Camps for good sports

You don’t have to enroll at Penn to experience the thrill of Quaker sports. The people who coach Penn’s varsity teams teach athletic skills to children ages 5 to 18. Also, the National Youth Sports Program summer camp gives disadvantaged kids from West Philadelphia the opportunity to learn a variety of sports and outdoor activities for free. The camps meet on campus unless otherwise noted.

Here’s the rundown on this summer’s camp programs. All fees are per person unless otherwise noted.

- Quaker Basketball Camp: Two sessions, June 17-21 and June 24-28. Day camp for boys and girls ages 7-18. Learn the game with coaches and members of Penn’s men’s varsity team, along with high school coaches and celebrity guest speakers. Tuition $190 per session; family, employee and multi-session discounts available.

- Junior Fencing Camp: Two sessions, July 21-27 and July 28-Aug. 3. Residential camp for girls and boys ages 14-17. The first session emphasizes the theory and practice of fencing and teaches basic skills; the second session focuses on competition strategy and tactics. Tuition $585 per session; campers may register for either or both sessions.

- Nike Field Hockey Camp: Two sessions, June 16-20 and July 7-11. Residential and extended day camp for boys and girls ages 10-18. Improve basic skills and learn about the college game with Penn field hockey coach Val Cloud. Tuition $395 for commuters, $495 for resident campers.

- Al Bagnoli All-Star Football Camp: July 28-31. Residential and day camp for football players entering grades 7 through 12 in the fall. Improve basic skills and get ready for the season to come. Tuition $250 for commuters, $325 for resident campers.

- Gymnastics Camp: Five sessions, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5 and July 8-12. Day camp for girls and boys ages 5-17. In addition to gymnastics instruction, the camp features swimming, arts and crafts, field trips and more. Tuition $235 per session ($188 for July 1-5 session).

- Elite Lacrosse Camp: June 24-27. Residential camp for girls entering grade 10 through pre-college. For advanced lacrosse players interested in the collegiate lacrosse experience. Tuition $395.

- Nike Junior Rowing Camp: Two sessions, July 6-9 and July 20-23. Residential and extended day camp for boys and girls ages 14-18. Programs for rowers and coxswains include ergometer training, in-the-water instruction on the Schuylkill, and an introduction to the college admission process and campus life. Tuition $600 for resident campers, $500 for commuters.

- Soccer Camp: Two sessions, June 17-21 and July 29-Aug. 2. Day camp for boys and girls ages 5-13. The camp focuses on the fun of soccer, with exercises, daily competitions and games. Tuition $210, $185 for children of Penn employees.

- Pennsylvania Soccer Academy: July 24-28. Three residential and day camps for girls interested in competitive soccer: the Premier Training Academy for ages 11-14, the Advanced Training Academy for ages 15-18, and the Goalkeeper Academy for ages 11-18. Tuition for Premier Academy $460 for resident campers, $380 for commuters; tuition for other academies $490 for resident campers, $400 for commuters.

- Nike Volleyball Camp (pictured): Aug. 3-6. Residential and extended day camp for girls ages 10-18. Learn general skills with Head Volleyball Coach Kerry Major. Tuition $505 for resident campers, $405 for commuters.

- Red and Blue Chip Volleyball Camp: Aug. 8-10. Residential and day camp for advanced high school volleyball players interested in developing collegiate-level skills. Tuition $375 for resident campers, $275 for commuters.

- Pennsylvania Power Wrestling: July 7-11. Technique camp for ages 8-18 and intensive camp for ages 14-18. Located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Tuition $345 for technique camp, $425 for intensive camp.

Information about the Nike camps is available by calling 1-800-645-3226 or online at www.ussportscamps.com. Information for all other Penn camps can be obtained at the Athletic Department Web site, www.pennathletics.com. For information about the National Youth Sports Program camp, call Murray Grant at 215-573-5350.

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