Camp Bowers celebrates 10th anniversary with record-breaking enrollment numbers

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Over the last decade, former Mizzou men's basketball star Laurence Bowers has had his mind set on making an impact in a town that gave him so much. Now, his annual camp, 'Camp Bowers,' is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with record-breaking enrollment numbers.

Bowers said that a total of 619 campers registered for the 2024 edition of his camp, which is the most in its history. It beat the 2023 record of 553 enrollees, as the event continues to grow.

"That's all a testament to the hard work put in. You know, this camp bears my name on the front, but it's not all about me. My wife has done a great job behind the scenes, my family, and just being able to receive the generosity from the city of Columbia is what really has propelled the camp from when I first started," Bowers said.

Bowers runs three different versions of his camp over the course of one week:

• Camp Bowers (ages 8-11) - sold out this year
• Camp Bowers Advanced (ages 12-16) - sold out this year
• Baby Ballers Camp (ages 5-7)

Over the course of those few days, Bowers' campers learn from local college hoopers, including lots of current and former Mizzou men's and women's players.

The MU alum said when he first started this camp about 10 years ago, he could have never imagined that it would blossom into what it's become now.

"When we first started this camp it was just a way of reciprocating some of those things that I received from people back in the day. I just wanted to touch the lives of a few kids and here we are with 619 campers in year 10," he said. "I think we're doing something right, so it's grown to something that's way beyond what I ever imagined."

Bowers' connection with the Tiger men's and women's basketball teams has been a big help over the years, as players continue to contribute to the camp. In 2024, there are a slew of Mizzou players helping out, including Aidan Shaw, Trent Pierce, Anthony Robinson, Caleb Grill, Ashton Judd, Grace Slaughter, Abby Schreake, Angelique Ngalakulondi and many others.

"I can't show them how to play basketball anymore, right, but I can show them what it's like to make an impact with younger athletes. My goal is for them to, hopefully, see what I'm doing and want to do something of their own here in the future," Bowers said.

Camp Bowers runs over the course of one week in July, every year. You can find more information on Bowers' website.