Young people connect and let loose at 3X3 Summer Camps

3 September, 2025

As the summer holidays came to an end, dozens of young people gathered at the Paper Dome in Amsterdam Southeast and at the Buikslotermeerplein in Amsterdam North. There, during the last weekend of the vacation, the 3X3 Unites Summer Camps took place. “A camp like this has a huge impact on young people.”

The Summer Camps have become an annual tradition, organized entirely by the Leaders of 3X3 Unites themselves. Just before school starts again, young people can take part in a 3x3 basketball camp to wrap up the summer together, right before the new regular basketball season begins.

Quincy Winter and Ibrahim Barry were responsible for the Summer Camp in Amsterdam North on behalf of 3X3 Unites. They divided the camp across two weekends: the first weekend was open to basketball fans under 12, 14, and 16 years old. The second weekend featured a tournament for young people over 18.

“I don’t live in North anymore, but I was born and raised here,” Quincy says. A few years ago, he noticed that young people in North wanted to play basketball but needed a push and more organized activities. Thanks in part to his efforts, there are now events in North throughout the year, including the Summer Camp.

During the first weekend, he and Ibrahim taught the youngest participants basketball fundamentals through games, finishing with
matches. The 18+ players who joined the following weekend played a tournament among themselves. There was also the 12-second challenge:
making a lay-up, free throw, and three-pointer within 12 seconds.

At Buikslotermeerplein, five teams of four players competed against each other. “From the very first game, the players were switched on. They were competitive and fought for every point,” Quincy says. Between the games, he chatted with the young people who had come to the Summer Camp. “I want to raise more awareness for 3x3 basketball and make sure the youth in North have a great time.”

That goal was achieved. Several young people approached Quincy, asking how they could become 3X3 Leaders themselves. Others wanted his advice on how to develop certain skills, both on and off the court. “I think it’s amazing that I can help these young people. I love sharing knowledge. It gives me a good feeling to do things like this for the neighborhood where I grew up.”

The same goes for Renivio Pengel, who, together with Mike Nasibdar, organized the Summer Camp at the Paper Dome in Amsterdam Southeast. “We taught the young people how to dribble, pass, and attack. We wanted to give them something they could use right away, offering small tips so that both 12-year-olds and 18-year-olds could take something away,” Renivio says.

A total of twelve young people joined the Summer Camp in Southeast. They didn’t all come from the area: one participant was from Haarlem, and others came from Amsterdam North. “It’s great that young people can meet new peers through 3x3 basketball like this.”

Renivio, who has been a 3X3 Leader since 2023, was given full freedom by Mike to shape the camp however he wanted. “I wanted to give them a fun day while also teaching them new skills,” he says. “I’ve learned that things don’t always go as planned. That’s why you have to be flexible and adapt your plans to the group in front of you.”

He found it inspiring to see how quickly the participants connected, even though most of them hadn’t met before the camp. “The vibe was really great,” he says. “I always tell young people that they need to communicate with each other when they’re on the same team. It helps if you know each other a little.”

What he means is that in 3x3 basketball, results only come through teamwork. “There was also a 10-year-old boy taking part. He was much younger than some of the others, but everyone helped him and complimented him when he made a good shot. That was awesome to see.”

Renivio and Mike hope to organize another basketball camp in the winter. “A camp like this has a huge impact on young people. They meet new people, realize they’re not alone, enjoy a fun afternoon, and learn new skills.”