LL Cool J grew up in southeast Queens, and the Jump and Ball camp puts his name behind a full day of free youth basketball and double dutch on a neighborhood playground rather than a private facility. It is exactly the kind of hyperlocal event that never makes a citywide calendar and matters enormously on the block it happens on. If you have kids in Queens and want a real day of sport with no fee, this is the one to know about.
What to expect
Expect a playground given over to youth sports for the day — basketball courts in use, jump rope stations, coaches and volunteers running drills, and families around the edges. The day runs long, from morning into the evening. Registration details are handled by the organizers on site.
Good to know
- Daniel M. O'Connell Playground is in Queens; local bus routes serve the area from Jamaica Center.
- Aimed at young people; check with organizers about age ranges and sign-up on the day.
- Bring water, sunscreen and sneakers — it is a full day outdoors on hard courts.
- Parents and families are generally welcome to stay and watch.
- There are no vendors, so pack food for a long day.
- Flat, paved playground surfaces throughout.
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Common questions
Who is it for?
It is a youth basketball and jump rope camp, aimed at young people in the surrounding Queens neighborhoods.
Where is it held?
Daniel M. O'Connell Playground in Queens.
Is there a connection to LL Cool J?
The camp carries the name of the Queens-raised rapper and actor, whose Jump and Ball program supports free youth sports clinics.
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