Are you looking for a place for your children to grow and learn new skills this summer? Biola’s athletic programs have the perfect opportunity for you. They are currently taking sign-ups for the 2010 Summer Camps, offering individual evaluation and instruction by Biola’s top coaches and players.

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP (June 21-24 and June 28-July 1)

The women’s basketball team will host their fifth camp at Biola, open to girls in grades 4-12. Led by Biola’s Women’s Head Basketball Coach Ken Crawford, the Eagles have earned back-to-back 20-win seasons and two consecutive trips to NAIA national tournament. Coaching 36 years and doing camps for 30-plus years has given Crawford a unique perspective for this year’s camp. 

“My philosophy for this is to make kids students of the game,” he said. “So when they go home and watch a basketball game with their mom or dad they can understand what’s going on.”

Besides becoming students of the game, participants will be challenged to practice good habits, set positive goals and build relationships on and off the court. Additionally, the Eagles will be inviting members from the Boys & Girls Club of America as a part of their outreach to the community. This camp will take place in Biola’s gymnasium from June 21–24. A second specialty camp will take place from June 28–July 1 for all ages.

BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP (July 5-9 and July 12-16)

The men’s basketball team will be holding a boys basketball camp for ages 8-15. Head Coach Dave Holmquist has been coaching the Eagles for 33 years and was the youngest coach in college history to win 700 games. Taking his team to the national tournament 17 times and earning an overall winning record of 788-294, Holmquist sees his involvement in these camps as a vital part of his job.

“We had 80-85 kids last year,” said Holmquist. “I think the locals around the area have come to our games and this has helped with attendance.”

He explained that the campers should expect to have a full day’s work out with the help of good role models. They will learn defensive and offensive skills and even compete before coaches. This camp will take place on July 5–9 and July 12–19.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CAMP (July 12-15)

Head Coach Aaron Seltzer will direct Biola’s volleyball camp. Seltzer is currently in his eighth year at Biola and has earned a 203-73 overall record while finishing eight straight years in the NAIA Top 25.

“It’s a safe environment and faith-based,” said Seltzer. “We’re really trying to peak interest in this sport.”

The coach-to-athlete ratio is low, making it perfect for individuals who want to interact closely with the teams. The camp is a community outreach to local kids ages 9-16. The camp will run July 12–15 and is composed of volunteers and proceeds collected will go to the volleyball program.

GIRLS SOCCER RESIDENTIAL OR DAY CAMP (July 11-15)

Lastly, the women’s soccer team will be hosting their 5th annual camp. This camp, running July 11–15, is designed for younger girls in junior high and high school to be exposed to the collegiate pace. There will also be a separate camp during these dates for 4th and 5th graders. Both will have an option to sign up as residential or day campers. Residential campers will stay in the residence halls with a soccer player the whole week.

Free time is available for the girl campers to explore the campus. Returning players will be camp coaches, and students at Biola are welcomed to come out also. Women’s Soccer Head Coach Todd Elkins will serve as camp director and assistant Coach Erin Brunelle will serve as administrative assistant.

“We want to provide a week for girls to experience what soccer is about,” said Brunelle. “We also hope to share Christ to the community and even to people out of the state.”

Ultimately, campers are taught basic fundamentals and will receive a satisfying experience. In addition to challenging instruction by college athletes and coaches, participants will be taught solid Christian principles for life development.

For camp registration information, please click here.

Written by Mark Aguirre, Sports Writer intern. Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.