MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Local elementary aged children received a free introduction to the fundamentals of basketball during Marine Corps Community Services, Semper Fit Division's holiday basketball camp, Tuesday, at the IronWorks Gym here. The camp's focus was to give the children something fun to do while school was not in session, according to Jamie Buning, youth sports coordinator. "We want to get (children) out of the house. Get them some good exercise and have fun," Buning explained. The participants were divided into age groups and the types of basketball training were tailored to fit each group's level of experience. "I like throwing it," said 5-year-old Conner Doherty, holiday camp participant. Doherty and other children his age dribbled a basketball around a set of orange cones during the first part of the camp. All participants started the day with proper stretching led by Matthew C. Perry High School athletes and Marine volunteers. "I did this because I love kids," said Jose DeJesus, camp volunteer. "My family is full of kids, and I have a son back home. I think volunteering is important." From free throws and three-pointers to lay-ups and ball handling, volunteers showed participants proper techniques and fundamentals of basketball, said Eugene Clark, M.C. Perry High School basketball coach and camp instructor. "We're just out here for the kids," Clark said. "Everyone's having fun and learning at the same time." Parents said having a program like this is great while children are on vacation. "This (program) is great. This is our second year (participating in the camp). It helps to give children something to do when they're away from school," said Toni Keating, who watched her son, Spencer Keating, 7, practice passing drills with other local children. Following the dribbling, passing and shooting drills each group split into teams during the scrimmage portion of the camp. Following, the games an awards ceremony was held. Camp volunteers and Instructors had a variety of trophies and awards to hand out ensuring that every participant received some type of award. Once the participants left the court, hotdogs and refreshments were available in the Gym's courtyard.