The much-anticipated annual Summer Sports Camp at Virginia Beach Field House officially launched this week, drawing excited children from across the Hampton Roads area. Known for creating a unique camp experience, the Field House has transformed once again into a lively center of activity where local youth ages 5-12 can enjoy their summer break while staying active. This year’s program continues the facility’s long-standing tradition of combining athletic development with character-building activities in their state-of-the-art indoor complex.
Parents dropping off their children on opening day expressed enthusiasm about the program’s return. “My son has been counting down the days since May,” shared local mother Jennifer Carlson. “This is his third summer here, and he talks about the counselors and activities all year long.” Field House staff welcomed returning and new campers alike with an energetic orientation session that set the tone for what promises to be another successful summer of sports, games, and friendship-building.
🤝 A Supportive Start
At the center of the Virginia Beach Field House summer camp experience is a commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Camp Director Marcus Johnson emphasized this approach during the staff training sessions last week. “Our counselors don’t just supervise—they connect with each child, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones while feeling completely supported,” Johnson explained. The program deliberately maintains small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, with counselors selected not just for their athletic backgrounds but for their ability to serve as positive role models.
🌟 More Than Just Supervision
The Field House’s decade-plus experience running summer programs is evident in the thoughtful structure of each day. Morning activities focus on skill development and structured play, while afternoons incorporate more collaborative team games designed to build social skills. Camp counselor Alyssa Martinez, returning for her fifth summer, noted the transformation she witnesses in many campers. “By the end of the week, we see kids who were initially shy on Monday leading cheers and games by Friday. That confidence carries forward well beyond just sports—it’s about believing in themselves in all aspects of life.”
âš˝ Tailored Tracks for Every Athlete
This year’s camp features an expanded lineup of sport options to accommodate various interests and skill levels. Children can choose specialized tracks in basketball, soccer, volleyball, or flag football, with coaching provided by experienced athletes and instructors. The multi-sport option remains the most popular choice, giving campers a chance to experience a different sport each day of the week. New this summer is the introduction of “skills challenge Fridays,” where children can showcase their progress in friendly competitions designed to highlight improvement rather than just natural ability.
đź’» Easy, Flexible Registration
Parents interested in enrolling their children should act quickly as several sessions are already approaching capacity. Registration is streamlined through the Field House’s recently upgraded DaySmart online system, which allows families to select specific weeks, sports preferences, and add-on options like extended care hours. “We’ve simplified the process this year,” explained Administrative Coordinator Teresa Reynolds. “Parents can complete everything from registration to health forms and payment in one convenient platform, then receive automatic confirmations and reminders as their camp dates approach.” Early bird discounts remain available for sessions in late July and August.
