"We had 11 children from ages 8 to 12 participate. We attended local
youth track and field meets and the Green Mountain Mile in Waterbury.
The camp concluded with the Hershey qualifier. Young athletes learned
skills in throwing, jumping and running. Each session started with a
25-minute run. The run was followed by a skills session in the events of
the day (hurdles, mini javelin, long jump, etc.). The sessions usually
ended with a running game and a wade in the brook."
"This was more than just a camp. It was a social experience for all. One
of the nice things about the event was that it brought a variety of
local families together. We had a summer family from Spain,
home-schooled children, Crossett Brook students and many from Fayston
Elementary School," said Kerrigan.
Parents remarked about the noticeable cardiovascular improvement of
their children. Sometimes parents jumped in the activities with their
children. "It was obvious that these children had parents that promoted
healthy lifestyles," said Kerrigan. Several of the parents participated
in group mountain bike rides organized by Doug Boyden during the kids'
training session.
"These were special kids. While exercising alongside of them I overheard
them discussing their hobbies and talking about the books they have
read. It was a refreshing change from the MTV generation of the high
school students," said the veteran Harwood teacher. "I was glad to give
the young students and their families this opportunity to experience
youth Track and Field and to get to know each other," said Kerrigan.
Coach Kerrigan plans to make this camp an annual event. It will run from
approximately June 25 to July 9 in 2011. Next year Kerrigan will be
expanding to include students up to age 14. To get on the mailing list
for the 2011 Highlander Track and Field Camp contact John Kerrigan
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