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Summer is in full swing in Thurston County. The sun is out, the popsicles are plentiful and the days are long. But, the kids are also out of school and perhaps growing restless. If you are a parent to an active youth between the ages of eight and eighteen, the Evergreen State College has good news for you. Camp Speedy is here to relieve those summertime wiggles by way of proven sports and recreation camps on the Evergreen campus.

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Camper Alex Heuer drives the lane during one of Camp Speedy’s basketball camps. Photo credit: Shauna Bittle, The Evergreen State College

The Evergreen Recreation and Athletics Department is run by Director Andrew Beattie, a long time contributor to the athletic department with a clear commitment to the continued success of Camp Speedy. “The goal of the camps is to create a strong connection with the community through sports,” he said.

Camp Speedy offers full-day, week-long camps June through August. Each camp focuses on one sport – basketball, volleyball or soccer – and include recreational games and swimming for a balanced and active day. Evergreen’s head coaches for each sport run the sport specific camps lending their expertise to campers all week long. Each session will also include plenty of time for group games, guest speakers, swimming and additional outdoor activities. The only pre-requisite is enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn.

More experienced athletes can sharpen their skills in elite volleyball camp and elite boys soccer camp for 14 to 18 year-olds.

Basketball and soccer for ages 8 to 15 are offered July 10 – 14 followed by volleyball elite July 16 – 18 and standard volleyball July 17 – 21. July 24 – 28 will offer a soccer camp for ages 8 – 15 and boys elite soccer camp.

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Camp counselor and former student-athlete, Autumn Moorcroft returns this year for more Camp Speedy fun. Photo credit: Shauna Bittle, The Evergreen State College

Camp Speedy coaches are plucked from the Evergreen athletics existing coaching staff and many have been with the college for years and participants in their sport of expertise for even longer. Head men’s soccer coach, John Purtteman, is an Evergreen graduate who has coached camps for over 20 years and has nearly thirty years experience in coaching soccer.

John was introduced to soccer at the age of six. He says he wasn’t a natural at first and it took a lot of hard work to stay focused when things weren’t easy.  “Over time I developed my technical skills, became more fit and progressively grew in self-confidence. I have now been involved with the game for 48 years,” he explained.

John’s own experience has equipped him to be a great motivator for camp participants. His genuine dedication is apparent. “I believe the primary goal of a camp should be to help the campers develop self-esteem by introducing skill building exercises that move from simple to complex in an environment that is safe, fun and encourages creativity.”

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Camp Speedy participants taking a post swimming break to watch some Olympic Rugby 7’s hosted at The Evergreen State College in 2016. Photo credit:Shauna Bittle, The Evergreen State College

Camper to coach ratios at Camp Speedy are 10:1. This allows for maximum opportunities to learn skills and fundamentals while practicing teamwork. Campers will be given plenty of time to put their new and improved skills to work in game situations. In addition to outstanding coaching, campers will enjoy quality instruction, fun and games, and make lots of new friends.

Most attendees return year after year and grow in their relationships with other campers and their skills as an athlete. John, Andrew and the rest of the staff at Camp Speedy are committed to providing a true Evergreen experience to the youth in Thurston County – one of inclusion and fun. Each year they welcome new faces with the same eagerness.  “I want campers to share in the excitement of spending their summer with us,” says Andrew.

So what else can your camper expect from his or her Camp Speedy experience? Most camps are five days in length. Activities vary daily and include individual skill building and teamwork, swimming in the Evergreen pool and awards in athleticism. Campers should arrive equipped with a towel, swimwear, sunscreen and a water bottle. Shin guards are required for soccer camps only.  Athletic appropriate attire and shoes should be worn daily. Lunch is provided every day for all campers and is included in the price of registration. More details on what to bring can be found here.

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Jacob Zimmerman, camp counselor and student-athlete, facilitates a soccer drill at Camp Speedy.
Photo credit:Shauna Bittle, The Evergreen State College

In addition to lasting memories, sharpened skills and plenty of exercise, campers also receive a Camp Speedy t-shirt to proudly parade around town. To secure a spot for your camper this summer, see their registration page.  Discounts are available for families with multiple campers in the same camp as well as to children of Evergreen faculty, staff, and students.

What are you waiting for? Sign your young athlete up for Camp Speedy today.

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