Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The legacy of Gregory “Coach Cam” Campbell continues to inspire generations of Harrisburg youth.
Hundreds of residents gathered Saturday for the Inaugural Coach Cam “Make a Layup” Community Day, transforming the Camp Curtin YMCA into a daylong celebration of community, mentorship, and opportunity. The free event brought together families from across the city for food, games, entertainment, giveaways, and the official grand reopening of the YMCA’s newly renovated first floor.
The highlight of the day was a spirited 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament played in honor of Coach Cam, whose decades of mentorship impacted countless young people throughout Harrisburg. The competition rewarded more than just teamwork and determination—the championship teams each received brand-new HP laptops, giving participants a valuable tool to support their education beyond the basketball court.
Throughout the day, children enjoyed bounce houses, activities, community vendors, and delicious food from local food trucks. One of the biggest moments came during the community giveaways, when more than nine bicycles were presented to deserving children, creating unforgettable memories for families in attendance.
The celebration also marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Camp Curtin YMCA’s newly renovated first floor. The extensive improvements include the installation of HVAC and air conditioning in the basketball gym, a new teen technology center, a teaching kitchen designed for nutrition and life-skills education, and updated community gathering spaces that will better serve Harrisburg families for years to come.
Several local, state, and federal leaders attended the celebration, including Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, State Sen. Patty Kim, Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, State Rep. Nathan Davidson, and U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, each recognizing the importance of continued investment in youth and neighborhood resources.
For many, however, the day was less about the renovated building and more about the man whose influence continues to shape the community.
“Coach Cam was more than a basketball coach—he was a father figure and mentor to countless young men in our community,” said Chris “Handles” Franklin, Harrisburg native and longtime Harlem Globetrotters legend. “He made sure the YMCA was a safe place and used the game of basketball to teach us life lessons. From expanded opportunities for teens to improved spaces for programs and gatherings, the Camp Curtin YMCA is better equipped than ever to serve the families who rely on us every day.”
Richard Utley, board chair of the Camp Curtin YMCA Board of Managers, said the event represented something much greater than the completion of a renovation project.
“This celebration is more than an event; it is a reflection of the love Coach Cam poured into this neighborhood, the hope he inspired in our youth, and the standard of excellence he set for all of us who serve,” Utley said.
Coach Cam, whose full name was Gregory Campbell, coached basketball at the Camp Curtin YMCA for more than three decades before his passing on Aug. 27, 2012, at the age of 55. During his lifetime, he became one of Harrisburg’s most respected mentors, using basketball not simply to teach the fundamentals of the game but to instill discipline, accountability, leadership, and character in thousands of young people.
His impact remains evident today. In his honor, the YMCA accepted donations throughout Community Day to support the continued renovation of the YMCA basketball court. The fund will remain active beyond the completion of the project, with proceeds directly benefiting youth sports programs and helping eliminate financial barriers so every child has the opportunity to participate in athletics.
As children rode away on new bicycles, families toured the renovated facility, and young athletes battled for championship trophies and laptops, one thing became clear: Coach Cam’s greatest victory was never measured on a scoreboard.
His true legacy lives on in the generations of young people he inspired—and in a community committed to carrying his mission forward.
The legacy of Gregory “Coach Cam” Campbell continues to inspire generations of Harrisburg youth.
Hundreds of residents gathered Saturday for the Inaugural Coach Cam “Make a Layup” Community Day, transforming the Camp Curtin YMCA into a daylong celebration of community, mentorship, and opportunity. The free event brought together families from across the city for food, games, entertainment, giveaways, and the official grand reopening of the YMCA’s newly renovated first floor.
The highlight of the day was a spirited 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament played in honor of Coach Cam, whose decades of mentorship impacted countless young people throughout Harrisburg. The competition rewarded more than just teamwork and determination—the championship teams each received brand-new HP laptops, giving participants a valuable tool to support their education beyond the basketball court.
Throughout the day, children enjoyed bounce houses, activities, community vendors, and delicious food from local food trucks. One of the biggest moments came during the community giveaways, when more than nine bicycles were presented to deserving children, creating unforgettable memories for families in attendance.
The celebration also marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Camp Curtin YMCA’s newly renovated first floor. The extensive improvements include the installation of HVAC and air conditioning in the basketball gym, a new teen technology center, a teaching kitchen designed for nutrition and life-skills education, and updated community gathering spaces that will better serve Harrisburg families for years to come.
Several local, state, and federal leaders attended the celebration, including Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, State Sen. Patty Kim, Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, State Rep. Nathan Davidson, and U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, each recognizing the importance of continued investment in youth and neighborhood resources.
For many, however, the day was less about the renovated building and more about the man whose influence continues to shape the community.
“Coach Cam was more than a basketball coach—he was a father figure and mentor to countless young men in our community,” said Chris “Handles” Franklin, Harrisburg native and longtime Harlem Globetrotters legend. “He made sure the YMCA was a safe place and used the game of basketball to teach us life lessons. From expanded opportunities for teens to improved spaces for programs and gatherings, the Camp Curtin YMCA is better equipped than ever to serve the families who rely on us every day.”
Richard Utley, board chair of the Camp Curtin YMCA Board of Managers, said the event represented something much greater than the completion of a renovation project.
“This celebration is more than an event; it is a reflection of the love Coach Cam poured into this neighborhood, the hope he inspired in our youth, and the standard of excellence he set for all of us who serve,” Utley said.
Coach Cam, whose full name was Gregory Campbell, coached basketball at the Camp Curtin YMCA for more than three decades before his passing on Aug. 27, 2012, at the age of 55. During his lifetime, he became one of Harrisburg’s most respected mentors, using basketball not simply to teach the fundamentals of the game but to instill discipline, accountability, leadership, and character in thousands of young people.
His impact remains evident today. In his honor, the YMCA accepted donations throughout Community Day to support the continued renovation of the YMCA basketball court. The fund will remain active beyond the completion of the project, with proceeds directly benefiting youth sports programs and helping eliminate financial barriers so every child has the opportunity to participate in athletics.
As children rode away on new bicycles, families toured the renovated facility, and young athletes battled for championship trophies and laptops, one thing became clear: Coach Cam’s greatest victory was never measured on a scoreboard.
His true legacy lives on in the generations of young people he inspired—and in a community committed to carrying his mission forward.
