At the end of Donna Brown-Wynn’s Play-2-Wynn basketball camp, she’s exhausted and in a good way.

In her 14th year hosting the camp, her desire to teach kids the game of basketball hasn’t waned.

“To me teaching is my purpose and I mean that,” Brown-Wynn said. “Teaching and coaching is my purpose in life. What I do out here with this is what I love to do. When they walk out of here and tell mom and dad they had a good time, I’ve achieved my goal.”

If the only thing the campers learned during their five days with her is how to do a layup properly, she’s satisfied with her efforts.

“If all of them don’t learn the same thing, it’s ok. If they learn the shot fake or the jab then I’m fine,” she said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

The campers, however, understand what Brown-Wynn is relaying to them and are anxious to apply it on the court. She tells parents and other coaches that kids are like a sponge. When campers see how motivated their leader is, they match the intensity.

Even the criticism is received well.

Friday was the last day of camp, which was a culmination of skills learned throughout the week. Defense and court vision were the main focus. The shift from an offensive-dominate camp was to show the importance of the other side of the ball.

“Everybody wants to shoot threes,” Brown-Wynn said.

Campers participated in a “king of the court” drill where players had to score on an opponent, but also had to defend the basket.

Additionally, she demonstrated a proper defensive stance with a hand up above their head to deflect passes and contest shots, and the need to have a hand below their waste to protect the crossover or come away with a potential steal. Wednesday, Campers learned how to shake defenders using shot fakes and jab steps as ball handlers. Camper Deja Moten made sure to show off her newly acquired skill during her turn at the king-of-the-court drill to create open space at the basket.

“Boys are so aggressive, it’s just in their nature to jump, move and react. That’s where the shot fake comes from,” she said. “I learned that playing against boys when I was 11-, 10-years-old.”

Returning home to Vicksburg brings Brown-Wynn joy and fulfillment. She’s received donations of water and Gatorade and shoes from Belmont University in Tennessee to distribute to her campers, along with her patented T-shirts given away the Thursday of camp week.

“I’m wore out at the end of the week but it’s a good thing. I know I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do to make them happy when they walk out of this gym,” she said. “I’ve done my part and I’m going to do everything I can do to make sure they’re happy.”