Keep your kids moving this summer at CSU’s Youth Sport Camps! The Youth Sport Camps, which started in 1970, feature 15 different summer camp programs for kids in grades K-8. Registration for summer 2017 is now open.

New camp

A new camp this year, Smart Fit Girls, is aimed at girls in grades 6-8. The camp will focus on improving physical and mental well-being. Girls will participate in physical activity and strength training and also discuss topics like nutrition, bullying, the media and self-love.

The Youth Sport Camps are a 12-week day-camp program of sports and activities. The 2017 camp season runs from May 30 to Aug. 18. Camps for most sports run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The exceptions are golf, which will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Fort Collins Country Club, and tennis, which is also 8 to 10 a.m. at the CSU Tennis Complex west of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

While the early registration deadline is May 12, officials expect many camps to be full by the end of March.

Variety of offerings

One-week sessions are offered in baseball/softball, basketball, field sports, inline hockey, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.

In addition, the FunLIFE (Learning to Improve Fitness and Eating) camp will return this year, combining sports and physical activity with healthy lessons and curriculum. This summer will also feature Music and Movement, which features aerobic dance and rhythms.

As always, the Super Sport Camp will be offered in two-week sessions. The Super Sport Camp includes a focus activity (basketball/volleyball, soccer, track and field, baseball/softball and field sports), plus activities, swim lessons and field trips.

The Outdoor Adventure Camp is designed for older campers to experience some of what Colorado has to offer in outdoor activities. Depending on the weather, anticipated activities include bicycling, hiking, geocaching, exploring and other outdoor pursuits. Due to the off-campus activities, this camp is open only to campers aged 10 and over.

Older campers entering grades 4-8 might also be interested in Sport Science Camp. Through active programming, campers will examine the physiology of muscles and movement; the basics of biomechanics and physics; exercise motivation and psychology; nutrition; cardiovascular fitness; and even neurophysiology.

‘Positive benefits’

“The Youth Sport Camps are a great way for kids to get involved and active with their friends and to experience great healthy role models,” said Brian Butki, director of Youth Sport Camps. “We know that exercise has positive physical and psychological benefits, and there’s no better way to spend a summer than to be with other happy, health-minded people.”

More information is on the YSC website. See the full schedule of sessions offered for an overview.

Campers can use the before- and after-camp care program, which is available at both YSC facilities (South College and Moby Arena) from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. The additional cost for day care is $5 per visit per child.

Campers should bring a water bottle and sunscreen every day, and a sack lunch Monday–Thursday. Pizza will be provided for lunch on Fridays.

Registration fees

• All one-week camps (except Tennis and Golf) are $165 for the camper’s first week.
• Tennis runs 8-10 a.m. only and costs $65 per week.
• Golf runs 8-10 a.m. only and costs $75 per week.
• Super Sport Camp sessions are two weeks long and cost $305 per session.
• There is a $10 per session discount for each additional session for members of the same family.
• There is an additional $5 per session discount for registering before May 12, 2017.
• Full payment or $50 deposit is required to register for each session.
• Refunds cannot be processed for $10 or less.
• There is a $15 rescheduling fee if you need to change sessions.
• There is a non-refundable $25 cancellation fee.
• Campers CAN attend tennis or golf AND another camp the same week – YSC will transport.

Ways to register

Online registration is available here. To download a paper registration form to mail in, or get directions to register in person, information is on the Youth Sport Camps webpage.

The majority of the YSC staff members (coordinators, counselors and swim instructors) are students at CSU. Counselors are selected for their teaching and coaching skills, sports knowledge, passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of the campers.

The camps are a program in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.