LACEY, Wash. – Parents and teachers know all about summer brain drain, the learning loss which happens over long school holidays. But players and coaches agree the same is true for student athletes. If you know a young athlete who plays baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball or track & field, Saint Martin’s University can help with their sports summer camps.
This summer, sign your kiddos up for Saints Camps to keep their skills active, muscles working and boundless energy focused in healthy ways. Enrollment is happening now.
Saint Martin’s University summer sports camps are enrolling now, don’t miss out
The age range for Saints Camps runs from elementary school through 12th grade. No prior experience in that sport is required and athletes of all abilities are welcome.
Saints Camps are taught by Saint Martin’s coaches and both current and former players. Enrollment fees go back into the school’s athletic program, covering essential team travel expenses, equipment and recruitment costs. Summer camps are offered in baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, volleyball and track & field.
Director of Athletics Theresa Hanson says these sessions are a win/win: “Our youth summer camps at Saint Martin’s University are about more than just playing sports, they’re about developing lifelong skills. These camps give young athletes the opportunity to grow in confidence, teamwork and leadership, all while having fun and staying active.”
“At the same time,” continues Hanson, “our Saint Martin’s student-athletes gain valuable experience as mentors and role models, learning the importance of giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation. And of course, most importantly, the camps are the kind of fun the kids will be talking about long after summer ends.”
Take to the track, field, court or diamond with Saints Camps for student-athletes
Haley Domeck, Saint Martin’s head volleyball coach, says their program offers a Young Saints camp for players from fourth through eighth grade as well as a high school camp. Participants are split into smaller groups by experience and skill level, and everyone is welcome.
“For the Young Saint’s camp, it is a great way to stay active in the summer, build skills and learn about volleyball in a fun environment,” Domeck explains. “For our high school camp, we want to build skill, help athletes learn about the college recruiting process and experience what it is like to be a Saint in a fun, competitive environment.”
In the spring, there are also volleyball clinics and spring break camp options to revitalize and refresh volleyball talent.
Men’s basketball head coach Aaron Landon agrees. “Having fun is our number one priority, but we do build skills and help young players advance their skillset and training methods. No experience is required; we take pride in teaching the game to kids that are learning the sport and making it fun.”
Boys’ basketball camps are open to players ages 7 to 17. Landon says that their sessions are some of the largest basketball camps in Thurston County, averaging more than 125 campers each summer. But he also admits that the chance “to eat like college students at our on-campus cafeteria Saint Gertrude’s Café” is a huge attendee favorite.
Let your kids try a new sport this summer thanks to Saints Camps
Head women’s basketball coach Natalie Marlow says Saints basketball camps “are for fundamentals and also a safe space for trying something new, developing skills and everything in between.” Girls’ basketball camps welcome players ages 6 to 16 in both regular and elite brackets.
Training materials are adjusted daily for younger campers, according to their interest in basketball-specific activities, says Marlow. They also hand out plenty of fun prizes. “We have daily and weekly award winners along with daily competitions with winners at the end of each week. Awards include Camper of the Day, Camper of the Week, the Saint Award for Best Teammate and three skills competition winners.”
Girls’ basketball camp also hosts a team performance contest and presents awards on the last day “to ensure all campers are interactive and leave with some new friends,” says Marlow.
“Our team members have created a long-lasting bond with campers,” says Marlow. “After our home games, campers would approach our team and spend time catching up with them. The young girls look up to our student-athletes as role models.” Women’s basketball also offers a winter clinic at the end of December.
Youth athletes spend summertime learning, playing and growing at Saint Martin’s University
To enroll, visit the Saints Camps website and choose your sport. Most run from the end of June through early August, but check individual teams for specific dates. From the website you can register, contact team leaders or learn more.
Sports and sunshine go hand-in-hand. Especially when guided by a Saint or two.
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