In America, the growth in summer camps throughout the nation has meant the growth not just in the total number of camps but also in the special functions those camps perform. Today we see thousands of traditional summer camps providing a full menu of sports, water activities and crafts. But more and more kids are looking for camps that specialize in the sports they love. While the majority of kids who head for the specialty camps choose football,
basketball and baseball camps, there are also some excellent tennis camps in New England.
Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College Nike Sports is not just purveyor of sports shoes and clothing, it also sponsors tennis camps. One of the best of these programs is housed at Williams College in Williamstown, MA in western Massachusetts. Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College has been operational for some 33 years and during that time has serviced over 10,000 junior players making it stand out as one of the better tennis camps in New England.
The Williams College site offers 6 stadium style courts, 18 outdoor and 8 indoor courts to accommodate its drills, practice sessions and competitive play. The program at Williams has been conducted for many years by Dave Johnson, tennis coach at Williams College. Johnson is a recent recipient of the National Division III Coach of the year, an accolade gained by producing many years of successful NCAA tournament teams. Johnson and his staff are not simply the administrators of the camp program, they are on the courts daily assisting junior players in the development of their skills.
Camp sessions at Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College are arranged in two week sessions. Instructional programs and competitive play are geared to the ability level of campers. Many campers attend Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College to improve their overall play to prepare for participation on school teams and all attendees receive a written evaluation of their progress.
There is more to Nike Tennis Camp than daily instruction and match play. The camp is located in the midst of Berkshires and enjoys an excellent summer climate. The camp makes sure there is time available beyond tennis for swimming, a camp barbecue, movies and even a trip to a nearby Alpine Slide site. The combination of outstanding tennis instruction and non-tennis recreational offerings makes the Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College one of the best tennis camps in New England.
You can find complete information about the Nike Tennis Camp at Williams College and other Nike Tennis and Sports Camps at www.ussportscamps.com .
The Marcus Lewis Tennis Center A more recent entry to the world of summer tennis camps is the Marcus Lewis Tennis Center at Nagog Woods in Acton. There the promise to all participants is that they will play tennis and “have fun” doing it. The Marcus Lewis Tennis Center offers tennis experience in camp format at two distinct levels.
1. The Ultimate Tennis Camp is that program at the center that is dedicated to campers aged 7-14 who are at the point in their tennis play where they are still learning the basics of the game. This camp concentrates on skill building rather than match play. Participants are divided according to their level of development and are drilled and instructed by trained personnel.
The staff works not only at teaching kids basic ground strokes and foot work but they do so by using clever motivation, exciting drill activities and lots of positive reinforcement. The Ultimate Tennis Camp is in session for young players from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2. Junior Training Camp For those young tennis enthusiasts ages 10-17 who have advanced beyond the fundamentals and have an interest in developing their skills to engage in competitive play at the junior or senior high level or at college, the Marcus Lewis Tennis Center offers the Junior Training Camp. This camp is offered from 2:30-5:00 p.m daily. Once again the goal is to reach out to meet individual needs and to provide professional instruction.
The focus at Junior Training Camp is on improving ground strokes , developing footwork, discussing techniques and practicing winning strategy. There is plenty of open space for small group sessions. Week long camps run throughout the summer beginning June 25. For both the Ultimate Tennis Camp and the Junior Training Camp there is a $25 registration fee . The Ultimate Tennis Camp is offered at $235 per week while the Junior Training Camp is offered at $259 per week.
While neither camp extends its activities far beyond its concentration on tennis, for young people who thrive on the sport, the Marcus Lewis Tennis Center is a tennis camp in New England that will offer them all the tennis they can manage.
3.Maine Golf and Tennis Academy A unique tennis camp experience in New England is offered by Maine Golf and Tennis Academy which provides top notch tennis training as part of an overnight camp experience. Campers from 8-17 are welcomed to participate in a four week overnight program that promises to give them a “wholesome atmosphere and excellence of of instruction”. Two week half programs are also available.
Campers stay in rustic cabins near Lake Salmon in Belgrade Maine. Facilities and appropriate supervision are provided for this camp to operate as a coed facility. Main Golf and Tennis Academy has been in business for more than 100 years and is certified by the American Camp Association. Instruction is provided by top USPTA tennis instructors. The Four Week Program is individually structured to meet the specific instructional and developmental needs of each camper. Three hours of tennis instruction is given per day with plenty of time also given over to competitive play.
But what makes the Maine Golf and Tennis Academy unusual is the variety of other activities that campers can relax and enjoy. The lake setting makes sailing, kayaking and water skiing part of the camp experience. There is also an opportunity for yoga, fitness training, a ropes course and day trips to nearby recreational sites.
The high level instruction in tennis, overnight lodging experience and opportunity for making new friends and learning new skills all in a magnificent Maine setting make Maine Golf and Tennis Academy a standout among tennis camps in New England. You can access more information at www.golfcamp.com/golf_camp-tennis_camp/introd.htm.
New England offers lots of opportunities for excellent summer vacations.. It’s also the spot for great camp experiences like those offered at these tennis camps in New England.
