Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camps: A Local Guide for Atlanta Families

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting with a young basketball fan, Atlanta Hawks basketball camps are one of the most popular ways for kids to learn the game, build skills, and experience pro-level coaching in an NBA environment. This guide explains what these camps are like, how they work in and around Atlanta, and how families typically decide which option is right for their child.

What Are Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camps?

Atlanta Hawks basketball camps are youth skill-development programs run under the Hawks brand, usually for kids and teens. They’re designed to:

• Teach fundamentals (dribbling, shooting, passing, defense)
• Build teamwork and confidence
• Give local kids a taste of NBA-style drills and coaching
• Provide a fun, structured environment during school breaks

Most camps are day camps, not overnight, and are held at gyms and recreation centers around the Atlanta metro area, including locations in the city and nearby suburbs.

Typical Camp Locations Around Atlanta

While exact sites can change from year to year, Hawks-branded camps are often held at:

• State Farm Arena (Hawks home arena)
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Occasionally used for special events, select sessions, or camp experiences
• Metro-area gyms and rec centers, such as:
  • Youth basketball facilities in Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown
  • Suburban locations in areas like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Decatur
  • School or community recreation centers that partner with the Hawks

Parents in Atlanta usually check the specific session details for the year to see which location is closest and what type of facility is being used (school gym, private training facility, or arena-based event).

Types of Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camps

You’ll see several common formats in and around Atlanta:

1. Summer Basketball Camps

These are the most popular and widely available. They typically:

• Run during summer break (June–July, sometimes August)
• Last 4–5 days per session, often Monday–Friday
• Operate as day camps, usually from morning to mid-afternoon

They’re ideal if you’re looking for:

• A structured weekly activity during summer
• A way for your child to improve skills between school seasons
• A local option that doesn’t require travel out of metro Atlanta

2. Holiday and School-Break Camps

During the school year, many Atlanta families use Hawks camps that line up with:

• Winter break
• Spring break
• Single-day or multi-day holiday sessions

These are helpful if you need an activity while Atlanta Public Schools or nearby districts (like DeKalb, Fulton, or Cobb) are out of session.

3. Skill-Specific or Advanced Sessions

Some Hawks-affiliated camps in Atlanta offer more focused options, such as:

• Shooting clinics
• Ball-handling and guard play
• Post player development
• Middle school and high school prep

These are often best for kids who already have some playing experience and want to fine-tune certain areas.

Who Hawks Camps Are For (Age, Skill Level, and Fit)

Ages

Most Atlanta Hawks youth camps are geared toward:

• Elementary school kids (often around ages 6–12)
• Middle school players (roughly 11–14)

Some sessions may extend into high school age for more advanced training. Age ranges are clearly listed for each camp, and kids are usually grouped by age and/or skill level on the court.

Skill Levels

Hawks camps around Atlanta typically welcome:

• Beginners who are just learning the basics
• Recreational players who play in school or rec leagues
• More serious youth athletes who want structured instruction

Staff usually separate campers into groups so beginners aren’t overwhelmed and more advanced players still feel challenged.

Is a Hawks Camp Right for Your Child?

A Hawks camp may be a good match if your child:

• Enjoys basketball or wants to try it in a fun, low-pressure setting
• Wants to meet other kids from across Atlanta and the suburbs
• Likes the idea of learning from coaches connected to an NBA team

If your child is pursuing high-level competitive basketball, a Hawks camp can still be beneficial, especially for fundamentals and exposure to different coaching styles, but many families pair it with club/AAU teams or school training.

What a Typical Day at Camp Looks Like

Exact schedules vary by location and age group, but most Atlanta Hawks basketball camps follow a similar flow:

• Check-in and warm-up

  • Morning check-in at the gym or arena entrance
  • Dynamic stretching and light shooting or dribbling drills

• Skill stations

  • Rotating stations for dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and footwork
  • Coaches emphasize proper mechanics and technique

• Group instruction and team concepts

  • Learning spacing, basic plays, pick-and-roll concepts
  • Scrimmage-based teaching for understanding game situations

• Games and competitions

  • Controlled scrimmages
  • Friendly shooting or skills contests

• Wrap-up and pick-up

  • Group huddle, reminders for the next day, and supervised dismissal

Most camps include water breaks, snack or lunch periods (either provided or bring-your-own, depending on the camp), and time for kids to connect with coaches and other campers.

Coaching and Supervision

Hawks camps held in Atlanta typically use a mix of:

• Experienced youth basketball coaches
• Local high school or college-level players or assistants
• Camp directors familiar with youth sports in metro Atlanta

Coaches usually emphasize:

• Proper footwork and fundamentals
• Sportsmanship, hustle, and listening skills
• Playing the game the right way, not just showy moves

Staff-to-player ratios can vary, but there is typically enough supervision to keep groups organized and safe, especially for younger kids.

What Parents in Atlanta Usually Want to Know

1. Where Are Camps Held, and How Is Drop-Off/Pick-Up Handled?

For city residents and commuters, location and logistics are big factors:

• Many camps start around 8:30–9:00 AM and end around 2:30–4:00 PM
• Some sessions may offer early drop-off or extended-day options
• If the camp is at or near Downtown or Midtown, families often plan around traffic and parking near State Farm Arena or central gyms
• Suburban locations may offer easier parking and less congestion

Always check the specific camp details for instructions on:

• Sign-in/sign-out process
• Who is allowed to pick up your child
• Where parents should park and enter the facility

2. What Should My Child Bring?

Most Atlanta Hawks basketball camps recommend kids bring:

• Basketball shoes or court-appropriate sneakers
• Athletic clothing (shorts, T-shirt; some camps provide a camp shirt)
• Water bottle (gyms typically have refill stations)
• Snack and/or lunch, depending on whether meals are provided
• Any medical items your child might need (inhalers, etc.), coordinated with staff

Outdoor courts are less common for official Hawks camps, but if any part of camp is outside, sunscreen and hats may be helpful.

3. How Much Do Hawks Camps Typically Cost in Atlanta?

Pricing varies depending on:

• Length of camp (single-day, multi-day, weekly)
• Location (city vs. suburban facility)
• Type of camp (general skills vs. advanced clinic)

Families often see full-week Hawks-branded camps priced in line with other Atlanta sports day camps, with shorter clinics or one-day events costing less. Some parents look for:

• Early registration discounts
• Sibling discounts
• Occasional community or scholarship opportunities, when available

4. Are Hawks Camps Accessible by MARTA?

If you’re in-town and rely on transit:

• Camps at or near State Farm Arena are generally reachable via MARTA rail (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station).
• Some city gyms in Midtown or Downtown may be near MARTA rail or bus stops.
• Many suburban locations are more car-dependent; families often arrange carpools.

If access is a concern, it can be helpful to pick a central Atlanta location or coordinate rides with other families.

How Hawks Camps Compare to Other Atlanta Youth Basketball Options

Atlanta has a strong youth basketball scene, so many families consider how Hawks camps fit with:

• Local rec leagues (e.g., through City of Atlanta recreation centers or county parks)
• School teams (elementary, middle, and high school programs)
• Club/AAU programs that travel around Georgia or the Southeast

Hawks camps are usually seen as:

• Great for fundamentals and overall skill-building
• A fun way to connect with the NBA team kids see on TV or at State Farm Arena
• A solid option for summer or break-time structure

For long-term competition and team play, families often pair Hawks camps with a season-long league or school team.

Simple Planning Checklist for Atlanta Families 📝

Use this quick table as you plan:

How to Get the Most Out of a Hawks Camp

A few practical tips specific to Atlanta families:

• Plan around traffic: Morning rush around I-75/85, the Connector, and major corridors can be heavy. Aim to leave a little early, especially for Downtown or Midtown locations.
• Hydration is key: Atlanta summers are hot and humid. Even in air-conditioned gyms, kids can sweat a lot. Remind them to drink water regularly.
• Set realistic goals with your child: Talk beforehand about what they want to improve (shooting form, dribbling with the weak hand, defense) so they stay engaged.
• Reinforce skills at home or at local courts: After camp, many kids practice at nearby parks or rec centers in neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, West Midtown, or Decatur.
• Stay in touch with coaches: Many parents keep an open line during the week to ask about progress, behavior, or extra drills their child can work on.

Finding Current Hawks Camp Info

Because specific dates, locations, and details change from year to year, families in Atlanta typically:

• Check current schedules and registration for upcoming summer or holiday camps
• Look at camp descriptions for age, skill level, and location
• Contact the organizers or customer service with any questions about logistics, pricing, or special needs

For any event held at or coordinated through State Farm Arena, the main address is:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone numbers and specific camp contacts can change, so it’s best to confirm directly with the Hawks’ youth programs or camp organizers before registering.

Atlanta Hawks basketball camps give local kids a way to grow as players, stay active during school breaks, and feel connected to the city’s NBA team. With multiple locations across metro Atlanta and options for various ages and skill levels, most families can find a session that fits their child’s interests, their schedule, and their commute.