Tecumseh Parks and Recreation offering several youth summer camps

TECUMSEH — The city of Tecumseh’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of summer camp options for kids.

Chess camp returns from 9 a.m. to noon July 11-13 at the AJ Smith Recreation Center. Instructor John Smalec will teach the basics and game strategies, then the kids will play several matches, according to a news release from Parks and Recreation.

New to this year’s offerings is Introduction to Youth Rugby for second through eighth grades. Adrian College men’s rugby coach Benny Mateialona will lead a three-day minicamp that will take place June 19, 21 and 23 at the AJ Smith Rec Center. While adult rugby can be extremely physical, youth rugby has minimal contact. Fundamentals to be covered include how to pass a rugby ball, catch and ruck.

An old favorite, soccer camp, is scheduled for the end of July with Tecumseh High School varsity boys coach Jerry Nowak. Kids will hone their skills prior to the start of the fall season. They will work on improving shooting, passing, ball skills and defense. Ages 6 to 14 are welcome.

Parks and Rec is partnering with Raisin Valley Golf Club and Tecumseh High School varsity girls golf coach David Van Geison to bring back golf camp in July.

Also returning in July is tennis camp with Tecumseh High School varsity coach Jennifer Morgan. This is an introduction to the game and focuses on fundamentals. Kids can register even if they do not own a racket.

“We are excited for new partnerships and always grateful for those that have been maintained over the years,” Parks and Recreation director Sarah Gilmore said in the release. “The more variety in opportunities for kids, the better.”

New this year are half-day day camps.

“We are working our way towards offering all day camp options during the weekdays,” Gilmore said in the release. “These are another step in that direction.”

Half-day camps run 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. Currently there are two themed weeks to choose from: “Artistic Explosion” and “Superheroes.” These half-day camps are best for ages 7 to 10. The days are packed with experiments, games, field trips to parks and more.

Campers will try their hand at nature art canvases during Artistic Explosion and create experiments with vigorous chemical reactions.

For Superheroes, kids will uncover their own superpowers as they explore sports, nature, science and more.

"The goal is getting outside, having fun and capturing that quintessential summer camp experience," Gilmore said in the release. “Keep an eye out for even more activities. We are finalizing some details for pop-up programs in parks.”

For additional information and pricing on summer youth camp offerings, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 517-423-5602 or via email at sgilmore@tecumsehmi.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Tecumseh Parks and Recreation offering several youth summer camps