Alpena tennis camp empowers youth through sports and friendship | News, Sports, Jobs

Although there are no plans for a new camp in the short term, this initiative has a major positive impact on the young participants, according to the organizer.

“There are no dates for another camp at this time, but we hope to have another one in the future,” Speaks said. “The camp gives them the opportunity to work on their skills every day and work toward playing real games.”

The primary goal of the camp was to introduce children to tennis while emphasizing the wide-ranging benefits of the sport.

“Introducing good health and physical activity, along with teamwork, communication, problem solving and self-reliance are all aspects of tennis that are so important for children to learn,” Speaks said. “Children learn these skills while making new friends and having fun playing a lifelong sport.”

News photo by Leslianne Johns Participants at a recent Alpena tennis camp at Bay View Park pose for a photo.

During the camp, participants practiced daily skills that gradually led to playing matches. The structured approach not only helped the children understand the fundamentals of tennis, but also taught them essential life skills, Speaks said.

The emphasis on teamwork and communication was clearly visible as the children worked together and supported each other.

Problem-solving and self-reliance were other key areas of focus, as the camp encouraged children to deal with challenges independently and develop confidence in their abilities. Those experiences are invaluable, Speaks said, and contribute to participants’ overall development off the court.

With a vision to create more such enriching experiences in the future, Speaks says she and her team remain committed to promoting the numerous benefits of tennis, ensuring that the sport is a source of joy, health and personal growth continues for children in Alpena. .

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