The Sedona Red Rock High School, in conjunction with the West Sedona PTA, will be hosting Sports Camps for students this summer.

The high school coaches will direct the camps with assistance from varsity players. From Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21, 21 Scorpions coaches will direct the West Sedona camps along with varsity players.

The camps will be held at Sedona Red Rock High School and are intended for students from third to eighth grade.

The All Sports Camp costs $10 for Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District #9 students and $25 for students not enrolled in SOCUSD.

The camp will run from 12:30 p.m. and campers will choose five activities to participate in each day.

Campers will have the option to choose from seven different sports. Sedona athletic director Don Burton spoke on sports and what participants can expect.

•  What do you expect campers to learn?

It is something we set up for kids to have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals in the various sports they want to play. The second thing we want to accomplish is to have coaches connect with these kids so they can begin building relationships. Those are the two main points of emphasis for the camp. The third thing is to provide an outlet for the kids to release their energy in the summer. n What will you consider a successful camp? I think the big thing is the kids come in and get to know our coaches. Hopefully, the kids will develop some skills and want to continue growing their skills by coming out to team events.

• How important is physical fitness for young athletes?

I think it is crucial as the more conditioned they are, the more successful they become. They do not tire easily in games so it is an ongoing thing. n How was this past season for Sedona athletics? I think it was a growing season and one where we were searching to find answers. Looking ahead to next year, we have hired some new coaches, as well as some new assistants. Now we have a staff member or faculty member in every sport except for one. Having that relationship being built during the day allows us to make connections much easier.

• What will you look to have accomplished by next season’s end?

The groundwork is being set towards building solid programs at all levels. I will also take over as the Red Rock junior high athletic director position next year so I hope to create more positive relationships with the community. We want to get the community involved and excited to see our athletes perform. We also want the athletes enjoying the competition and developing skills they can utilize later in life. We want them projecting a positive image with their actions on the court. n Why is community involvement essential? I think obviously, once you get the community involved, the community gains an understanding of how important kids showing up to practice is. They learn the sacrifices a family has to make for their kid to succeed. Supporting the kids financially and emotionally through game activities and helping us turn into one big team is important.

• Why are summer camps important for kids? I think it is easier to develop skills as there is more time compared to a regular season. Instead of focusing on a game plan, they can help a player tweak their technique. These skills will help them succeed in whatever athletic events they participate in the future. Prospective students can stop by the high school office anytime between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to pick up forms and register. Transportation will not be provided for the camp. All campers are recommended to bring a sack lunch every day.

For more information, contact burton@sedonak12.org. Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and 18 hours of instruction. Sedona Red Rock High is also hosting a basketball, volleyball and flag football camp from Monday, June 24, to Thursday, June 27. Campers will partake in basketball in the morning and volleyball in the afternoon. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30. p.m.