BIDDEFORD – Basketball never stops – at least not if Biddeford’s basketball coaches have anything to say about it.

 Registration is now open for the third annual Biddeford Hoops Summer Camp and those who sign up by June 12 will receive a free basketball as part of the experience.

“The camp provides an opportunity for our youth players to have an opportunity to do something active during the summertime at a very reasonable cost,” said Biddeford boys’ varsity coach Justin Tardif, who returns to help lead the camp along with the high school’s girls’ varsity basketball coach Katie Herbine. “Last year, we had about 75 total boys and girls, and we’re hoping to get more (this time around).”

Camp, which is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from July 15 through July 19, is open to boys and girls who are in the first through the eighth grade. Registration fees cost $75 per child, but there is a two-sibling discount of $125. Need-based scholarships are also available. “We do not want any student missing the opportunity to attend camp for financial reasons,” reads the camp’s registration form.

Each day of the Biddeford Hoops Summer Camp is highlighted by a different theme, such as “NBA Player Day” where kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite player’s jersey or “Crazy Sock Day,” that go hand-in-hand with the atmosphere the camp’s staff tries to create.

“Our No. 1 goal, even more than teaching basketball skills or getting kids to play better, is we just want kids to have a fun experience at the camp,” said Tardif. “We want them going home each day like, ‘I can’t wait to be back here.’”

Registration can be found online at bit.ly/2HvEjVK. Participants are allowed to sign up at the door, but Tardif recommends mailing in your registration. The address can be found on the registration form. The camp is held at Biddeford’s Tiger Gym. Further questions can be directed by email to Herbine at kwherbine@gmail.com or to Tardif at jtardif@biddefordschools.me.

“We love having boys and girls playing together and working on drills,” said Tardif. “We think they’re learning life skills as well as basketball skills during the camp together.”

 — Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports