Summer is coming and there’s a new game in town — Pinecrest Sports Camps.
Based at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., the new camp is gearing up to provide kids with the ultimate sports experience. There will be no couch potatoes here and the camp’s theme says it all: All sports… all fun… all day!
Each morning during camp, threehour sports clinics in football, baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer and cheerleading will be taught by renowned high school coaches. High level athletes from local high schools and colleges will assist the coaching team and serve as camp counselors.
Camp afternoons will be full of games, including dodgeball and gatorball, water play, rock climbing, arts and crafts, Wii and computer lab. Every Wednesday, campers will take field trips to local attractions such as a Miami Marlins baseball game, Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, Venetian Pool, bowling and movies.
Although the camp is new, director Dan Sheehy is not new to youth sports. For more than 15 years he’s been a leader in local youth sports programs. Born and raised in Miami, Sheehy has served as an officer for the Kendall Boys and Girls Club, a football coach for Westminster Christian High School, commissioner for Suniland Optimists flag and tackle football, cheerleading and basketball programs, and chief umpire for the Howard Palmetto Baseball/Softball Association. He played baseball and football at Columbus High School and football for the Kendall Broncos.
“Youth sports have become so competitive, beginning at a very young age,” said Sheehy. “This camp will enable kids to receive additional training in their sport – or learn a new sport – under the direction of a skilled coach. There’s really no other camp like this.”
Sheehy has recruited top coaches to coach campers during daily sports clinics, offered 9 a.m. to noon. One of America’s most successful high school football coaches, Chris Merritt, head football coach at Columbus High, will coach the football clinics. Bill Shopp, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 1976 to 1979, will coach the baseball clinics.
“It’s important for kids to learn the fundamentals and the proper techniques of their sport,” said Sheehy. “They will learn from coaches and athletes who know the game. They will gain confidence, be more successful and ultimately have more fun.”
Running Pinecrest Sports Camps will be a family affair for Sheehy, who is a father of three and operates a local construction company. His wife Luly will be actively involved onsite. Daughter Alexandra will assist with administrative duties and 20- year old son Nicholas will be the head counselor.
“Not only will kids experience success in their sport, they’ll learn sportsmanship and better social skills, grow more independent and make new friends,” said Sheehy. “All of this while having the time of their life.”
Pinecrest Sports Camps is open to children 5 to 14 years old. It operates weekly, June 11 through July 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with early drop off and late pick up available. The cost is $135 per week or $500 for a four-week session. One sports clinic is included in the camp price and campers can attend additional clinics for $15 each.
To register, go to www.leaguelineup.com/pinecrestsportscamps; for more information, call 786- 506-1231 or email pincrestsportscamps@aol.com.
