Adam Kasper looked up to the college players who taught him the basics of basketball when he was in elementary school.

Those students were basketball players for the Riverland Community College Blue Devils and instructors at the Blue Devil Buddies camp.

Mostly he just remembers running around during those four Saturdays of camp.

"It was just fun to see all the older players," Kasper said. "When you're young you look up to those people a lot."

Now those elementary children look up to Kasper.

Kasper, a first-year student and Blue Devils basketball player at Riverland, has been able to help children in grades one through six develop their basketball skills.

He is an instructor in the annual Blue Devil Buddies camp, now going on its 12th year.

"I have a blast hanging out with kids," he said. "It's just as fun for us as it is for them."

Kasper's coach, Dave Lillemon, started the camp in 1990 for boys and girls so that they could learn basketball skills in a non-competitive setting.

His men's basketball team provide instruction and coaching to the children during the camp each fall.

"It benefits the community because of its friendly atmosphere," said Lillemon, Riverland's men's athletic director and men's basketball coach. "It's a non-threatening environment."

The camp is usually held four Saturdays in October and November each year. For $15 the students get a basketball, T-shirt and instruction from the Riverland men's basketball team.

"The whole intention of it is to give kids an opportunity to participate," Lillemon said.

The first year the camp was held, about 50 children participated. In 2002, 127 children learned to play basketball.

During the camp, his players facilitate most of the activities. Lillemon makes sure the days go smoothly and helps children with any questions.

Lillemon said he was part of a similar camp in Minot, N.D. Providing one in Austin is important to him.

"I really enjoy children," Lillemon said. "I know how important opportunity is for kids that don't seem to get to play basketball. It's a way to give back to the community."

The camp also allows his players to develop new skills. For many it's the first time they are able to coach others.

"It's beneficial to have that experience," Lillemon said.

Curt Peterson, a second-year student at Riverland, said showing the children drills helps refresh the team's memory.

"Sometimes we do drills we haven't done in awhile," Peterson said.

Peterson said the children are fun to work with, although coaching can get frustrating if they do not listen.

"It gets us up on a Saturday morning," Peterson said, jokingly.

John Tillo, a first-year student at Riverland, said he participated in a similar program when he was in high school.

"I thought that was cool," he said.

Tillo said he enjoys working with children, even though those Saturdays get to be long days.

"It's a nice experience of the kids," Tillo said. "Especially for the kids who are not as skilled at a young age. They get the same amount of attention."

Some of the children say they would like to play basketball in high school, Kasper said. Others are just there to enjoy the game.

Because of his experience last year, Kasper plans to participate in the camp again this fall.

"It was just a really fun experience," Kasper said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com