Joining a high school sports team can feel intimidating, but Northwood’s Athletics Summer Skills Camps provides the perfect opportunity to gain confidence.
Each sports camp is structured to accommodate athletes of varying skill levels. In girls basketball, certain exercises are group-based, but others are split by experience.
In boys and girls tennis, players compete in ability-based practice matches. Boys soccer, girls flag football and wrestling have combined practices for athletes of all levels.
“For the incoming freshman, summer camp is a chance for them to learn the basics,” wrestling coach Kyle Ennis said. “My returners who are more advanced have something to learn from the people who don’t know anything about wrestling as well. A rising tide raises all ships, so I feel like we get better together.”
Beyond training, summer camps foster a supportive environment necessary for success. Some incorporate bonding activities such as girls lacrosse’s Fun Fridays, where players end practice with water balloon fights and popsicles.
Even in sports without bonding activities, athletes are still able to connect with their peers as they train, making the transition to high school athletics and high school itself a much smoother experience.
“Summer camp is your opportunity to meet other students from the same high school you are going to,” said Harry Lee, boys soccer and girls flag football coach. “It helps build relationships that you wouldn’t necessarily build on campus, and it makes you feel like when you start school, you already know some people.”
Coaches also use summer camps to evaluate new athletes, which can give freshmen an advantage during tryouts.
8th Grade Family Night will be the first opportunity for students and parents to meet coaches and learn about summer sports camps before the CIF-mandated dead period.
Students can also visit the athletics page on Northwood’s website and the Northwood Athletics Instagram account @twolvesathletics for the latest information on dates, times and summer camp registration details.
“Be ready to work hard,” Ennis said. “Come in knowing you are probably going to be really sore, but also come ready to have fun. We play a lot of games and meet a lot of friends. It’s just an overall fun experience for everyone.”
