The Unmasking Me Youth Summit is a high-impact, school-ready experience designed to engage students through the power of sports, mentorship, and social-emotional learning. Rooted in the themes of the book Unmasking Me, this summit creates a safe, energetic space where students can be active, reflect deeply, and walk away with practical tools for self-awareness, resilience, and character development.
Basketball is the bridge but the real game being played is growth.
The Unmasking Me Youth Summit is a high-impact, school-ready experience designed to engage students through the power of sports, mentorship, and social-emotional learning. Rooted in the themes of the book Unmasking Me, this summit creates a safe, energetic space where students can be active, reflect deeply, and walk away with practical tools for self-awareness, resilience, and character development.
Basketball is the bridge but the real game being played is growth.
Based on the published book Unmasking Me, inspired by real experiences and written for today’s youth.
Students are given permission to open up, reflect, and be heard—without pressure or judgment.
Adaptable to your school schedule, student needs, and available space.
Blends mentorship, movement, and meaningful conversation through the structure of a basketball summit—but the principles apply beyond the court.
This structure creates a fun, safe, and transformative experience that blends movement, mentorship, and meaningful conversation—all rooted in the themes of the Unmasking Me book.
🎶 DJ or music playlist sets the atmosphere as students arrive and get settled in the gym.
🎤 School leadership welcomes students, introduces the visiting team/program, and sets expectations.
👥 The “Unmasking Me” Team introduces themselves, shares a short story about the book's purpose and power, and outlines the program flow.
“This is more than just basketball—this is about discovering who you are underneath the mask.”
Choose a fun, team-building group activity to break the ice and build energy:
Facilitators emphasize themes like teamwork, communication, and respect.
This isn't just open gym—this is purpose-driven play. Our basketball block creates space for students to release energy, build teamwork, and connect with mentors—all while reinforcing key character values.
🔸 Flexible Format, Maximum Engagement
Activities are customized based on gym size and school resources. Stations are set up across the gym, allowing students to rotate freely and engage at their own pace and comfort level.
🏀 Featured Stations May Include:
Students are encouraged to try multiple stations, cheer each other on, and lean into healthy competition.
🔸 Mentors In Motion
Volunteer mentors are present at each station to:
🔸 Core Values On The Court
This session is about more than skill—it’s about:
🎤 “The game is just the tool. The real win is how we treat each other, how we grow, and what we learn about ourselves in the process.
The lights dim slightly, and a video featuring Coach Joe plays. In this short clip, Coach Joe opens up about identity, vulnerability, and the emotional “masks” young men often wear to hide fear, anger, or insecurity.
This video is meant to spark connection, reflection, and relatability.
Immediately following, a visual storytelling video plays—portraying how external pressure, pain, and expectations can shape the “masks” we put on in school, at home, and in our communities.
This piece drives home the message: We all wear masks—but we don’t have to keep them on.
Coach Joe takes the mic for a short, heartfelt message:
💬 “You don’t need to hide behind the mask. You matter. You have value. Let’s grow—mask off.”
Each student receives:
This symbolic gesture marks a turning point—a reminder of the day they took a step toward unmasking and becoming their true selves.
🍽️ The Summit ends with community and connection—because growth happens in relationship.
