Advertorial 

SUMMER CAMPS-SHOULD YOUR CHILD SPECIALIZE?

By Gloria Averbuch

Fun, friends, a break from the rigors of the school year-that's what summer camp means to children and their families. But with the plethora of choices, it can feel cumbersome to decide which camp is the best for you child.

With advances in quality and styles of camps, many of them specialize. They can range in type from sports camps-basketball, baseball, or soccer-to chess, art, poetry or music. While specialization for children often gets a "bad rap," there is plenty of evidence to support the benefits for those who want to focus on a single-theme camp.

Here are some tips to help you decide if a specialty camp is right for your child:

• Go by word of mouth recommendation. Speak with trusted friends and neighbors.
• Try a brief stint. Sign up for a week, or half days, before committing any further.
• Check the daily camp itinerary. If one is not posted online, call the camp and ask. Despite specializing, there should still be variety during the day-including low-key, fun activities.
• Questions or concerns? You should feel comfortable and reassured when you reach out to camp personnel for answers.

"Summer Camp with Sky Blue Soccer." Photo courtesy of Sky Blue Soccer

Meredith Rooney, Development Officer for Sky Blue Soccer School, points out that Sky Blue Summer Camps are designed not only to soccer improve skills and gain playing experience, but "have the unique benefit of exposing girls to female coaches, who have played at a high level, as well as the Sky Blue FC professional players. Both are great models."

Never underestimate the value of those role models, or the fact that a great camp experience makes for great memories. Gerry Marrone, a successful businessman before coming on board as VP of Marketing/Sales for Sky Blue Soccer, is a perfect example. Although now a father with three grown children, Gerry is still in awe of his summer soccer camp experience with the great soccer legend Pele. In fact, hanging in Marrone's office is a 1979 photo of a group of boys standing proudly with Pele. Right next to the legend himself is a smiling Marrone-reflecting his joy, and the love of the game his camp experience helped him to develop.

Sky Blue Soccer School features camps and clinics, including a sample session for players and coaches on Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 pm, in Edison, NJ. For information, log onto www.SkyBlueSoccer.com.

Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer plays its next home game on Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. Great ticket deals, including a Family Four Pack that includes food, are available at www.SkyBlueFC.com

Gloria Averbuch | Sky Blue FC
Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 732-271-7700 x307 | Cell: 973-449-8880 | Fax: 732-805-3300
80 Cottontail Lane | Suite 400 | Somerset, NJ 08873
The best women's soccer in the world is right here!
For tickets, visit: www.SkyBlueSoccer.com
 

Advertorial