Dear Campers & Supporters:

Welcome!

The Sugar Mel All-Star Camp 2026 REGISTRATION IS OPEN for August 4, 5, 6, 2026!! **Limited space is available. 


Please be advised there are two parts to the camper's participation. 

Part 1.) SIGN-UP: Campers will email their *Name *Grade *Age *T-shirt size to   "[email protected]"

Part 2.)  REGISTRATION: ALL campers are required to have a signed waiver before their first day of participation. For campers under the age of 18, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. In-person registration will be available on June 27, 2026, at Fuller Park, located at 250 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 
*****All campers who register in person will be entered in our drawing to receive $100 gift card. 

INTRODUCTION:
Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native, and basketball legend. Sugar is Creston High School and Central Michigan University’s all-time men's leading scorer and hall of Famer. Drafted by the NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers, attended the Detroit Piston’s Camp and played for the Continental Basketball Association (currently the G-League). In addition, Sugar played with The Magic Johnson All-Stars.” He is also the founder of the “Sugar” Mel All-Star Basketball Camp and He recently founded The Sugar Mel All-Star Camp Literacy and Education Program (SMAC). Most recently, Sugar was selected as the award winner of the 2022-23 best male athlete of the 50th Year Anniversary of the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame!

The “Sugar Mel” All-Star Camp is held in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has allowed him the opportunity to give back to his community annually, for the past 30 years; serving over 10,000 campers. The camp provides attendees with a constructive, enriched, and fun experience through the game of basketball.

The 2026 “Sugar” Mel All-Star Basketball Camp is for boys and girls in the 5th- 12th grades. The camp’s mission is to assist the youth with improving their athletic skills while promoting the 6-D's and 3-C's.

“6- D’s” (Dedication, Discipline, Desire, Determination, Decision-Making, and Devotion).
"3-C's" (Choices, Chances and Changes).

The camp also encourages faithfulness, responsibility, and community!

In addition to basketball drills, there will be motivational speakers engaging our youth. Campers must sign up and register by July 15, 2026. All Campers will be provided free lunch, Sugar Mel merch, gift bags, and awards.

Campers Awards & Recognition
* 1 on 1 Championship Awards ** Camp MVP Award *** Team Tourney Awards **** SLAM Dunk Contest Awards ***** 3-Point Contest Awards

*The Melvin "Sugar" McLaughlin Award (4 students with the highest GPA).
*Gifts/Prizes for "Sweetshot Reading Initiative" essay contest.



BRAND EXPANSION/SPONSORSHIP and DONATION OPPORTUNITIES:
The Sugar Mel All-Star Basketball Camp has recently expanded their brand to include initiatives such as literacy and education, reading programs, and mental health resources through their "SMAC Programs" at no cost to participants to ensure campers thrive both on and off the court. Your sponsorship would allow us to:
- Provide scholarships to the youth to improve their athletic skills
- Encourage academic excellence, and enhance reading skills
- Provide mental health workshops and counseling sessions
Your partnership would help us continue providing free services and enriching the lives of young athletes while fostering positive changes in our community. For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at [email protected], Cash App donations can be sent to $Sweetshot1415, and checks can be sent to P.O. Box 8064 Grand Rapids, MI 49508. We thank you in advance for your assistance.

LITERACY AND EDUCATION: 
Our SMAC Literacy and Education program equips individuals with the tools to make informed decisions, enhance their quality of life, and break free from the cycle of poverty. All campers are provided with free tutoring to strengthen their reading and writing abilities, improve communication skills, access valuable information, and develop new skills, values, and critical thinking capabilities. Education nurtures creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for personal development and expanding career opportunities.

"SWEET SHOT" READING INITIATIVE ESSAY CONTEST:
The Sugar Mel All-Star Basketball Camp (SMAC) Literacy & Education Program has expanded its reach through an exciting reading initiative. As part of this effort, students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to participate in an essay contest centered around the book "Sweet Shot": The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin 'Sugar' McLaughlin." Participants will read the book and write a three-page essay detailing how its message inspired them and how they plan to apply that inspiration to their personal growth and development.

Additionally, younger participants in grades 5 and 6 who have attended the camp are encouraged to submit essays reflecting on how their camp experience has motivated and influenced them. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also emphasizes personal reflection and goal-setting, aligning with the camp's mission to empower youth.

Winners of the essay contest will be celebrated at this year's camp, where they will receive special gifts and prizes. Importantly, the program is open to students beyond the local community, ensuring that its positive impact can extend far and wide. For more information, interested participants can visit the "SugarMel LiteracyEducation Mental Health Programs" page on Facebook or contact the camp line at (616) 536-1980 with any questions. Essays should be submitted by the deadline July 12, 2026, to [email protected]. Through this initiative, the Sugar Mel All-Star Camp is broadening its influence, inspiring young people across various age groups to embrace literacy, education, and personal growth.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:
The SMAC Literacy and Education Program's initiative to recognize young athletes for their academic achievements highlights the critical role of fostering both athletic and academic excellence. By awarding the Melvin "Sugar" McLaughlin Award to one male/female camper from each age group who demonstrates the highest outstanding academic performance, the program sends a powerful message about the value of education alongside sports.
Encouraging young athletes to prioritize their studies not only prepares them for success beyond their athletic careers but also reinforces the importance of balance and discipline. Setting a GPA requirement of 3.5 or higher motivates participants to strive for excellence in the classroom, while the recognition itself serves as a tangible reward for their hard work. By tying this award to the All-Star Camp, the program integrates academics into the broader athletic experience, emphasizing that success in one area can complement and enhance success in another.

Programs like this can inspire young athletes to see themselves as more than just players on the field or court—they are students, leaders, and role models. Recognizing academic achievements builds confidence, opens doors to future opportunities, and cultivates a mindset that values lifelong learning. This holistic approach to development is essential for empowering young individuals to thrive both in sports and life. Award recipients should send their report card to [email protected] by July 12, 2026.

Mental Health Initiatives
The Sugar Mel All Star Basketball Camp (SMAC) Mental Health Programs have also been implemented to support our area youth with FREE mental health programs to foster optimal health and well-being. Our in-house social worker and licensed mental health practitioner has taken actionable steps to promote mental health, which includes open communication, reducing stigma, teaching coping mechanisms, nutrition, physical activities, and ensuring our children’s safety. Combating the mental health challenges today requires a collective responsibility to nurture the mental health needs of our younger generations, as they are the foundation of our future. Please join us for our first annual "Kick the Stigma" Family Fun in the Sun Kickball event on June 27, 2026, from 12am-5pm at Fuller Park NE Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Create your team and come out and beat our host team! This event is free to the public, it raises mental health awareness, provide free resources, and address mental health concerns in our youth and community. Free food for participants, raffles, and campers that register in-person for the 2026 All-Star 'Sweet Shot' Camp will be entered into a drawing to receive $100 gift card. Need additional information or to learn about our free mental health programs contact [email protected] or call the camp line at (616) 536-1980.

Outro:
We eagerly anticipate welcoming our campers each year and are dedicated to supporting our community through athletics, tutoring, academic achievement, enriched reading programs, and promoting overall health and well-being. Thank you for being a part of our community.

"Always do your best; on and off the court."
Sugar Mel

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