Our Sports Academy Plus program gives older campers the power to choose what they want to do and when they want to do it. Listed below is a brief description of all our Sports Academy Plus choices. Campers in grades 3 - 9 will need to sign up for 2 sports/electives for each 2 week session they are enrolled (Sessions A, B, C). During Week 7 and Week 8, campers choose 1 sport/elective all day all week. Our flexible program allows campers to try many different sports/electives or focus on two specialties. Campers registered receive ninety minutes to two hours of daily instruction per sport/elective and two daily swims. Friends Academy supplies most of the sports equipment, however campers must provide their own personal gear as listed on the Sports Equipment List Staff & Grouping Head coaches or Elective Leaders are usually high school coaches/teachers or college coaches/teachers. Assistant coaches/teachers have equal background or are college students/athletes who have demonstrated the ability to give instruction. In keeping with our philosophy, coaches/teachers encourage campers to do their best, to be supportive of each other and to demonstrate sportsmanship and kindness at all times. Campers are grouped according to age, ability and background in the sport/elective. Groups have staff to camper ratios that range from 8-1 to 4-1 depending on the sport or elective choice. Sports Academy Plus Selections Baseball Campers will learn proper techniques for throwing, hitting (such as grip, working the count, hitting behind runners) bunting (sacrifice, for a hit). Fielding drills and game play will cover charging the ball, back hand, open side, tag plays, double plays, fly balls, and going back on the ball. Coaches will cover all position skills and base running through contests and games. Basketball Players will cover rules of the game, positioning, ball handling, shooting, rebounding, passing, defense technique and how to create openings (offensive strategies). Campers experience daily drill work and simulation play as well as game and tournament play throughout each session. Lacrosse (Boys) Players will experience professional instruction in position work, stick skill, shooting, dodging, footwork, game knowledge and strategies. Includes fun drills and daily challenges. Lacrosse (Girls) This program will focus on stick handling with drill work on throwing, catching and shooting. Players will learn the fundamentals of defensive and offensive team play, while developing the knowledge of strategies for game play. Field Hockey Will focus on improving your technique while developing your self-confidence. Most importantly, we want you to fall in love with the exciting game of field hockey! We will emphasize learning, practicing and improving all aspects of a player’s game. Campers will receive individual instruction and experience situational drills and game play to strengthen skills. Soccer Players’ skill work will include ball control, dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting, throw-ins, heading, crossing and finishing. Game strategies will cover both offensive and defensive positions with situation play and fun games such as knock out, soccer golf, relay races and our popular World Cup Soccer. Flag Football Is based on the NFL Flag Football program. The program is designed to educate young people about football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field. Players will review basics, timing, scoring, running plays, receiving and passing patterns, sportsmanship and penalties. Multi-Sports For those who love playing sports and outdoor games this is for you. You will really enjoy a variety of fun sports and activities such as Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Floor Hockey and Volleyball. Try new games such as bocce, ultimate Frisbee and speedminton. Fencing Is taught at the Long Island Fencing Academy in Plainview. It’s a great introduction to basic skills and disciplines of fencing. The fencing school will supply all the equipment and cover footwork, basic technique skills, bouting, tactics, sport etiquette, and sportsmanship. Fencing is a great way to improve your footwork and hand eye coordination. Gymnastics Age and level appropriate classes are taught by instructors at North Shore Gymnastics of Glen Cove. A low camper-to-teacher ratio encourages personal attention and maximizes safety. Campers will utilize different apparatuses to develop grace and stamina. Emphasis is placed on the fun of movement as well as the fundamentals. Tennis Skills and drills will cover footwork (sidestepping, backpedaling) ground strokes, forehand/backhand, approach shots, volley, overhand smash, serve and return serve practice, games and matches played. Players are grouped by ability level and play both on site at our campus tennis courts and indoors at Sportime of Roslyn. Ice Hockey Campers will focus on Power skating (Edge control, balance, stops and starts, and crossover turns) puck control, passing, shooting (wrist shot, snap shot, backhand shot, slap shot) and offensive and defensive strategies at off-site rink. Figure Skating Located at Port Washington Ice Rink. Instruction will focus on the basic skills and fun of figure skating.. The curriculum is custom designed to meet the needs and skills of the campers. Instructors will discuss proper equipment fit, attire, ice etiquette, ice utilization and good practice habits. Horseback Riding Campers from beginners to more advanced receive professional riding instruction based on their ability level. Beginners will discover how easy it is to walk, trot and canter properly and with confidence. Campers will also learn about grooming and safety. More experienced riders with take part in trail rides and learn jumping fundamentals. Golf Campers play at both Harbor Links course in Port Washington and Glen Cove public course. Our golf program works with hitting stations for repetition. Asst. Pros work at both Golf courses providing instruction for the campers. Golfers must carry their own bag and advanced golfers will play 5-6 holes/day. Sailing Campers will be divided into beginner and intermediate levels. Sailors will cover/review points of sail and boat. Instruction will cover rigging and derigging, launching, practice, basic keelboat and rules of the water. Each camper will have the opportunity to practice sailing a given course while fine tuning their sailing techniques and race tactics. Dance Professional instruction by our Dance teacher will allow campers to learn a variety of disciplines which include: tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and lyrical dance at all levels. Emphasis is on studying the different techniques in our air-conditioned dance studio. Computers (Robotics, Digital/Video Design) Half the time, campers will explore digital storytelling techniques using multimedia tools to shoot, edit, and narrate works. Participants will be able to use graphics and sound to bring digital images to life. The other half of this program allows campers to simulate real-life robotics and robotic systems utilizing problem solving skills and computer programming to control LEGO robotics projects. Martial Arts Is designed for all abilities where each camper will build confidence, self-esteem and discipline. Professional instructors from Gold Martial Arts will help campers increase their flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, balance, focus and agility. Each camper will receive a uniform and white belt to participate in this program. Art Studio Each session our Art specialist will let you explore your creative side with projects in ceramics, woodworking, printmaking, tie-dyeing,drawing, scrap booking, jewelry making, mosaics, painting, beading, stamping, wire sculptures and more. Travelers (5-9th grade) Campers spend all day together for a minimum of 4 weeks as theysplit their time with on-campus activities and off-campus field trips and overnight trips. There is an overnight trip every two weeks and weekly day trips to places like Adventureland, MYC, Dave and Buster's, rock climbing, bowling, fishing, roller skating and more. Video Game Design Campers will be introduced to game building software that will allow them to strengthen their creative thinking, problem solving and math skills. They will create unique games that begin with the use of basic programming commands. Using games design software, students will be introduced to artistic design, processing and planning. Students will create an original game from start to finish - seeing through from concept to finished product. Drama Kids Utilizes professional instructors with a specially designed curriculum to build confidence, as well as strong speaking and acting skills through the fun and creativity of drama. Whether they are destined for the stage or the boradroom, children who learn to speak out clearly and relate confidently with their peers develop skills that make the journey through life much easier. Softball Campers will have the opportunity to improve their battling and fielding skills and learn about softball strategies. Every aspect of the game of softball is covered - including hitting, fielding, base running and team play. Lectures, demonstrations and drill sessions are done daily. Campers receive individual attention and encouragement to help build their confidence. Volleyball Combines individual training with team concepts. Focuses on all aspects of the game with an emphasis on fundamentals. Skills such as serving, receiving, forearm passing, setting, blocking and team defense.offense are emphasized during on-court instruction and geared toward specific age groups.