Newtown Parks and Recreation girls’ volleyball camps for ages 10-18 are offered throughout the summer. Led by Newtown High School Coach Tom Czaplinski along with current and past high school/college players-turned-coaches, a High School session was held the week of July 21 at Reed Intermediate School and there will be three more sessions in August: a week for middle school players, another for incoming freshmen, and one for high school JV and varsity athletes.

Each camp includes a focus on the basics, particularly for the newer participants in the sport, and is focused on what individual groups need.

“The incoming freshmen I look forward to because I get to see the new girls coming up,” said Czaplinski, adding that past players help out with explaining to the soon-to-be-high school athletes what the tryout process entails and what is expected of them to make the team. The camp serves as a way to get the girls ready on the court while alleviating nerves, the coach added.

Campers ages 10 to 14 may participate in the Middle School session. They gain fundamental skills in areas such as hitting, serving, and defending. “We try to focus on as many of the basics as we can,” Czaplinski said.

For the high school players, the camp sessions offer an opportunity to get their hands on the ball and stay sharp as they gear up for competition. The high school season begins in early September.

The following sessions are offered (visit newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation to register):

Middle School August 4-11 at Reed Intermediate School, 9-10:30 am. Cost $189. Activity #409627B

Incoming Freshmen August 11-14 at NYA Sports & Fitness, 4:30-6:30 pm. Cost $180. Activity #409627C

High School JV & Varsity August 11-14 at NYA Sports & Fitness, 9:30-11:30 am. Cost. $205. Activity #409627D

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.