First Jewish Sports Specialty Camp Opens

Young athletes will combine core sports training with a Jewish summer camp experience for the first time when the 6 Points Sports Academy opens its doors in June 2010 at American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, N.C.

Part of the Union for Reform Judaism’s family of summer camps, the 6 Points Sports Academy will provide four hours of daily instruction in boys and girls basketball, soccer and tennis, boys baseball and girls lacrosse to campers ages 10 to 15. When they’re not training, campers will enjoy traditional camp activities led by Jewish counselors.

“For a long time, young Jewish athletes and their parents had to choose between top-level sports training or a Jewish values-infused camp,” said Randy Colman, director of 6 Points Sports Academy. “Not anymore. Young girls and boys can spend their summer in intensive programs to improve their athletic skills while enjoying a Reform Jewish camp environment. Our campers will come away with learning and values that will help them both on and off the field.”

The camp will also emphasize proper nutrition, conditioning and wellness to instill healthy habits that will guide the athletes throughout their lives, Colman said.

Two hours each day will be devoted to cross training in one of several electives including swimming, kayaking, group exercise and nutrition class. Instruction will be provided by college and high school-level coaches.

The 6 Points Sports Academy is one of six new, innovative nonprofit camps to open this summer as part of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Specialty Camps Incubator Program. Funded by the San Francisco-based Jim Joseph Foundation, the incubator program addresses growing demand by parents and children for high-quality specialty summer camp options that integrate Jewish culture, according to the Foundation for Jewish Camp Interim CEO Maggie Bar-Tura. Six Points received a $1.1 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation payable over five years. The camp is offering three 12-day sessions, with tuition of $2,250.

For more information, visit www.6pointsacademy.org.