CASCO, Maine — Camp Sunshine, located along the shores of Sebago Lake, hosts children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with a goal of creating a sense of community and understanding—and let's not forget fun.
It's because of this that the Harlem Globetrotters spent a day at camp over the summer. The visit was to film an episode for the third season of the show called "Play it Forward," where the globetrotters visit philanthropic organizations doing good.
"They said, 'Can we come and experience a few hours with you and with your families?' And it turns out they were here all day," Joanne Bean, president and executive director of Camp Sunshine, said.
Bean said it was an honor to have the Globetrotter onsite.
"It happened to be the week where we had a lot of children recovering from brain tumor procedures," Bean said. "To witness that, these kids were laughing, having fun," Bean says.
While showing what they can do with a basketball is their specialty, Bean said the team instead embraced what Camp Sunshine is all about.
"They participated in a few activities, they spoke to our families, kids individually, but then parents, and had a meal with us and really enjoyed the day," Bean said.
Cherelle "Torch" George has been a Globetrotter for several years. She said it has incredible to be able touch so many lives.
"To be a part of such an iconic brand, legendary players that come before me," Torch said. "Myself and 'Too Tall' [Winston], we're just trying to keep the legacy going, continue to inspire kids all over the world."
Lucius "Too Tall" Winston shared the same sentiment, adding it's surreal to be able to give back and inspire so many kids.
"Any way I can inspire kids to chase after their dream and want to become a Globetrotter, just whatever they want to be in life, that's a goal that I've always wanted to achieve," Too Tall said. "I'm so blessed to be with this organization because it's not all about basketball."
Even though the Globetrotters like to entertain, they also are looking to the future.
"They look for audiences to make them laugh, to make them cheer, and I think they really enjoyed witnessing that at Camp Sunshine," Bean said.
The team aims to encourage younger generations, like those at Camp Sunshine, to chase their dreams.
The episode of "Play it Forward" featuring Camp Sunshine is scheduled to air at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19 on NBC.
If you want to see the Harlem Globetrotters in person, they will be in Maine in February 2025 as part of their world tour.
- Augusta: Feb. 12 at the Augusta Civic Center
- Bangor: Feb. 13 at the Cross Insurance Center
- Portland: Feb. 14 at the Cross Insurance Arena
For more information, you can visit the website harlemglobetrotters.com