Ellington

Camp All-Star’s summer action heats up June 4 this year and two all-new specialties are joining the roster of other mostly sports-related options.

This year, children can choose from Ultimate Frisbee and Complete Training speed and agility sessions as well as lacrosse, tennis, basketball, dance, cheerleading, football, baseball, art, karate, tumbling and golf. For those not interested in athletics there are drama and video game camps. Whatever they choose, the action runs nonstop through June 29.

Kyle Winton and Wil Blowe, trainers with Complete Training on Hixson Pike, will lead the speed and agility drills for athletes.

“In speed and agility training they will do exercises to increase flexibility and speed,” said Middle Valley Baptist Church associate pastor Mickey Rector, who serves as a camp director and coaches the basketball camp. “It’s a great way to develop skills and fundamentals important to athletics. My son goes to Complete Training to train during the school year. He’s impressed by the speed and strength he has picked up. I asked the guys to train campers and they said ‘Absolutely.’”

Those who prefer a more leisurely approach to fitness can try their hand at Ultimate Frisbee.

“We will teach them the official rules of USA Ultimate Frisbee,” said Rector. “They get to play too. There’s scoring, different positions people play, there’s fouls and violations called on players for breaking the rules.”

Now in its eighth summer, he estimates that 1,200 children have taken part in Camp All-Star over the years. This year’s enrollment is estimated to be approximately 400 to 500 campers.

“The main goal is we just want kids to have fun so they’ll be back next year,” said Rector. “I enjoy seeing kids come back year after year. It’s good to see them enjoying camp.”

For the first time, he said some of the camp counselors are former campers. Rector said the camps take place in a Christian atmosphere and staff have a ministry mindset.

“Financial aid is available for parents that need help with camp cost,” said Rector. “All they need to do is fill out paperwork.”