The Jump & Ball initiative, backed by Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Founder and CEO of Rock The Bells LL COOL J has been a steadfast presence in Queens, New York, providing comprehensive basketball training and more to the youth for 16 years.

This year, the full camp and tournament will take place at Daniel M O’Connell playground. The camp has been spread over several days and is scheduled for the following dates: 8/12, 8/13, 8/19, 8/20, and 8/26.

Kids from Southeast Queens are set to master their game while simultaneously imbibing leadership qualities. The daily camp tournament runs from 9-1 pm and caters to both boys and girls aged 8-18, with free sign-ups available online. Following this, from 2-5pm, there's the Set High School Team Tournament, which features 8 boys HS/AAU & Queens teams and 4 girls HS teams.

But what elevates Jump & Ball above other summer events? Its holistic approach. Beyond basketball, the camp, sponsored by Walmart, underscores holistic development by cultivating leadership and teamwork. In our dynamic world, these attributes are critical both on the basketball court and in life.

"My grandmother used to tell me that an idle mind is the devil's workshop," LL said in a recent interview with NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. "I remember walking around in the neighborhood and not having anything to do. And when I didn't have anything to do, that idle mind became that workshop. Right now, we have the Jump & Ball camp — we have about 250 kids... who get to learn basketball skills, discipline and how [discipline] equals freedom. They get to learn how to work with other people, and they get a little closer to their dreams. Coming from that community, I know how important it is to have some sort of outlet."

With LL COOL J steering its course, Jump & Ball transcends the boundaries of a typical summer camp. It's a potent blend of a movement, community celebration, and an ode to the constructive influence of Hip-Hop.