Monday, June 29, 2026

Three Maranatha High Juniors Launch Free Basketball Camp for Altadena Kids Affected by Eaton Fire

Founded by high school students who experienced the devastation of the Eaton Fire firsthand.

Three Maranatha High School juniors who experienced the Eaton Fire firsthand announced they will host a free Basketball and Wellness Camp for children ages 8 to 12 affected by the tragedy

The founders of Healing Hoops Altadena — Ryden Shiozaki, Ethan Kim and Ryder Wong — said they intend to use basketball and mental wellness support to help their community heal.

The camp is planned for July 13 through 17 at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Community Center, 960 East Walnut Street, where it is scheduled daily from 9 to 11 a.m. The week closes with a free public wrap-up event on July 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, Mackenzie Scott Branch, 2020 N. Fair Oaks, their announcement said.

Each day will feature a basketball workshop and activities designed to “instill calm and creativity in the youngsters, such as art therapy and yoga,” according to the trio.

Any level of basketball experience can attend from first timers to avid players.

“We want to use basketball to help kids in Altadena who were impacted by the fire,” Shiozaki explained in the announcement. “Basketball has always been a constant in our lives, and we feel it can be a tool for healing, connection and building confidence.”

Healing Hoops Altadena grew out of deeply personal loss for its three founders, particularly Shiozaki, whose home burned to the ground and whose family lost everything, according to the announcement. The outpouring of support he received from family, friends and the wider community inspired him and his partners to give younger children a fun, well-rounded program.

The founders have received support from the Dragon Kim Foundation, a California-based nonprofit which helps high school students create distinctive social impact projects in their communities. Shiozaki, Kim and Wong are members of the foundation’s 2026 Fellowship class.

The July 18 wrap-up event will include basketball, wellness activities, guest speakers and a raffle, the announcement said, and a photographer will be available to take complimentary family portraits to replace those lost in the fire.

Sponsorships are still available for organizations interested in being involved in the daily camp or workshops.

For more information, contact lesleychinen@gmail.com ot call (310) 710-9426.