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Summer Camps Return, Athletic, Academic Offerings to Follow Health and Safety Protocols

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Traditional camp offerings for high school sports teams and individual athletes, along with new opportunities to learn from the Ferris State University coaches and athletes are available this summer.

Athletic Camps Coordinator Savanna Stout said the program was idled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Many Bulldogs’ coaches are encouraged by the planning that will allow them to see prospective athletes again and continue relationships with programs from across the state.

“We will offer new camps for softball. There will even be a co-ed soccer camp, based on the interest level of coaches, young players and their families,” Stout said. “Our veteran coaches in volleyball, men’s basketball and hockey encourage school-age athletes and their families to review their options on our website, with hopes that they sign up at least two weeks ahead of camp.”

Stout said exposure camps for women’s and men’s basketball will be offered at different times during the summer at Jim Wink Arena in the Ewigleben Sports Complex, while the women’s soccer will be hosting their exposure camps at the South Athletic Fields.

“Each program will welcome athletes to Big Rapids, so they might demonstrate their talent and receive coaching from our campus experts,” Stout said. “Ferris athletes serve as staff during these events. We have found it a great way to give coaches, players and young athletes a chance to get acquainted, using our great facilities. The Michigan Football Showcase comes to Top Taggart Field on Thursday, June 3. Ferris State Football will be hosting exposure camps at each of four or five locations across Michigan. These camps are instructed by the Ferris State Football coaching staff and student-athletes. Campers will be able to show off their skills, regardless of position at these camps.”

Added Stout, “We have found great interest in this schedule over the years, thanks to the success of the Ferris football program.”

She added that for those teams feeling hesitant about commuting to Big Rapids for their instruction, extensive safety protocols are in place, with careful arrangements made to feed and house those guests during their time on campus.

“We will be housing our guest athletes and coaches in residence halls near our athletics complex, with their dining offered at The Rock,” Stout said. “Inquiries about our team camps have been strong, with good understanding about our emphasis on creating a safe environment for everyone involved. We will be asking our campers to have a COVID test three days before their particular visit, with hopes that they can support these best practices and have a great experience with us.”

Stout noted that one team camp for hockey will be offered in 2021 with a post-season review to consider the resumption of its traditional schedule for age groups and skill levels.

“Our goal is to give athletes as much personal attention as possible to improve their abilities. We work to staff our camps with coaches and Ferris athletes sufficient to meet at least a seven-to-one ratio, participant to expert,” Stout said. “Every program is excited about their chance to help young athletes succeed while promoting our excellent Bulldogs athletic brand.”

The lone academic camp offered by Ferris’ Corporate and Professional Development office is a Cybersecurity program led by College of Business Associate Professor Jerry Emerick. That program will be held Sunday, June 20 to Wednesday, June 23 for students 15 years of age, or older. Registration is available online.