Fairfield Hills is home to four weeks of Jeff Tolson’s morning Flag Football Camp throughout the summer. Tolson, a mentor coordinator with REACH Western Connecticut, hosts children ranging from ages 6 to 14 with the goal of helping improve the campers’ skills. The program is designed to strengthen the players’ confidence and everyday skills while participants have fun.

“I think the great thing about football is teaching discipline and teamwork and when you’re here you’re with a new team every day so you’re learning how to work with each other,” said Andrew Collins, a coach at the camp.

“They’re stepping out of their box, making new friends and learning how to communicate,” added Coach Quinn Harris when asked the importance of teaching the sport at a young age.

Alongside Collins and Harris, depending on the week, Tolson has around 13 or 14 counselors running the camp. They are current and former Newtown High School players, so they understand the expectations when it comes to game days and learning a new drill.

During the program, the coaches join the fun too, playing quarterback with the younger groups — and enjoying the nice weather.

In addition to working at the Community Center from noon to 6 pm, Collins still participates in the flag football camp from 9 am to noon “purely out of the enjoyment because it’s fun,” he said.

“They [the campers] want to play football, they want to have fun, and enjoying that with them is something you can’t really get anywhere else,” Collins said.

“I think it’s the memories for me, because I came here when I was little and I would always love it, so I love seeing the little guys turn up,” Harris added.

Before the two incoming freshmen start their journey at The Pennsylvania State University (Collins) and Marist University (Harris), the program continues with one more session, July 28-August 1. For those interested in signing up go to newtown-ct.gov and use Activity #409606 D. Cost is $180.

Tyler Pruneau is a journalism student at University of Connecticut interning with The Newtown Bee this summer. He can be reached at intern@thebee.com.