About Us
About Us
Our Story
Camp Bru Co-founder, Jake Brudish, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at fifteen months of age in 1995.
Jake played Division I basketball at Southern Methodist University and coached at the collegiate level for over six years. Jake is now coaching high school at his alma mater, St. Mary’s Annapolis. Jake has been a part of multiple conference championship teams and trips to the NCAA tournament as a player and coach.
Jake is so grateful that he was empowered with many different tools and experiences that allowed him to manage his blood sugars and attain his goals.
My parents have always had a positive attitude. I never felt like a victim because they never felt like victims. After all, I was diagnosed as a baby so they made it their mission to empower me to live a fulfilling life. While it wasn’t always easy, we were a team – we picked each other up and did our best every day. Before we knew it, I was a regular kid – playing sports, making friends, and going to school. As long as I had my insulin and my test kit, I believed that I had everything I needed. I was and continue to be grateful for that…Thank you Mom and Dad.
However, I felt there was a stigma around diabetes. I didn’t have any close friends with T1D. I knew and met a few other people with T1D, and it seemed they let it control their lives. At the same time, there was also a group that was dismissive
of our disease – who failed to acknowledge the seriousness of proper daily management
My parents would suggest going to diabetes camps and I would push back every time… When I was fourteen years old, I finally agreed to attend my first “diabetes camp,” the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp in Vernonia, Oregon. I was reluctant, but it was a BASKETBALL camp afterall. And Chris Dudley was the first person to play in the NBA with T1D, so how bad could it be??
This turned out to be one of the most enlightening experiences of my life.
I worked hard on the court, learned a few pointers to help with my diabetes management, and met a group of lifelong friends and role models. The main thing I took from that week at camp was a humble perspective – to not think less of myself, but to think of myself less… I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders as I went back to my life in Maryland. Plus I gained a new sense of respect and gratitude for my parents and sister, as I reflected on their experience from a different lens
Our Work
Hoops International creates opportunities for underserved youth on the basketball court and beyond.
We bridge cultural divides through human interaction and trust.
- We encourage all participants to discover their unique talents and abilities.
- We offer the chance to learn, reflect, and evolve.
- We create new opportunities.
- We lay the groundwork for positive change and help provide the tools for a brighter future.
Hoops International believes in your youth, empowering them to believe in themselves.
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What We Do
Basketball Training
We provide structured basketball coaching sessions that build skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Medical Support
On-site medical professionals ensure safe diabetes management throughout all camp activities.
Overnight Camp
A fully supervised residential camp experience combining sports, learning, and fun.
Youth Development
We focus on leadership, discipline, and personal growth beyond the basketball court.
Safe Registration
Simple online system for camper registration, forms, and secure data handling.
Community Building
We create a supportive environment where campers, families, and staff connect together.
OFF THE COURT, INTO THE WORLD
Striving for consistency between what we say and what we do, the coaching style of Hoops International is unique. Everything that we do starts with a commitment to our core values and a pledge to always act with integrity.
We help at-risk youth break the cycles that may be holding back their future, and the future of their community.
Our compassionate coaching strategies encourage mindfulness, personal drive, determination, and a deeper sense of self.
What Parents Say About Camp Bru
Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience.
Be part of an exciting summer filled with growth, fun, and unforgettable memories in a safe and supportive environment.