Sports camps

Advantage Tennis Academy
Sponsor: Alaska Tennis Association
Description: Advantage tennis will be run by professional tennis coaches Gardner Duval and Mike Hinkle. The academy is for beginners through advanced players, children through adults. Interested in starting tennis, improving your game or competing in high school tennis? Then this camp is for you. The camp includes challenging group and private lessons featuring strokes, movement, game strategy and moreniors: ages 6-15 one week $48 for three one-hour lessons; high school, $96 per week, three two-hour lessons. Sign up for two weeks and get one lesson free.
Where: Dimond High School, 2909 W. 88th Ave.
Contact: 644-4551; gardnerinmexico@hotmail.com

The Alaska Club-North High Performance Junior Tennis
Description: The Alaska Club is offering nine weekly summer tennis sessions. The sessions are designed for all levels of junior tennis players who are motivated to improve and play at the high school and/or college competitive level. The classes are for junior varsity and varsity level players. These fun, fast-paced camps focus on tennis stroke development, conditioning, fitness and match-play strategy. Interested players are encouraged to sign up early as class size is limited.
Ages: 12-18
When: 1-3 p.m. and/or 3-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays beginning May 27, except Memorial Day
Where: The Alaska Club North, 700 Bragaw St.
Cost: $100 per week; participants attending both 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. sessions receive a discount $40 discount on the second session.
Contact: The Alaska Club North, 278-3621; Jimmy Kayongo at jkayongo@thealaskaclub.com

Alaska Diversity Hockey Camp
Sponsors: Mat-Su Health Foundation, NHL Diversity, Frontiersman, Q99.7
Description: Hockey is the common thread that runs through this life-skills camp. Directed by Willie O’Ree on the 50th anniversary of his breaking the NHL color barrier and by T.J. Oshie, Native American and current collegiate, international and soon-to-be NHL star. All skill levels, including those who have never played hockey before, are welcome. Optional activities include golf, fishing, rafting, guitar, karaoke and more.
Ages: Birth years 1992-99
When: Overnight available,
July 7-11
Where: Brett Memorial Ice Rink
Cost: $350 base rate; some options and overnight accommodations cost extra.
Contact: Dick Harren, 1-907-376-2361; harrenlaw@gci.net; www.alaskahockeycamp.com

Alaska Hockey Camps
Description: Alaska Hockey Camps offer two one-week camps in Anchorage that focus on the fundamental skills required to play hockey: skating, passing, stick handling and shooting, all in a fun atmosphere.
Ages: 5-14 (birth years 1994-2002)
When: Mites 10-11:30 a.m.; Squirts, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.; Pee Wees/Bantams, 1:30-3 p.m., July 7-11 and July 28-Aug. 1
Where: Dempsey Anderson Arena, 1741 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Cost: $225
Contact: Brian Gross, 242-7875; alaskahockeycamps@yahoo.com; www.alaskahockeycamps.com

Alaska Rock Gym Kids Camp
Sponsor: Alaska Rock Gym
Description: This summer, let your kids climb our walls, not yours. The Alaska Rock Gym offers a great summer camp opportunity for boys and girls. Kids learn basic climbing skills in a fun, safe and supervised atmosphere. Low instructor-to-student ratio, structured curriculum and ongoing skill building for repeat campers make this a great summer climbing experience for kids. Campers work on skills in small groups appropriate to age and ability. Sessions run weekly, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Registration required, class sized limited to 16 campers.
Ages: 6-16
When: 1-3 p.m. June 3-5, June 10-12, June 17-19, June 24-26, July 1-3, July 8-10, July 15-17, July 22-24, July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, Aug. 12-14
Where: Alaska Rock Gym,
4840 Fairbanks St.
Cost: $80 per session
Contact: Siri Moss, 562-7265; siri@alaskarockgym.com; www.alaskarockgym.com

America’s Baseball Camps
Ages: 8-16
Where: Knik Fields, Eagle River Road
Contact: Mike Keiffer, 696-6888;
mkeiffer@gci.net; www.baseball camps.com

All-Around Skills Camp
Description: Players will be separated by age and skill level and placed in groups that rotate through numerous fundamental drill stations covering every skill and each position on the baseball field.
When: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 3-6
Cost: $150
Pro Hitting Camp
Description: This clinic covers every aspect of hitting from bunting to opposite-field hitting. Limited to 60 players; must also be registered for All-Around Skills Camp.
When: 9 a.m.-noon June 2
Cost: $35

Pro Pitching Camp
Description: This clinic focuses on mechanics, pitch grips, increasing velocity and building core strength. Limited to 60 players; must also be registered for All-Around Skills Camp.
When: 1-4 p.m. June 2
Cost: $35

Avalon
Sponsor: Renae Boonstra
Description: Learn to ride or refine your riding with classes based on Sally Swift and Natural Horsemanship. Day and evening classes available. Students learn from the ground up how to ride with a balanced seat, with soft hands and a better feel for the horse. Students also learn to understand equine language and how to better communicate with their horse. We have beginning levels to as advanced as the student wants.
Ages: 6 and older
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, May-September
Where: Avalon Destination Spa and Equine, 33151 Cumulus Road, Eagle River
Cost: $525 per week
Contact: Renae Boonstra, 694-3278; renaeak@yahoo.com; renaeak@yahoo.com

Brett Memorial Ice Arena Camps
Where: Brett Memorial Ice Arena, Wasilla
Contact: “Hockey for Fun,” Allan Ervin, manager; “Skate & Swim” and “Summer Ice Camp,” Sheree Hugli; 1-907-376-9261; allan.ervin@matsugov.us or sheree.hugli@matsugov.us; www.matsugov.us/RecServices/BrettRink.cfm

Hockey for Fun
Description: Stay on-ice and in shape. Skill development and recreation with an emphasis on fun. Fifteen minutes of warm-ups, skills and drills, 45/60 minutes of scrimmage.
Ages: 6-18
When: 5:30-9:15 p.m. (times determined by level) June 9-July 31
Cost: Ages 6-15, $80; U16-U18, $90
Skate & Swim in the Valley
Description: This camp is for kids who want a little less structure. Supervised fun on-ice with a brief safety presentation and a pointer or two and then off to Wasilla Pool for safety and open swim time.
Ages: 8 and older
When: Noon-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 10-26 (session 1, deadline to register, June 9) or July 8-24 (session 2, deadline to register, July 7).
Cost: $60
Summer Ice Camp in the Valley
Description: Camps offer skill development, recreation, communication and other life-building challenges through a variety of activities. Brett campers will ice skate, swim, hike, try gymnastics, increase core strength through exercise and physical awareness, visit the library and complete individual craft projects.
Ages: 8 and older
When: 9:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday; session 1,
June 23-27, sign up by June 19; session 2, July 14-18, sign up by July 10; session 3, Aug. 4-8, sign up by July 31.
Cost: $180 includes instruction, supervision, materials and facility use fees.

Cowkidz Pony Ranch
Description: Children learn basic horseback riding skills, animal care and positive social skills. Barn chores, crafts, games and story time are included. Hands-on learning with our horses, ponies, goats, rabbits and reptiles. Campers take home a camp T-shirt, certificate, photo and cowboy hat. Campers earn Cowkidz Cash for the Cowkidz Country Store. Located in Anchorage at a private residence, this setting is quiet and safe with only six children per week in attendance. Owner and director is a recreation therapist and Certified Riding Instructor. We strive for safety.
Ages: 6 and older
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or 9 a.m.-
5 p.m., weeklong sessions beginning in June
Where: Cowkidz Pony Ranch, 13301 Alpine Drive
Cost: $300 for half day or $500 for full day, per week
Contact: Laurie Hogan, 522-9224; info@cowkidzponyranch.com; www.cowkidzponyranch.com

Denali Kayak Camp
Sponsor: Denali Outdoor Center
Description: Parents will drop their kids off on Sunday evening and return the following Saturday evening to pick them up. The camp includes meals from breakfast Monday morning to a pizza party lunch on Saturday. Meals consist of cereal, pancakes or bacon and egg breakfasts, and dinners range from fresh caught king salmon, to spaghetti and even Pad Thai noodles. Our guides, Katie Hilleke and Allan Warren, camp with the kids and chaperone them during the evening hours at Otto Lake. We provide all kayak gear, but the kids will need to bring their own camping gear.
Ages: 12-18
When: June 22-28 and
July 27-Aug. 2
Where: Otto Lake, Healy
Cost: $750
Contact: Allan Warren,
1-907-683-1925; allanwarren1@yahoo.com; www.denalikayakschool.com

Full Force Soccer Academy
Sponsor: The Soccer Locker
Description: The goal is to develop individual skills without involvement of strategy instruction, using skill-blending drills in conjunction with small-sided games to fully access each child’s different skill needs. Each program consists of five daily four-hour sessions. Each session includes three hours of drills and 45 minutes to apply new skills in a game. This academy is for individuals as well as teams. Player-to-coach ratio is 15-to-1. Sessions are assigned according to age and skill level.
Ages: 6-15
When: 1-5 p.m. May 27-30,
June 2-5
Where: Park Strip, Ninth Avenue and L Street
Cost: $135 (four-day sessions)
Contact: Jimmy Velasco, 277-2572 or 244-6690; thesoccerlocker@aol.com; www.fullforcesoccer.com

Fun Horse Day Camp
Sponsor: Huffman Horse Center
Description: This interactive, educational equestrian camp has daily and weekly sessions for beginning to advanced riders. Young people will see riding demonstrations, learn and practice horse care and management, stable care and safety. Instructors certified by the national Certified Horsemanship Association will teach English, Western, dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines. “Safety, responsibility and respect” is our motto.
Ages: 7-18
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with extended camp available until
4 p.m., June-August
Where: 12401 Gander St.
Cost: $100 per day or $500 per week (extended camp, $125 per day and $625 per week)
Contact: Lynn Paterna, 345-7766; lypaterna@acsalaska.net; www.huffmanhorsecenterinc.com.

Jump Shot Basketball Camp
Description: Jump into summer fun at the Kendall Jump Shot Basketball Camp! UAA Seawolves basketball coach Rusty Osborne and UAA staff and players put the “fun into fundamentals” for girls and boys. Campers compete in an array of similar age and skill levels.
Ages: 6-16
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; extended hours available
Cost: $195 per session includes coaching/instruction, camp T-shirt, new basketball, end-of-camp barbecue. Subway lunch packages and photo packages are also available.
Contact: 279-0618

Kayaking/Sports Camps
Sponsor: Alaska Kayak Academy
Ages: 12-18, all camps
Contact: Jim Gonski, 1-907-746 6600; info@kayakcenterak.com; www.kayakcenterak.com
Adventure Camp:
Sea Kayaking
Description: This five-day camp introduces students to the challenge, excitement and rewards of sea kayaking. The camp is a combination day camp and overnight camp. The first two days, students learn paddling and rescue skills on local lakes and return home each night. On day three, we drive to the ocean for a three-day, two-night kayak camping trip. Transportation from Anchorage and the Valley is included in tuition. Camp is limited to eight students with two ACA instructors.
When: Day 1 and 2, 8 a.m.-
5 p.m.; days 3-5, overnight,
June 9-13 or July 7-11
Where: 2201 Palmer Wasilla Highway; paddling performed on Wasilla Lake, Kenai Lake and Resurrection Bay
Cost: $529
Adventure Camp: Multisport
Description: Sea kayaking, peak climbing, mountain biking, glacier trekking and white-water rafting. This is the ultimate summer experience for the active teen. Each day is filled with a different Alaska outdoor adventure. Our first three days are day trips, and students return to their homes each night. Thursday we leave for two days of glacier trekking and river running. Students return to Anchorage or their Valley home at about 6 p.m. Friday.
When: Days 1-3, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; day 4-5 overnight, June 16-20 or July 21-25
Where: Sea kayaking in Whittier; all other activities in the Matanuska Valley
Cost: $529

Adventure Camp: Whitewater Kayaking
Description: This five-day camp allows teens to experience the excitement and thrill of running rapids in a white-water kayak. Students learn all the strokes required to negotiate white-water rapids, including the Eskimo roll. The first day begins on a lake where students learn and perfect control and technique. Each day we move to a different body of water and increase the challenge of the adventure. Our ACA-certified instructors have the training and background to make every lesson fun and safe. Upon completion, students are invited to attend our regular teen class each week during the summer.
When: Day camp, June 2-6
Where: Wasilla Lake, Matanuska River, Portage River
Cost: $635

SPYDER Youth Soccer
Sponsor: Sports Programs for Youth Development, Education and Recreation
Description: Recreational league, coed soccer fun. Sessions each have a 30-minute skills practice followed by a scrimmage game. Emphasis is on fun, skill development and playing the game. This is backyard neighborhood soccer at its finest. The fields are located next to a playground so younger siblings can play and swing. The 3-year-old program is a parent-participation event, encouraging fun and movement. Participants range from new players to more experienced kids who love the fun of informal games. Registration is through May 21. Limited to first 350 youths.
Ages: 3-16
When: Age 3, 5:30 p.m. for 45 minutes; age 4-15, 5-9 p.m., one-hour sessions, Mondays and Wednesdays June 10-July 17
Where: Trailside Elementary School
Cost: Age 3, $65; age 4-15, $85; cost includes jersey, medal and end-of-season party
Contact: Cristy Hickel, 346-3981; crusher@gci.net

Summer Tennis
Description: Discover the fun and excitement of tennis, a game you can play for a lifetime. This partnership uses The Alaska Club’s tennis pros to teach the basic elements of the forehand, backhand, volleys, serve, fitness, footwork and much more. Special drills and games present tennis essentials in an enjoyable manner and develop skills in hand-eye coordination, agility, movement and balance while learning the fundamentals and rules of tennis.
Ages: 4-adult
Cost: $80-$160, depending on age and length of instruction
When: Check with The Alaska Club for times; May 27-Aug. 14
Where: Delaney Park Strip, Service High School, Mears Middle School, The Alaska Club-North and Lyn Ary Park
Contact: Sign up at www.active.com/moresports/tennis/ — search on zip code 99507, or register in person or by phone at The Alaska Club East, 5201 E. Tudor Road; 330-0146

Valley Volleyball Camp
Sponsor: North Star Volleyball Club
Description: Middle school and high school volleyball players improve their serving, passing, hitting and digging while working with coaches from Outside who have years of volleyball experience at various levels. Camps offered: Middle school, Intro to High School and Elite. Players will be grouped according to their level of play.
Ages: Entering grades 6-12
When: 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-
3 p.m. daily; middle school camp, May 27-29; Intro to High School,
May 27-30; Elite Camp, June 2-6
Where: Colony High School
Cost: Middle School, $105; Intro to High School, $150; Elite, $195
Contact: Jennifer Bleicher, j.bleicher@hotmail.com or timmer@mtaonline.net

Youth Baseball Camp
Sponsor: Anchorage Glacier Pilots Baseball
Description: We’ve scheduled five free baseball camps to help enhance your baseball skills, with the assistance of some of America’s best college players and coaches. You’ll learn how to improve your hitting, pitching, catching and fielding abilities, as well as helpful hints on sportsmanship. Bring your glove, bat and your enthusiasm. Come one day or all five. Registration forms are available on our Web site, or call the Glacier Pilots office.
Ages: 8 and older
When: 9:30-noon, June 16-20
Where: Mulcahy Baseball Stadium, 16th Avenue near Sullivan Arena
Cost: Free
Contact: Patrick O’Toole, 274-
3627; gpilots@alaska.net; www.glacierpilots.com

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