Slam Dunk for Life (SDFL) summer 2012 camps will again use basketball to teach life lessons to at-risk youth who have graduated from 6th, 7th or 8th grade. Students are pre-selected by each school's selection committee. All contact should go through the individual schools.

Slam Dunk for Life's purpose is to improve the physical, mental and social health of at risk youth in the Greater San Antonio area. Students from over 40 middle schools and 10 San Antonio school districts are eligible to attend the Slam Dunk for Life summer camps. Campers are chosen by school personnel on the basis of some untapped potential in areas such as academic performance, attendance, behavior, or self-esteem. During camp, students are taught the importance of education, preparation, dedication, integrity, and perseverance. SDFL understands the role of peer pressure in the development of adolescent attitudes and behavior so we seek to instill positive life values in each camper that will impact the camper and their friends, classmates, siblings, etc... In turn. neighborhood communities will benefit from the "domino effect" when students stay in school, participate in positive activities, avoid drugs and become productive citizens. Transportation and lunch are provided free-of-charge to the students and those that participate daily receive a camp shirt, pair of shorts, and Slam Dunk for Life basketball at the end of the week.

History of SDFL: In 2002, Slam Dunk for Life was created when Founder Dr. Edwin J. “Eli” Whitney partnered with Trinity Baptist Church, former Ft. Sam Houston Independent School District Superintendent, Tom Moseley, and former Texas High School All-Star basketball coach, Jerry Tyson, to fulfill a dream. That summer, Slam Dunk for Life began with the goal of providing tuition-free basketball camps to teach life lessons to San Antonio’s at-risk youth. SAISD and Harlandale Independent School District were the first to participate, and a total of 250 students from 12 middle schools attended SDFL’s first summer camps. In fall of 2011 Slam Dunk for Life became a KSN program.

Words of wisdom for young ladies
from Tim Springer at a summer SDFL camp.

Wagner High School