Jake Kind’s Camp PMBL: 15 years of play, 15,000 lives transformed in Treasure Beach

Fifteen years, 15,000 players, and one vision; Jake Kind’s Camp PMBL (Philadelphia Men’s Basketball League) has become a powerhouse of purpose. What started as a simple idea to bring kids together through sport has evolved into a movement that’s redefining teamwork on and off the court.

The camp has had a positive impact in the community of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, and Kind said he is proud of creating a camp that supports children and fosters positive social change in the community.

“The fact that I have been able to create an organisation in a camp that gives a bunch of kids the opportunity to meet people that could be there for them in their darkest time, is something that makes me really proud,” Kind said, noting that the community makes him feel like home.

“What I have been able to do over the years is change these kids’ lives and increase their opportunity for finding an additional sport,” added Kind, whose camp has grown from 600 to 2,500 participants from various parishes in Jamaica.

The camp partners with BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park and Academy yearly. Last August, at their 11th annual event, they also partnered with P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy.

At this year’s camp, a container with 1,200 pairs of sneakers, 2,500 reversible jerseys, 3,000 pairs of shorts, 2,000 sports bars, 4,000 pairs of socks, 1,000 backpacks, 1,000 water bottles and 1,000 hats were distributed.

The first year, PMBL started off with 20 coaches and 25 children and grew to 250 children by the end of the week.

There are over 100 coaches who are involved with activities like referee clinics and tournaments.

The curriculum includes basic basketball skills, and values like discipline, consistency and fun.

Things weren’t always easy for Kind, as he is a recovering opioid addict and has survived colorectal cancer.

“I almost died from phase 3B colorectal cancer three years ago. I feel super fortunate that every time I made a mistake in my life, there has been somebody in my network or family who has been there to support me in my darkest time,” said Kind.

He emphasised the use of basketball as a vehicle for positive social change, focusing on themes like perseverance, teamwork, respect, love and integrity.

The camp’s positive impact has left first time camper Maggotty High’s Karena White feeling grateful for the opportunity.

“I think the camp is beneficial because we get exposure not only to basketball, but other things. The children get to play, exercise, taught to be respectful and set boundaries. It is a great for the community, because there are a lot of people from St Elizabeth that come here and gain something positive,” White said.

The PMBL camp sends buses to different locations, including some in Mandeville; and in St Elizabeth to Junction and Manning’s Boys Home in Southfield.

The camp is open to all ages, from pre-teens to 60-year-olds, but it primarily targets children.

Kind reflected on the positive changes he has seen in the children’s lives, in both their basketball skills and overall development.

Coaching volunteer Blake Gillespie said he would love to come back in 2026 for the camp.

“I think it is important to have the camp in this section of St Elizabeth because it is a remote area on the island,” said Gillespie.

The idea of a camp was sparked during a conversation at a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game, leading to the establishment of the camp in August 2011.

The next camp is scheduled to be held August 10-14 in 2026.