The purpose of a sports camp, its ratio of coaches to participants and the reputation of the event are all factors for parents to consider when looking for a summer camp program, according to three Washington University in St. Louis coaches. It is probably more beneficial if the camps cover specific skills, such as hitting or pitching or infield. Lessmann, who won a national junior college level championship, has run a baseball camp since 1970. What the child wants to get out of the camp should also be taken into consideration, says Washington University women's basketball coach Nancy Fahey. One of the most respected coaches in NCAA Division III, Fahey led her Bears to the 1998 national championship.
Some camps are instructional and some are just play camps.
Fahey is co-director of the Washington University Basketball Camp. Camp director Mark Edwards, who will put on his 15 th WU camp in 1999 for more than 400 participants, encourages parents to explore the objectives of certain camps, what their costs are in relationship to the product and camp reputation. Talk to someone who has been to the camp or sent someone there and get their impressions of what they liked or did not like. Summer months need not be so hazy - take steps to reduce ozone Jay R. Turner, D. Sc. Each summer, urban areas throughout the country have to deal with ozone, which is formed when hydrocarbons mix with nitrogen oxides in sunlight.