine Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2000. Corneil, an Orono resident, has taught, officiated and coached in the Bangor area for the last 15 years. Pearson and Corneil personally recruit their staff from local coaches and physical education teachers who are experienced not only in basketball, but also in working with elementary and middle school age youth.

The Fundamental Basketball School will be an active, but structured, camp in which all students are challenged to improve their basketball skills and knowledge. Each day includes a variety of skill teaching, skill drills, contests and games. Each student participates in a detailed videotaped critique of his shooting technique. All students will take home with them a specific evaluation of their skills and abilities with suggestions for continued practice at home.

For more information, call Orono Recreation at 866-5065, or e-mail to FunBball@aol.com.