Sixteen youngsters mastered volleyball fundamentals the week of July 7-10 at the Middlebourne Recreation Department’s Kidpower Volleyball Sports Camp. There were 10 campers in the first session: Aiden Michael, Logan Wise, Aislinn Franks, Amos Kimble, Michlynn Farrell, Mattie Fletcher, Isabella Michael, Aubrey Smith, Layla Williamson, Hadyn Ebert, and Abbi Kimble.

The camp focus was on the skills of bumping, setting, and serving.

A variety of SPARK games and lead-up games were used to hold the attention of the campers. Four square volleyball was the most challenging game, as players who were scattered on four courts joined together. Action was fast paced and rule modifications were used to adapt for a variety of skill levels.

The afternoon session was small in number, but big in talent.

These 9-12 year olds thrived on the skill challenges presented: Kellen Franks, Caitlyn Northcraft, Evan Wise, Malachi Fletcher, Savanah Taylor, and Tamara Taylor.

By the end of camp, they could bump, set, spike, and serve under and overhand. Monkey in the middle, three on three, four square volleyball, and serving challenges were used to develop their skills over the four-day span. “It was amazing to watch the skill development in both age groups during the week,” stated A.I. Boreman physical education teacher Gwen Davies, and camp director Charlene Galluzzo.

These coaches also had excellent support from students earning community service hours from the Lady Knight Volleyball team: Lilli Orr, Sydney Yoho, and Abbie Fletcher.

Tyler Consolidated Middle School seventh grade student Taylor Ebert also helped to support the sports camp program.