Vertical Sports Camp continues to expand its athletic offerings for Maui youth as the camp featured more than a dozen different sports this year including paddling. Photo courtesy Ben Prangnell

Through its partnership with Hope Chapel Maui, the Vertical Sports Camp promotes physical activity by introducing young athletes to a variety of sports in a fun and welcoming environment.

The program has expanded a lot over the years. It began as Basketball Maui, a nonprofit organization founded in June 2010 that hosted camps, school events and clinics for Maui youth for 10 consecutive years.

Guided by its mission to inspire and equip youth through sports, the organization sought to expand its annual summer camp by offering a broader range of athletic opportunities. With Hope Chapel Maui serving as host, the camp evolved from a basketball-focused program into a multi-sport experience, extending its reach to more children and families throughout the community.

After officially changing its name to Vertical Sports Camp in 2019, the program held its first camp under the new name in 2020, offering eight sports. This year’s camp featured 14 sports, reflecting the program’s continued growth and expanded reach.

Hosted by Hope Chapel Maui, the camp has evolved over the years from Vacation Bible School to Basketball Maui and, ultimately, to what is now known as Vertical Sports Camp.

“The purpose of the sports camp is to inspire and equip youth by providing high-level athletic instruction, opportunities for youth to be introduced to new sports, develop their athletic abilities and to teach how sport is integrated with our Christian faith,” said Ben Prangnell, lead pastor at Hope Chapel Maui.

When Vertical Sports Camp was first hosted at the church, it offered basketball, soccer, CrossFit, cheerleading, volleyball, flag football and baseball. This year, the camp expanded to include hula, Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling, skateboarding, gymnastics, rugby and Sports Trifecta, a program that combines T-ball, soccer and basketball for children ages 5 and 6.

The expansion has allowed the church to reach more children and families by providing a broader range of athletic opportunities.

“The sport rallies each day and the athlete training workbook that the kids go through is an integral piece of the camp that shows kids how they can integrate the lessons they are learning through sports to all of life,” said Prangnell.

As participation has grown, so too has the need for volunteers and coaches to support the camp’s expanding programs and help ensure a positive experience for all participants.

Grateful for the opportunity to provide Maui’s youth with athletic experiences rooted in Christian faith, Prangnell said he is encouraged by the continued growth and the positive impact the camp has on Maui’s youth.

“I am so grateful to our Vertical Sports staff team and the more than 240 volunteers who make this camp possible for our kids,” said Prangnell. “Lifetime memories are made and seeing sports serve as a tool to teach life skills, build character and grow in faith for everyone involved whether a camper, volunteer or coach is the primary encouragement I see in all of it.”

For more information, go to verticalsportsmaui.com or follow @verticalsportsmaui on Instagram and Facebook.

Photo courtesy Ben Prangnell