The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the 13th consecutive year, Sean Bastian and his staff at the University of the Bahamas will be providing an alternative to the regular summer camps in the country.

The objective of the UB Sports Summer Camp is to teach the fundamentals in basketball, track and field, soccer and swimming, while providing leadership skills in training, according to Bastian.

"We are really focused on the fundamental aspects of the four disciplines that we are offering," Bastian said. "We have qualified coaches and the programme has really taken off and has been received by the participants.

"Also, it's on a secured campus with full-time security, so they are in a safe environment. Outside of our field trips, the kids really look forward to the ambience of the campus with the landscape and the basketball courts and the swimming pool."

As an added incentive, Bastian said the participants get a prelude as to what to expect should they decide to attend UB on completion of high school or they prefer to venture overseas to continue their education.

"It's a good fit for parents, who really want their kids to be around a university environment or just to be a safe controlled environment," he said.

"So this is something that we hope they can consider in making their decision."

The camp starts on Monday and runs daily from 9am to 2 pm.

Every 45 minutes, the participants rotate from one discipline to the next so that they get a chance to go through the skills of all of the sports.

The participants also get a chance to tour the campus, including the bookstore, cafeteria, labs, and classrooms during the four weeks of the camp.Joining Bastian on staff are head coaches Charlene 'Swish' Smith for basketball, Glendina Dorsett for swimming, Chris Godet for soccer, and Ken Mullings, who will deal with track and field.

A number of assistant coaches will be employed to help out from the UB Athletics programme. "We put each child in a small group where they can receive the personal attention," Bastian said.

"Throughout the entire day, they go through the four disciplines and they get to work with each head coach.

"That's what makes the camp different and special from the other camps here. UB offers four sports happening at the same time on a daily basis. So that's why we hope parents will consider our camp."

Bastian further noted that they have made the camp cost effective for parents.

For those just interested in one week, they will be charged $130, $155 for two weeks, $185 for three weeks and $210 for the full month.

There is also an aftercare service at a cost of $20 per week from 2-5 pm.