With the summer months here, schools and sporting events have nearly came to a cease with the exception of local youth sports camps. Each year, numerous camps are held each summer with one common goal, to teach the fundamentals of sports to the camp participants.

The youth summer camps kicked off this past week with the High Country Hoops Camps, Players Edge Soccer Camps, and Ashe County High School Tennis Clinics being held.

Both camps ranged in ages from youth, kindergarten in the case of the Players Edge, to teenagers, and both are recurring camps held here in the county each summer. The High Country Hoops Camp operated for the 35th straight year under the direction of Marc Payne, Ashe County High School’s head basketball coach and Athletic Director.

Payne elaborated on the significance of summer camps by emphasizing how important it is to teach the fundamentals to athletes at an early age. Each year, Payne, along with other camps and coaches, host camps here in Ashe County for the simple goal of teaching the individuals the basics, and developing their skills.

Mike Eldreth, the director of the Players Edge Soccer Camps, also believes that teaching a youth player the basics is a necessity in building a successful athlete over time. Eldreth is also the director of the long time running Mighty Mites Basketball Camp and program, along with the Junior League All-Stars Basketball Camp, which is being held this week at Blue Ridge Elementary.

Through out the course of the summer months, Ashe County residents will have the opportunity to participate in a camp for nearly every sport.

Ashe County High School is hosting camps for baseball, softball, football, and girls basketball, and cheerleading. They hosted the men’s basketball and also a tennis clinic this past week. For more information on these camps, you may contact Ashe County High School at 846-2400, or visit them online at www.ashehigh.ashe.k12.nc.us

Ashe County Middle School is offering camps for baseball, cheerleading, and basketball. For more information on these camps, you may contact Ashe County Middle School at 384-3591.

Other youth camps include the British Soccer Camp, which is being hosted by Ashe County Parks and Recreation Department at Family Central. Call Daniel Quin at 982-6185 for more information.