Summer Sports Programs

Summer is a time for school-age children to enjoy temperate weather during the break from school. Part of this enjoyment includes participation in summer sports programs. National and state parks, as well as county and community public parks, offer organized programs that involve sports. Community schools and local colleges also present summer-long options for children to move outdoors and participate in organized sporting activities.

Water Sports

Swimming events and water polo offer a chance for children to enjoy summer weather while developing muscle tone. Many communities schedule programs at municipal pools. The U.S. Sports Camps, associated with the NIKE Sports Camps, offer numerous events each summer; more than 52,000 summer campers attended its 2007 camp season at 400 locations throughout the United States. The camps feature water sport programs in water polo and swimming.

Hiking & Walking

Exercise habits develop early in life. Children without an active exercise program develop cardiovascular disease and cancer related to "sedentary lifestyle and excess weight," according to the Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. Federal, state and local parks offer activities such as hiking that involve musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health. The Michigan Council recommended walking as a lifetime activity that "should be emphasized so every child can learn to enjoy and successfully perform the exercise." Summer walking and hiking allow students to perform at their individual levels of competency.

Baseball & Softball Camps

Summer team sports build the child's interpersonal and decision-making skills. The University of Florida IFAS Extension program maintains that competitive team sports for young players "gives children an opportunity to understand the healthy aspects of competition in a friendly environment." Team sports such as baseball and softball encourage learning cooperation and friendship skills. The University of Florida IFAS Extension cites the position of early childhood educators in supporting team sports for children beginning at ages five or six.

Golf

Universities and colleges with golf programs frequently offer junior golf summer programs. The Stanford University program, one of the longest-running U.S. programs according to the university, is open to young golfers between the ages of 7 and 17. Summer golfers use the college varsity practice facility. Junior-age golf, frequently offered in conjunction with the Professional Golfers' Association of America and the Ladies' Professional Golf Association also offer summer clinics and play for junior golfers. Craig Forgash, PGA Professional and coordinator for the EAGLE Junior Golf Program in Marietta, Georgia, states that golf sports programs encourage good sportsmanship, exercise and fitness, as well as training children in a sport that may be shared with the entire family, regardless of age.

Tennis Camps

Tennis builds muscles and hand-eye coordination for young players participating in summer programs. NIKE Sports Camps operated by the USSC include special summer overnight and day tennis camps. Colleges and universities, including Florida State University, also present tennis camps for young sports enthusiasts. Instruction is usually divided by age or ability level. The Florida program divides players into traditional and high-performance summer camps. The United States Tennis Association says improvements in physical, social, mental and emotional development come when youths participate in summer programs.