Rockaway Twp. Green Pond Bible Chapel is registering boys and girls in kindergarten through 8th grade for the upcoming season of Upward Basketball. Focusing on the individual child, values and confidence are instilled in the players while they have fun learning basketball. Practices begin Monday, November 27; games begin Friday, January 5; and the Awards Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 3 at 6:15 p.m. Upward Basketball was developed in 1986 in an effort to present the gospel message and to develop character and self-esteem in kids, and this is the fourth season the church will offer this national program to the community. Last year, almost 400 kids participated in the Upward Basketball at Green Pond Bible Chapel. Kindergartners joining the program is one unique benefit. Last year, approximately 75% of the kids and their families were from the community and did not attend church services at Green Pond. Over 1,000 people attended the closing ceremony in the church’s state-of-the-art gymnasium where prizes were awarded and an international juggling champion was performed. Program Director Lou Benfatti, said, “This was a tremendous outreach for Green Pond Bible Chapel and we are truly blessed to see the positive impact this unique basketball program has made on a lot of people.” Teams are separated by gender, age and skill level to ensure each child is placed in the best spot to challenge, motivate and encourage them individually. Skill level evaluations will be held at the gym on October 26 - 27 by age group. During each game, the church has a courtside canteen run entirely by volunteers to provide parents and kids with hotdogs, snacks, drinks and more at cost-based prices. Registration discounts will be available through October 27, with program placement evaluations beginning October 26 for 1st - 4th graders and October 27 for 5th - 8th graders. The registration discount cost is $60 for one child, $105 for two children and $130 for three of more children per family. After October 27, the price increases by $10. Shorts, T-shirts, reversible jerseys, car magnet, magazine, individual awards after each practice and end-of-season awards are all included in the registration fee. Register in person at the church located at 1083 Green Pond Road, by mail in a completed registration form with check to Green Pond Bible Chapel, PO Box 99, Newfoundland, NJ 07435, or by e-mailing the church at thechapel@greenpondbiblechapel.org. For more information, call 973-697-0990, ext 27. The church is located a couple miles south of Route 23 at 1083 Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township.