Sports Fitness Program
Sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health University of Illinois
Founded in 1951, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health Sports Fitness Program is one of the longest running summer youth fitness programs in the country. Activities in the program are designed to engage children between the ages of 7-12 in a variety of sport, fitness and game activities designed to challenge participants individually and as part of a group in a stimulating, fun and non-competitive environment. Our goal is to make each day a positive and enjoyable experience for every participant.
Topics List
Topics:
Topics:
Mission and Purpose
The program’s primary emphasis is on developing:
Goals:
- enjoyment in physical activity;
- physical and motor fitness;
- fundamental motor skill patterns;
- skills in a variety of activities;
- cognitive understanding of the skills and activities;
- social and communication skills; and
- creativity.
The program has two components:
Program Components
- Physical activity and instruction. In this area the children learn and develop the skills necessary to successfully participate in, and enjoy, a variety of activities and games. Our goal is to provide an avenue for a continued physically active lifestyle outside of the program.
- Measurement and research. The children may serve as research subjects for the study of selected aspects of physical activity and health for children. Each child is placed in a group based on age and ability level. Instruction and supervision involve a one to seven instructor/child ratio.
Program activities are planned to meet individual and group needs. Every effort is made to create a safe and non-threatening atmosphere in which children are individually challenged and encouraged to develop skills usable in sports, recreation and daily living. Our goal is to maximize enjoyment in being physically active.
The Sports Fitness Program is not your typical “sport camp.” While we introduce the participants to a variety of sports and activities, we do not specialize in any one area. One of the primary objectives of our program is to promote sportsmanship and cooperative effort in a sport setting. The value of the lessons learned by exhibiting good sportsmanship will last a lifetime. Good sportsmanship and cooperation will be applauded at all times. We emphasize participation, effort and cooperation rather than competition. We want participation in physical activity and sport to be a positive experience for all involved.
Structure
Each day Sports Fitness Program participants will experience three different activity areas.
- Aquatics includes stroke development, water safety skills, diving, aquatic fitness activities, and various water games.
- In our Individual and Dual Sport area the children develop skills involved in a variety of single and partner activities. Activities in past years have included badminton, tennis, tumbling/gymnastics, aerobics, golf, and roller skating.
- In Team Sports we introduce and develop the skills and tactics of a variety of traditional and nontraditional team sports. Activities such as flag football, soccer, speedball, ultimate Frisbee, softball, and basketball have been included in past years.TOP
Daily Structure
- 1:15 – 1:30pm Arrival at Sports Fitness
- 1:30 – 1:40pm Organization
- 1:40 – 2:30pm Activity #1: Individual and Dual
- 2:30 – 2:40pm Juice Break/ Group Rotation
- 2:40 – 3:30pm Activity #2: Team Sports
- 3:30 – 3:35pm Water Break/Group Rotation
- 3:35 – 4:25pm Activity #3: Aquatics
- 4:30pm Departure from Sports Fitness
Field Trips
Occasional field trips are taken during the Sports Fitness Program to supplement our daily activities. Trips are taken during normal program hours. In past years trips have been taken to Skateland, Sholem Pool and Water Slide, and the UI Bowling Center. Participants are transported to off-campus locations by chartered bus and walk to campus locations. Prior notice of field trips will be sent home with the children during the program. Please refer to the section of the registration form on Informed Consent and Waiver for Field Trips for additional information.
Program Director
The Sports Fitness Program has been directed by Mr. Gary Crull since 1992. Mr. Crull has been a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology since 1991 and specializes in the areas of physical activity and physical education teacher education.
Staff
The Sports Fitness Program Staff is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Illinois and physical educators from area schools.
Facility
The Sports Fitness Program is housed at Louise Freer Hall located at the corner of Goodwin Avenue and Gregory Drive on the Urbana campus.
Program Dates
The 57th Sports Fitness Program begins on Monday, June 9 and ends on Thursday, July 31, 2008. The program runs Monday through Thursday afternoons from 1:30-4:30pm. The balance of the program fee is due and payable no later than Monday, June 9, 2008.
Program Fee
- Single Child Registration: $350.00
- Second Child (from the Immediate family): $325.00
- Because the Sports Fitness Program is a self-supporting program we are not able to offer any scholarships or prorated fees for partial enrollment. TOP
Registration and Requirements
To enroll your child(ren) in the Sports Fitness Program please complete the following forms:
Registration forms:
Send these forms, along with a $50.00 deposit (per child) to:
Address:
- Sports Fitness Program
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- 112 Freer Hall
- 906 S. Goodwin Avenue
- Urbana, IL 61801
- (217) 333-2461
Make checks payable to: University of Illinois Sports Fitness Program
The balance of the program fee is due and payable no later than Monday, June 11, 2007.
Enrollment in the program is limited to approximately 100 children ages 7 – 12. Registration is on a first-come, first served basis. Register early!
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Due to the fact that the Sports Fitness Program is a self-supporting program and must cover its own expenses, the following cancellation/refund policy has been established:
Your program fee, less a $25.00 administration fee, will be refunded without question if you cancel prior to May 26, 2006. At any time after that date, refunds, less the $25.00 administration fee, will be made for medical reasons only. Requests for refunds must be accompanied by a signed statement from a physician. No refunds will be given to program participants who voluntarily leave the program or anyone dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons. TOP
Drop Off/Pick Up
Please drop your child(ren) off in the circle drive in front of Freer Hall (906 S. Goodwin Ave.) between 1:15 and 1:30pm. Children should be picked up at the same location between 4:30 and 4:45pm. Alternative transportation arrangements (late arrival/early departure, child walking to/from program, child being picked up by someone other than the parents, etc.) should be cleared in writing through the program director.
Clothing/Equipment
While part of each days activities are scheduled outside, precautions will be taken to limit your children from excessive exposure to the sun and heat. Children should wear appropriate athletic footwear (no sandals please) and outdoor summer clothes for each session. It is also recommended that children wear sunscreen during outdoor sessions.
Each child should bring their own bathing suit and towel for their aquatic session. Please have your child(ren) carry their suit and towel in a small, labeled sport bag. Participants should refrain from bringing any other personal belongings to the program.
Program Gifts
Each program participant will receive a t-shirt and water bottle designed specifically for the Sports Fitness Program. In addition, a special gift designed for program participants will be given out on the last day of the program.
Program Insurance
The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health will purchase accident insurance coverage on each participant in the Sports Fitness Program. The policy provides the following coverages: $1,000 accidental injury, and $150 dental expense to sound, natural teeth only; illness is not covered. Claim forms must be completed by parents within 7 days of the date of injury.
Additional Information
If additional information is needed, please call: 217-333-2461 TOP
