Summer Camps For All Sports

By Aaron Locks and Patch Staff

Summer is here and children need to stay active, healthy and busy during their break from school.

Parents need to encourage their children to warm up properly and stretch before each activity and teach them never to play through any type of pain or make winning the reason for playing any sport. Let them choose the activity and keep the focus on having fun.

The Larkspur and Corte Madera recreation departments work with a number of organizations to provide local sports camps.

Larkspur Parks and Recreation is offering an , with  the National Academy of Athletics, which allows kids to learn basic athletic and sports skills in a fun and non-competitive environment. 

Corte Madera Parks and Recreation is hosting basketball and soccer camps beginning June 25. There are three sessions for each, through August 3. Atherton Lacrosse will hold a clinic in Corte Madera Town Park July 16-20. Trans-Atlantic Soccer brings "Coaches in Kilts" to Corte Madera for two soccer camps, July 9-13 and August 6-10.

And, yes, there's even a paintball camp for kids ages 10-17, July 23-27, offered through Corte Madera Parks and Rec.

To keep kids moving, the American Council on Exercise suggests 10 fun fitness summer activities. Here are some of them:

1. Soccer: This highly active game involving both agility and teamwork has grown increasingly popular in the U.S. in recent years. To keep kids injury free, be sure they are geared up in appropriate protective equipment, such as shin guards. Soccer players should also wear shoes with cleats or ribbed soles to prevent slipping.

2. Bike riding: Bicycle riding is a fun activity for the whole family. Experts suggest children ride on sidewalks and paths until they are at least 10 years old, show good riding skills and are able to follow the rules of the road. Helmets, of course, are a necessity for both children and adults.

3. Swimming: Nothing beats splashing around a pool with friends, and swimming offers the benefits of a full-body workout for both young and old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children ages 4 and up, although classes are available for babies and toddlers as well.

4. Basketball: Whether it's a round of HORSE, a game of one on one, or a full-court competition, basketball is ideal for developing hand/eye coordination and teamwork. Encourage children under the age of seven to use a smaller foam or rubber ball, and lower the height of the basket if possible.

5. Obstacle courses: Challenge kids to use a variety of different skills by setting up an obstacle course at the park using playground equipment or other items, such as jump ropes, balls and cones.

For more summer events and camps of all kinds, check the Larkspur-Corte Madera Patch events directory and check with College of Marin and Dominican University.

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