Cougar tennis camp in July

DIXFIELD -- The sport of tennis can be rewarding and players will have an opportunity to test their skills while having fun at the 2011 Cougar Tennis Camp to be held for two weeks in July.

This is the 14th annual Cougar Camp for boys and girls in grades four to 12, which is divided in to two separate sessions at the Pierce courts.

The first runs from Monday-Friday, July 18-22 for grades 7 to 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. The atmosphere shifts the following when grades four to six invade the courts July 25-29 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Dirigo and Mountain Valley elementary children and student-athletes will be joined by campers from surrounding communities.

“There are three basic questions to ask yourself,” said Art Chamberlin, who has over two decades experience with the Dirigo girls tennis team and is an A.S.E.P. certified coach. “Do you want to play tennis in high school? Improve the skills you already have. Learn a great game and have some fun.”

The camp will offer beginning players basic skills instruction and match play experience to practice their new skills, so they can enjoy the game of tennis. The more experienced players will receive plenty of match play and individual instruction to improve their games.

Chamberlin said the camp is not pressure packed, so each individual has an opportunity to go at their own pace. The older group tends to compete on a higher level and push themselves harder.

“It gives the high school kids a chance to improve over the summer,” said Chamberlin.

“At the same time, it gets some younger kids started so that maybe they'll want to play for us when they get to Dirigo. That's the original goal we set out for.”

The cost is $65/camper (includes a T-shirt) or $55 without a shirt; $45 for additional family members. Mail a $10 deposit by June 20. Contact Chamberlin at 357-1057 or 597-2375 (achamber@megalink.net) 502 Canton Point Rd., Canton, ME 04221.

Each camper will receive a free camp t-shirt and soccer ball.