Concordia's summer camps are open for children at varying levels of competitiveness. | Photo courtesy of Recreation and Athletics Department
This summer, Concordia University’s Recreation and Athletics Department is reviving its popular summer sports camps — offering children and teenagers between the ages of six and 15 a chance to get active and learn from the university’s varsity athletes and coaches in a fun and safe environment.
Patrick Boivin, the director of Recreation and Athletics says the camps are a great opportunity for Concordia to strengthen its bonds with the community.
“I believe we have much to offer to both the Concordia community and the surrounding neighbourhood families. It’s a great way for our Stinger athletes to showcase their skills teaching their sport while giving back at the same time. Campers will learn and have a great time doing it with our own qualified coaches and dedicated athletes."
He also added that the summer camps will set the stage for a broader community-programming offering that will roll out over the next 12 to 18 months.
Throughout July and August, the department will host soccer, hockey and flag football camp sessions, as well as a multisport camp, which will provide a chance for children and adolescents to try out a variety of activities.
Early registration is open now until May 1. The week-long camps run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Concordia Athletics Complex (7200 Sherbrooke Street W.).
Concordia camps are ‘very special’
Peritz says the bonds her sons formed with the Stingers athletes had a very positive impact.
“These councillors became friends,” she says. “It was very inspiring for the boys to not only get to know them in the summertime but then to go and watch them progress throughout the football season.”
Her own sons have grown up and moved on, but Peritz is excited about the new Concordia Athletics Sports Camps and what they’ll provide for the next generation of attendees.
“There are so many talented and dedicated staff members at Concordia. I have no doubt that they could recreate some of the magic they had in the past.”
A variety of camp experiences
Under the direction of Mickey Donovan, head coach of the Stingers football team, the flag football camp will provide boys and girls alike the opportunity to build self-confidence while learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
The soccer camp will focus on the development of both technical and tactical skills. Children will have a chance to learn from Stingers men’s soccer head coach Greg Sutton, who played at the professional level for 14 years.
Led by Stingers hockey coaches Kevin Figsby and Les Lawton, the hockey camp will offer a development program intended for players preparing to play or try out for high-level team. It will involve both on-ice and off-ice hockey-specific training.
Finally, the multisport camp, open to children of all competitive levels and interests, will provide kids with the opportunity to try a variety of different sports and activities while focusing on fun.
All children will receive a t-shirt, water bottle and group photo with a participation certificate, free with registration.
Sign up your child for camp now! Early registration ends on May 1 and is available seven days a week (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 10 am to 4 p.m.).
For more information about the programs, check out concordiacamps.ca or send an email to concordia.camps@concordia.ca.