Youth Sports Camp Sign-Up Begins
Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761
ORONO, Maine — Registration is underway for the 13th annual National Youth Sports Program at the University of Maine. Beginning June 27, the free day camp offers six weeks of fun, sports instruction and educational activities for boys and girls ages 10 to 16.
The camp’s quality aquatic program, featuring daily instruction and practice, has a high success rate, according to Stephen Butterfield, UMaine professor of education who has spearheaded the NYSP program since its establishment. Out of 200 participants last year, all but three were swimming effectively by the end of the summer, and those three youngsters had overcome most of their fear of the water, Butterfield said.
Track and field, softball and soccer, and a variety of other skill development and learning opportunities are also offered. A Native American theme will highlight a number of this summer’s camp activities, such as land navigation, canoeing, lacrosse and survival skills.
A partnership between the U.S. government and participating universities and communities, with oversight by the National Youth Sports Corporation, the NYSP camp represents a $1,000 value at no cost to participants. Under the federal grant, the majority of campers must come from families who meet Department of Health and Human Services income guidelines. Some slots for youngsters of families above the income guidelines are usually available, also at no cost. Those names are placed on a waiting list.
In addition to the activities, the program includes a comprehensive sports physical examination, a breakfast snack and lunch. Transportation is provided from designated, major pick-up points in every direction within an hour’s distance of Orono. With slight variation for the first week and the July 4 holiday, the camp runs Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The last day is Aug. 4.
Conducted in a highly structured, non-competitive learning environment, the program and staff are committed to helping campers achieve the goals of believing in themselves, getting along with others and experiencing success through individual and team achievement.
For registration information, call the UMaine NYSP office, (207) 581-2466 or e-mail: diane.legrande@umit.maine.edu.