Sports Camps will keep kids active this summer in Parker

The school year is drawing to a close for local students. What are your kids doing to stay active this summer? The Parker Recreation Department offers a wide variety of sports camps for elementary and middle school students during the summer months. Camps accommodate both year-round and conventional calendar students. Except where noted, participants can register for camps online at www.ParkerRec.com or by calling the Parker Recreation Department at 303.841.4500.

Jeff Huson’s Baseball Camp is back by popular demand. The camp is Monday through Thursday, June 25-28, from 9-11:30 a.m. at Salisbury Park. Baseball players ages seven through 10 will learn hitting, catching, throwing and running skills from Coach Jeff Huson. Huson spent 15 years as a professional baseball player with such teams as the Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. He is currently an instructional coach for the Cubs’ minor league teams and announces Rockies games for Fox Sports. Registration is $125 R/$130 NR and includes a camp T-shirt.

Metropolitan State College’s Start Smart basketball camp is scheduled for the week of June 25-39 at the new Parker Fieldhouse. Kids ages five through 10 attend camp in the mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, and players ages 11-15 attend from 1-4 p.m. Players and coaches who led Metro State to NCAA Division II national titles in 2000 and 2002 will lead campers in dribbling, shooting, passing, offense and defense drills. Registration is taken through the Start Smart Web site at www.startsmartbasketball.com, or by calling 303.556.4823. Camps are $140 and $90 for additional campers in the same family. Registrations will also be accepted the first day of camp if space is available.

Challenger Sports, a British soccer company, will offer a soccer camp for players ages three through 14. Soccer Camp is scheduled the week of June 25-29 at the Stroh Ranch Soccer Fields. A new session for three year olds runs from 11 a.m. to noon. Players four and five years old may choose from a morning session, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., or an afternoon session, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Players ages six to nine attend camp in the mornings from 9 a.m. to noon and players 10 through 14 attending from 1-4 p.m. Coaches will emphasize individual skill development, fundamental tactics, goal scoring and coached scrimmages. Players should register by June 15 to avoid late fees. Participants may register online at www.challengersports.com, or forms are available at the Parker Recreation Center. A T-shirt and soccer ball are included in the registration fee, which ranges from $75 to $110, depending on age group.

Volleyball players looking to build skills and compete at the next level can register for Intensity Club Volleyball Camp, June 18 to 21 at the Parker Fieldhouse. Players in grades six to eight practice from 9 a.m. to noon, and high school players are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. The goals of the camp are to build a love for the game, develop sound fundamental skills and emphasize the team concept found in winning competitive programs. Attendees will be separated into groups based on their
current skill levels. All players are welcome. Fees are $100 R/$105 NR and include
a camp shirt. Register online at www.ParkerRec.com.

2003 NLL Rookie of the Year Brian Langtry of the Colorado Mammoth and Denver Outlaws will instruct Colorado’s first true indoor lacrosse camp at the Parker Fieldhouse. Players grades two through 12 will learn the nuances of indoor, or “box” lacrosse. The smaller field size of the indoor turf quickens the pace of this already exciting game! The second session of camps is scheduled for July 24 to Aug. 28. Camps meet on Tuesday evenings: Grades 2 to 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., grades 6 to 8 from 6:45 to
8:15 p.m., and grades 9 to 12 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Register online at www.ParkerRec.com.

Tennis classes and camps are also offered throughout the summer for ages five through adult through a partnership with Parker Tennis Company. Lessons will teach stroke mechanics for forehand, backhand, volley and serve. Students will also learn tennis etiquette, scoring, court descriptions and practice techniques. Lessons are held at the Chaparral High School tennis courts. View a complete schedule of tennis
activities online at www.ParkerRec.com.

Recreation staff is looking forward to a busy summer of camp activities. For additional information on any of the above camps, please call 303.841.4500.