Summer camps a popular option

After most undergraduates leave UNC for the summer, thousands of campers flood the area.

There are a variety of camp options. Kids can shoot hoops at the popular Roy Williams’ Carolina Basketball Camp and Clinics. Others might perfect their penalty kicks at the North Carolina Girls Soccer Camp.

This list is not complete. There are many other sports and academic camps held throughout the summer season at UNC.

C.B. McGrath, director of UNC’s basketball camp, said that roughly a few hundred participants attend each summer, ranging from 9 to 18 years old. The majority are residents of North Carolina.

During the week, campers have the opportunity to interact with members of the basketball team, he said.

McGrath said the campers love to give the players high fives and shake hands.

“Sometimes they’d rather be on the side talking with them rather than playing,” McGrath said.

He said the kids are very enthusiastic over Coach Williams’ appearance.

“They obviously love having Coach Williams around – most kids want his autograph more than anything.”

Anson Dorrance is UNC’s women’s soccer coach and the camp director of the North Carolina Girls Soccer Camp. He is also a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The camp aims for 2000 campers every summer, but Dorrance said that numbers have diminished due to the economy. Locations in both Chapel Hill and Greensboro allow people from all areas of the state to attend.

Like the basketball camp, varsity soccer players offer a unique connection to both the team and the sport itself.

The campers enjoy being surrounded by the active players. Dorrance described the players’ participation as a huge advantage.

“It’s really good for camp morale,” Dorrance said.

The soccer camp is also a great opportunity for hopeful Tar Heels to gain exposure.

“It’s a recruiting platform- we actively recruit out of the camper environment,” Dorrance said.

Granville Towers and UNC Housing provide accommodations for most of the on-campus summer programs. This helps create a genuine college atmosphere.

Granville Towers accommodates approximately 8,000-9,000 campers each summer, including the basketball camp.

Allison Kenney, assistant general manager, said that their facilities, including a swimming pool, air hockey table and pool table, are very attractive to the coaches.

“It’s a one-stop-shop,” Kenney said.

Susan Rhody, UNC Housing’s coordinator for conference operations, noted that her office works with approximately 80 sessions held from mid-May until the first week of August.

Rhody’s office of three takes care of the University’s residence halls. It works with facility and housing staff so that students can seamlessly return in the fall.

She described the groups’ numerous interests, ranging from rowing and chamber orchestras to gaming technology and digital curation.

An estimated 13,000 people will visit the campus, she said, with thirty-eight percent solely attending athletic camps.

“It is a great thing that UNC’s wonderful reputation entices people to come to campus.”

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.