Camping - June 2007

Goin’ Camping: Children Can Sharpens Skills, Make Memories at Little League Summer Camp

By Chris Downs
Media Relations Manager
Little League International

When the last out of the Little League season is in the book, don’t fret thinking baseball is over. If playing baseball fires you up, why not rekindle the fun and excitement of the season by enjoying a week at Little League Summer Camp?

Several sessions of week-long instruction are offered at three of Little League’s regional headquarters, Little League International, in Williamsport, Pa., home of the annual Little League Baseball World Series, and Green Acres in Hillsgrove, Pa. Youngsters are encouraged to develop leadership skills and self-confidence amid newfound friends.

“Little League summer camp is a wonderful mix of instruction and fun,” Nick Caringi, Little League International director of operations and Little League Summer Camp director, said. “Attending camp provides a great opportunity for young players to enjoy an experience that balances sharpening skills under the tutelage of talented instructors with meeting new friends and making memories that can last a lifetime.”

Baseball camp at Williamsport is now in its 42nd year. Teaching baseball skills and molding character during five one-week sessions, the program is open to campers ages 10-14, whether on a Little League team or not. The 60-acre complex provides the perfect setting for youngsters to learn baseball fundamentals, sharpen skills, and enjoy a wide range of other recreational activities. Located in North Central Pennsylvania on the side of Bald Eagle Mountain, the Williamsport Little League Baseball Camp offers youngsters a unique opportunity to play games on the same fields as the World Series teams.

“Summer camp has something for every skill level, with camp counselors intent on getting everyone plenty of reps,” Mr. Caringi said. “It is Little League’s mission that no one will go home disappointed. Little League Summer Camps are designed to expose a player to a variety of techniques that will make them better, while keeping the game exciting. ”

Green Acres is a favorite for children from metropolitan areas throughout the United States, while camp in Williamsport and the Little League regional headquarters in Bristol, Conn.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Indianapolis; provide a wide range of other recreational and social activities. Week-long day camp also is available in Williamsport and Indianapolis.

Little League Summer Camp emphasizes fundamentals, sportsmanship, and just plain fun, as youngsters learn baseball as the game should be played. The comprehensive program challenges campers to improve their batting and individual skills, experiment at new positions, and gain actual game experience as part of a camp team. Achievement awards, recognizing baseball and other recreational skills, are presented at the conclusion of camp. With activities including swimming, volleyball, basketball, and ping pong, all locations provide a well-rounded total camp experience.

Sessions are filling up quickly, so make your summer camp reservation today.

Round-trip transportation and tuition costs to the closest Little League Baseball Camp are available to the winner of the annual Robert H. Stirrat Baseball Camp Scholarship. The scholarship is open to all boys and girls of Baseball camp age. Youngsters should prepare an essay of 100 words or less based upon their impressions of the benefits of playing in Little League. Essays should be submitted to: Stirrat Baseball Camp Scholarship Little League Baseball P.O. Box 3485 Williamsport, PA 17701 All Stirrat Camp Scholarship entries must be received by April 30, 2007.