Camp Options Remain, Close to Home

It's not too late to find fun ways to fill long summer days, close to home. Websites follow each listing; complete details, fees and registration information are available at the Baird and online at www.thebaird.org.

COUGAR BASEBALL - For 3 weeks this summer (weeks of June 27, July 11 and July 18), the Baird will host the Cougar Baseball Camp under the direction of Coaches Larry Busichio and Chris Henry. This camp, for children ages 7-14, will focus on the basic fundamentals of baseball-- proper throwing, fielding techniques, base running, hitting, catching, and pitching.

COUGAR SOFTBALL- The Cougar Softball Camp for girls will introduce local softball players to the Columbia High School program. Camp sessions will include a variety of softball related activities including conditioning, hitting, fielding, base running and general knowledge of the game. Two weeks are offered:

GRADES 5-7, July 18-21, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, New Waterlands Park
Grades 8-9, August 1-4, 6:00-9:00 pm, Meadowland Park #3 .
Each session is Monday-Thursday; Friday will be reserved as a rain date.

Registration: www.thebaird.org

MULTI-SPORTS CAMPS- South Orange will host the US Sports Institute and their multi-sports camp August 15-19 in Meadowland Park. Program details and registration information are available on their website at www.USSportsInstitute.com.

Camps are offered for three different age groups:

The 'Sport Squirts Camp', is a great way to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to a variety of sports such as soccer, t-ball, basketball, lacrosse and hockey.
A half day camp for children ages 5-7 gives younger participants the opportunity to experience over 10 sports in a week.
The full day camp for children ages 7-14 offers participants the chance to experience many sports and daily challenges.
BEGINNER GOLF - The US Sports Institute will offer a beginner golf clinic for children ages 5-11, August 22-26. The USSI Golf Clinic is an ideal way to introduce young boys and girls to the game of golf. Two sessions will be offered:  Ages 5-7 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm and ages 8-11 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.  Program details and registration information are available on their website at www.USSportsInstitute.com.

TENNIS CAMPS - The US Sports Institute will provide two, 1-week tennis clinics for children ages 3-14 this summer. Sessions will be offered July 11-15 and July 18-22.  For a complete schedule of times for different age groups, go to www.USSportsInstitute.com.

COOL ROCKETS AND SCIENCE CAMP - The Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs will sponsor a rocket camp for 2 weeks this summer-- the weeks of July 25 and August 1, 1:00-5:30 pm at the Baird. This camp is for childran ages 6-11. The instructor is long-time science and math teacher, Brad Turner.www.thebaird.org

BASKETBALL AT THE BAIRD

The South Mountain YMCA and the South Orange Department of Recreation will collaborate this summer offering youth basketball clinics and game play on the outdoor courts at the Baird. The program will be run by the YMCA coaching staff.

The basketball courts will be supervised by a member of the YMCA coaching staff all summer Thursdays and Fridays, 4:00 pm til dark and Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 pm til dark. In addition, clinics will be offered providing instruction on game fundamentals and team play.  Instructors for these clinics will be YMCA coaches Fred Ross and Laron Ross.  Sessions to be offered include:

Ages 9-11, Thursdays at 6:00 pm, June 30-August 18
Ages 12-14, Thursdays at 7:00 pm, June 30-August 18
Ages 9-11, Saturdays at 4:00 pm, July 9-August 20
Ages 12-14, Saturdays at 5:00 pm, July 9-August 20
For complete details and registration information for these basketball programs, go to www.smountainymca.org.

SUMMER CLASSES

TAE KWON DO - The tae kwon do classes at the Baird teaches traditional Korean martial arts and practical self-defense emphasizing the traditional discipline and body conditioning with the goals of helping one to develop self-confidence while also reducing stress. Two classes for new students will be held this summer:

Tae Kwon Do for Adults meets Tuesdays at 8:00 pm
Beginer Tae Kwon Do for children ages 5-10 meets Tuesdays at 5:30 pm

www.thebaird.org

RHYTHM STICKS - Infants to 4 years of age with caregiver will be enriched by tonal and rhythmic development while singing, dancing, listening, watching and exploring. Activities include learning the musical scale, introducing notes, pitch, and rhythm through games, instuments and voices. Classes are offered Mondays or Fridays, 9:30 or 10:30 am beginning June 27.