ROCKINGHAM — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, another summer full of development camps is planned at Richmond Senior High School.
Returning in June will be two summer staples, as the Richmond soccer and volleyball programs host their annual camps. Registration for the two camps is currently open.
Heading up those camps will be soccer coach Chris Larsen and volleyball coach Ashleigh Larsen. The two are nearing the end of their fifth years at the helm of their respective programs.
Geared toward the continued development of youth players in Richmond County, the summer camps will also serve as fundraisers for the teams.
4th annual volleyball camp set for June
Open to rising players in first through eighth grade, the volleyball camp will be held from Monday, June 19, through Wednesday, June 21. The camp will be located in Richmond’s gymnasium from 8-10 a.m. each day.
Aside from the desire to improve their volleyball skills, campers will need to bring sneakers and something to drink. The cost per camper is $45 and a combined total of $85 for a second child in the same family.
Campers must be registered before June 15 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Late sign-ups will be held on the first day of camp and cost $50 per camper.
Because of growing numbers over the last few years, reaching 60 campers in 2022, Larsen said the decision was made to remove rising ninth graders from camp. Instead, those interested players can attend the volleyball program’s summer workouts.
“I hope we have girls who attended last year eager to return and some who have just gained interest decide to join, too,” Ashleigh Larsen said.
“Not having ninth graders will allow us a little more space to work on specific skills with the younger girls to prepare them for their parks and rec or middle school . We enjoy seeing the young girls so excited to come to camp.”
Helping Larsen at camp will be junior varsity head coach Melissa Dennis, along with current varsity and junior varsity players.
“I love for the current Lady Raiders to work with the soon-to-be Raiders to share their knowledge and love for the sport,” Larsen said. “We will work on basic fundamentals which will allow them a better understanding of the positions involved in the game. We have spent some time looking for new drills to keep the whole camp exciting.
“I’m looking forward to the excited faces at camp,” she concluded. “The younger clientele really look up to the Lady Raiders and are always so eager to spend their time with them. I hope the connections made throughout camp lead the girls to continue participating in this sport.
“It is always exciting to look in the stands during the season and see the girls come to our games repping their camp shirts.”
Larsen added that a successful camp would be the campers leaving with some excitement for the sport.
Click here for volleyball registration link and payment information.
Soccer camp returns for 23rd summer in late June
Maintaining a tradition over two decades old, the Richmond soccer program will return for its 23rd year.
Set for Monday, June 26, through Thursday, June 29, the soccer and football fields will be in use for boy and girl campers ages six to 15 (rising kindergarteners to 10th graders). Daily sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and run through noon.
Over the last several years, the summer camp has averaged over 100 participants from Richmond and surrounding counties. With spots filling up fast, campers will need to bring appropriate soccer gear and water.
“It’s exciting to give kids the opportunity to come out and get better,” Chris Larsen said. “There’s a big interest in the sport at a young age, but the older they get, the less opportunities there seem to be.
“Our camp gives everyone a chance to stay involved. And it creates a lot of excitement and engagement in the community that continues to build our programs from middle school through high school.”
The cost per camper is $65 for one child and $120 for the second child in the same family. The price includes a t-shirt and late sign-ups will be $70 on the first day of camp.
Larsen and head junior varsity coach Bennie Howard will act as co-directors, with varsity assistant Michelle Denson helping out. Former player Caroline Whitley and Union Pines head coach Ray Blatz will be among the host of other local coaches assisting with the camp.
Each day campers will work on a series of developmental drills, culminating in small-sided games. The final day of camp will be a series of scrimmages to put together what they’ve learned into a game scenario.
“I’m looking forward to kids of all ages having a good time,” Larsen shared. “I’ve been around long enough through coaching to see a lot of familiar faces come back again and again over the years. It’s always a fun time and we’re looking to help everyone grow and develop.”
Click here for soccer registration link and payment information.
