By CINDY CROSBY
The Colleton County Recreational Center recently hosted summer sports camps for ages 6-12 in several different sports, including golf, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, and girls’ and boys’ basketball. Campers received a t-shirt at the completion of each camp.
According to Chris Myers, director of Colleton County’s Parks and Recreation, the camps were well-attended and enjoyed by everyone. “We had a great turn out from the youth in our community,” said Myers. “Everyone, including players and coaches enjoyed the experience.”
The youth camps were led by local volunteer coaches at the high school or collegiate level, a few of which included Coach Jermale Paige (CCHS Baseball), Coach Rusty Adams (CCHS Softball), Coach Matthew Mullins (CCHS Basketball), Coach Jim Bailey (CCHS Golf), Coach Hannah Perritte (CCHS Volleyball), and Coach Jeremy Joye (Salk Baseball).
“We had a great time teaching some basic skills to a very eager group of young men,” said Salkehatchie Baseball Head Coach Jeremy Joye following the camp. “It’s about far more than baseball though. Having the courage to try something new and learn to grow by putting in the work…to me that’s what it’s all about. Every camper did just that. Every single individual found something they wanted to improve upon, and they put in the work to make it happen. I am proud of all of them.”
“I believe the kids enjoyed the camp and were excited to be there every day,” said Coach Jim Bailey, CCHS Golf. “I think it was a great opportunity for Colleton County to grow the game of golf.”
Golf isn’t the sport that grew in skill and popularity during the youth camps. Colleton County High School Basketball Coach Matthew Mullins said his boy and girl basketball players at the camp learned new skills during the three-day basketball camp.
“We were excited to host the CCP&R boys and girls basketball camp at Colleton County High School this year,” said Mullins. “The campers got the chance to participate in different skill development drills and competitions led by our coaching staff and by current and former Colleton County basketball players over the three days of camp.
“I think we may have some future Colleton County Varsity Basketball players in that group of campers,”” he said. “We had a blast hosting it and hope to do it again next year.”
