Athletes & Sports Nuts

Sometimes it’s pretty easy to know if your child will enjoy a sports camp or class; the kid wearing the baseball glove and huge grin usually enjoys learning new skills, getting tips, and plenty of play time.

Other kids may come in with little or no experience. With a camp or class, newcomers can try the sport without the expense or commitment of signing up for a full league, says Eric Johnson, founder and lead instructor at Impact Hockey, which offers hockey training for players of all ages.

“[A camp] can be a nice time to try something, to determine if a kid really likes the sport,” says Johnson. An added benefit to the let’s-just-try-it approach: “You could borrow some equipment and not have to buy all of it.” Some camps and classes help kids focus on sharpening particular skills for use later in league games, he says. As their skills improve, kids in the programs build confidence and discipline. “They get the knowledge that if they work at something they can improve at it,” Johnson says. “Hopefully that translates into the regular season.”

Where To Play Sports

Impact Hockey

Summer training for metro-area players. Kindergarten and up, Minnetonka and Monticello, 952-545-7825, impacthockey.net

Footholde Soccer Camps

The largest soccer program in the Twin Cities, with camps and leagues all year long. Ages 4–18, several locations, 612-578-1919, footholde.com

Gleason’s Gymnastics School

Gymnastics, trampoline, and tumbling for boys and girls, plus camps, private lessons, open gyms, and birthday parties. Ages 2 and up, Eagan and Maple Grove, 651-454-6203, gleasons.com

Back to Active Kids Guide Homepage