Comprehensive, non-contact football instruction that includes visits from former Packers players is available to kids 6-14 throughout Wisconsin this summer at the Green Bay Packers "Youth Football Camps." This year, the camps have also added first-round competitions for the "NFL Punt, Pass & Kick program."
Running back Ahman Green, linebacker Bryce Paup, wide receiver Bill Schroeder, linebacker John Anderson and defensive back Johnnie Gray are among the former Packers players that will participate by offering supplemental instruction at the camps, which aim to develop young players' ability on the field and character off.
Each of the 10 camps lasts five days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they will be held from mid-June until late-July. The daily practices will develop athletic skills, including individual passing, receiving and non-contact blocking and tackling drills.
Divided by age and experience levels, kids learn the proper football techniques for all positions and methods to improve their speed and conditioning. They move from station to station during drills and get frequent repetitions.
The camps are led by professional educators and college coaches, and are supported by the former Packers players with visits throughout the week. Typically, three former Packers visit each camp. In the afternoons there are presentations, skills competitions and mini-games. The camps maintain a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio and there's a certified athletic trainer scheduled for all locations.
"It's about football skills, life skills and fun," said Tom Finks, executive director of the camp. "The directors at each camp are fantastic, and it's about developing young people. The real touchdown is when kids get home, when they choose to eat a nutritious dinner or help around the house. We attribute that to the messages delivered at the camp. When we get that feedback, it's truly rewarding."
The addition of the "NFL Punt, Pass & Kick" competition is expected to bring a new level of concentration to the daily skills development.
"Anyone who registers will be able to participate, and it will create a better teaching platform," said camps Director Mike Gross. "A lot of parks and recreation centers hold these events, but this will be only for the kids at the camps. If they advance, they will go to the sectionals. Kids will be inspired."
The Packers "Youth Football Camps" also offer accelerated skills sections for tackle-experienced players 10-14. The accelerated classes include more advanced drills and team concepts. Also available is small group or private instruction, which is position specific for players over the age of 10. These campers will participate in focused, two-hour instruction daily. Private instruction features one student with one coach for concentrated development.
"These programs have been added for kids who are really dedicated and looking for an additional edge," Gross said. "If a young person thinks he wants to be a QB, this will be two hours a day just doing quarterback drills."
A $30 discount is currently available for a limited time. For dates, sites and more details, click here or call 866-246-9800.
