Building Happy, Healthy Kids Through Summer Programming

May 30, 2024

Fields & Futures Blog 2024 Summer Programming Feature Image

OKCPS Summer Programming is back with a full lineup of free sports camps, clinics, and summer leagues to help OKCPS student-athletes hone their skills and keep them on track over the summer.

Unlike many other communities and school districts, OKCPS historically lacked the resources to offer summer camps and clinics for their athletes. Now in its second year, this initiative marks a significant change, providing invaluable opportunities for young athletes to improve their abilities and stay engaged during the off-season.

At Fields & Futures, we believe every child deserves access to team sports and the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of sports participation, such as mentorship, teamwork, motivation, confidence, a sense of belonging, and unique experiences. By identifying and eliminating the barriers that prevent kids from playing sports, we can continue to grow sports participation and build happy, healthy kids.

The Launch of OKCPS Summer Programming

Last summer, Fields & Futures teamed up with OKCPS Athletic Director Eddie Wright and other community partners to launch OKCPS Summer Programming.

This program was designed to give OKCPS student-athletes the access to off-season camps and clinics they deserve. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 2,000 student-athletes participating in at least one sports camp or clinic last summer.

And this year promises to be even more impactful.

Why Summer Sports Clinics Matter

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Access to summer sports clinics is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, these clinics provide safe spaces for kids to participate in sports with their friends under the guidance of caring adults while school is out. Participants are also fed during clinics. This often includes breakfast and lunch.

Sports also foster discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, qualities that can wane without regular practice and engagement. Year-round access to sports helps kids grow as athletes and contributes to their personal growth, keeping them engaged, motivated, and out of trouble during the off-season.

From a competitive standpoint, summer camps allow OKCPS student-athletes to practice and hone their skills during the off-season. Continuous practice is essential for athletic development, and summer activities ensure that students are able to carry positive momentum into the summer and remain competitive and ready for the upcoming sports seasons.

OKCPS Summer Programming Schedule

Fields & Futures Blog 2024 Summer Programming Story Image

The OKCPS Summer Programming schedule is packed with a variety of sports camps and clinics. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Simon Greiner Program Track Clinic
Date: May 29-30
Location: Taft Stadium
Time: 9:00 – 11:00am
Clinic Partners: Oklahoma State TF/XC, Oklahoma City University TF/XC, Oklahoma Baptist University TF/XC

Wes Welker Camp
Date: June 1
Location: Taft Stadium
Clinic Partners: Wes Welker Foundation

Tennis Camp
Date: June 3-7
Time: 8:00am – 12:30pm
Location: OKC Tennis Center

Boys Basketball Team Camp
Date: June 10, 17, 24-26
Location: JMHS and NWC HS (June 10, 17), UCO (June 24-26)

Summer League Soccer
Date: June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: TBD

Football 7 on 7 League
Date: June 5, 12, 26
Location: TBD

Volleyball League
Date: June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Northwest Classen

Girls Basketball Team Camp
Date: June 10-15
Time: 9:00am (June 10-12), All Day (June 14-15)
Location: Southeast High School & Capitol Hill (June 10-12), SNU (June 14-15)

Lineman Camp
Date: June 10-11
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Energy Training Facility

Golf Camp
Date: June 10-11
Location: First Tee

Cheer Clinic
Date: June 12
Time: TBD
Location: TBD

All Athletic Combine
Date: June 28
Location: TBD

OKCPS Goalkeeper Clinic
Date: June 29 & July 20
Time: 9:00 – 10:30am
Location: OKC-County Health Department Community Sports Fields

Let’s Go Camping

Fields & Futures Blog 2024 Summer Programming Story Image

OKCPS Summer Programming is a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting its student-athletes. By providing free access to high-quality sports camps, clinics, and summer leagues, OKCPS ensures its athletes have the tools they need to succeed and stay engaged.

We can’t wait to see how a summer of camping impacts OKCPS student-athletes on and off the field!

For more updates on OKCPS summer sports camps and clinics, visit OKCPSAthletics.com or follow OKCPS Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Moment: Curtis Thompson

When Southeast High School Site Athletic Director Curtis Thompson first arrived at SEHS in 1982, the athletic fields were in such bad shape that it was embarrassing for the Spartans to host other teams. Today, they are a source of pride and motivation for the Southeast Spartans.

Fields & Futures