Different tackle; different summer camp

This is not a camp full of singing, s’mores and fishing. This is a camp that lures participants with a fun way to learn football. It baits the children to learn  football skills while teaching respect, listening skills, and technique. From Wednesday, July 27, through Friday, July 29, the YMCA hosted its summer football camp for students entering third through sixth grades. Approximately 90 youngsters registered hook, line, and sinker.  Coach Barry Bower and his staff, along with members of the Red Oak high school football team, taught offensive and defensive skills as well as conditioning techniques.
“Are you ready?” Coach Bower boomed.
“Yes, sir!” bellowed out the participants. Coach Bower explained how the members strive for perfection. He explained to the younger ones how to not give up, stop short, or slow down.
“High-schoolers, what happens when you slow down or stop too soon?” Bower questioned loudly.
“We run another lap, sir,” was the unanimous reply.
The team conditioned together, then broke into four groups. Each group had seven minutes at an offensive or defensive  station, led by a coach and high school players. After the whistler blew, the group broke and rotated to another station. Examples were demonstrated, explained and then worked.
The practice of hydration was another main lesson learned on the first night of camp. The children took water breaks and rests after the whistle was blown and the coaches released the members.
On Thursday evening, the camp continued. The children had already learned and retained skills from the previous evening session. They knew not to run for a drink until released by a coach. They knew not to break a stance until the whistle was blown. By the second session, the participants were showing respect for the coaches and high school football players, without knowing that was what they were doing.
The coaching staff and Tiger football players taught valuable skills and football technique to the youngsters. This is another program offered by the YMCA that’s a keeper.