Children who want to excel at a chosen sport or physical skill primarily attend summers sports camps. Camps of this type allow kids to work on their sportsmanship, athleticism and skills. Sports camps provide the practice structure that your child may not create or stick to on his own.

It may be, depending on the age and experience of your son or daughter, than participation in a traditional camp environment should occur before a commitment to a sports camp program.

If your child's gung ho about tennis, golf, skateboarding, swimming, diving, snowboarding, running, goalkeeping, lacrosse, hockey - if your child has an interest in physical activity, individual or team, there will be no shortage of camps for you to choose from. Consult a sports camp directory for detailed listings on camp offerings and locales. Talk to the athletic staff at your child's school, or see what your town's recreational department is programming for the summer school break.

Working hard and playing hard - it's never too early to promote the benefits a sports camp - physical fitness, individual responsibility, self-confidence and sportsmanship.

Participation in Youth Sports has steadily been on the rise for the past twenty years. Millions of children across the country take part in one or more sport throughout the year. It is not uncommon for children to start participating in sports as early as four to five years of age.

Based on this information and based on the amount of time that children spend participating in sports, it is critically important that they are provided with an experience that offers them many benefits.

This responsibility falls on the shoulders of the coaches and parents that often volunteer their time to work with these young athletes.

When an athlete participates in a sport, they will experience many benefits. Some of these will be short-term and easily recognized. While others will not be as easy to recognize, but will last with the athlete much longer and will help shape their overall development.

The ten benefits below are most commonly associated with sports participation. It is important to note that in order for these benefits to be recognized and appreciated by the athlete, they must be included and emphasized in all practice and game plans.

By participating in sports, the young athlete will:

1. Develop and become proficient at the various sports skills.

2. Develop skills needed to socialize with their peers as well as adults.

3. Develop independence and confidence.

4. Develop a sense of achievement, which helps develop a positive self-image.

5. Develop leadership skills and qualities.

6. Learn how to cooperate and compete.

7. Develop agility, coordination, endurance, flexibility, speed and strength.

8. Develop the ability to make decisions and accept responsibilities.

9. Learn to understand and express emotions, imagination, and appreciation for what the body can do.

10. Develop an interest in continuing sports participation as an adult.