Synopsis:   The 2010 "Better Baseball" Mini-Camp is specifically designed for 8-10 year olds, those entering into kid-pitch for the first time and those who have played at the kid-pitch level for two years or less. For this camp, we are working under the principle that no one becomes a great player overnight (or in a two-day camp). So instead, we will be focusing on making the players "baseball smart", and giving them the tools they need to become advanced players if they will continue to work on the things that we teach. To this end, there will be quite a bit of oral teaching and demonstrations in the proper mechanics of pitching, hitting, fielding and baserunning. (During these times of instruction and demonstration, dads and coaches are welcome to sit in; after all, we want them to be able to reinforce the things that we're teaching). All of this will, of course, be supported with group drills and one-on-one instruction as well. All-in-all, the "Better Baseball" mini-camp is the don't miss event of the summer for eight to ten year olds who are interested in becoming the best players that they can be. Click here to view or print the promotional flyer. Feel free to share this flyer with friends and family. Eligibility:   Boys age 8 - 10 * Advanced, intermediate and beginner players encouraged to attend * Age is based on the age the player will be on September 1, 2010. Call 936-756-2292 for details. Location:   Barton Park / Zack Kahn Sports Complex  (Click link for map & directions) South Loop 336 East Conroe, Texas Dates:   Friday, July 9, 2010:  Pitching, Catching and Base-running Saturday, July 10, 2010:  Hitting and Fielding All players are encouraged to attend both days. Even if you're only interested in improving a part of your game, we will be discussing important aspects on both days that you don't want to miss. And of course you get a discount by attending both dates. Times:   1:30 - 5:00 pm each day Please show up promptly at 1:30 (or even a little earlier) as we have limited time and a lot to cover. For more specific information on dates and times, please refer to the Camp Calendar, which may be updated as needed. Cost:   Just $75 per day or $120 for the entire camp! Special group discounts are available for coaches (with players), and multi-player families. Discounts may also be available for certain organizations and/or other special circumstances. Please call 936-756-2292 for details. Minimum Attendance:   This camp requires a minimum attendance of eight players. Should less than eight players register for the camp prior to Wednesday, July 7th, Northside Baseball Academy reserves the right to cancel the camp and refund the registration fees. Rain Dates:   On days where weather prohibits the use of the field, there are two possibilities: Depending on availability, we may move over to the batting cages at Allstar Baseball Academy in Conroe. If this is the case, you will need to have an additional $5 on hand for batting tokens. The other possibility is that we will make these dates up at the earliest opportunity, most likely during the week of July 19-24. Please leave these dates open for make-up days if at all possible. Important Note: Please call or check the camp calendar if there is ever a question of the camp being moved or cancelled due to weather considerations. This would include days immediately following a hard rain as well as days when the forecast is calling for rain on the day in question. Instructors and Guest Speakers:   Fred Watt, Director and coach, Northside Baseball Academy and Northside Falcons Jesse Watt, High School Varsity Asst. Coach and former High School All-Star Catcher Additional instructors may be added. Stay tuned for developments. Other Information:   Players must wear appropriate baseball clothing, including baseball pants and hat, cleats (no spikes), and appropriate protective gear. Each player must bring his own glove. Players are also advised to bring tennis shoes (for certain running drills), a towel, and an extra t-shirt. Players are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own bat, batting gloves and helmet, although a limited supply of bats and helmets will be on hand for general use. On that note, please be advised that sharing of helmets in a large group setting is not a generally safe practice and is not endorsed by Northside Baseball Academy. Players are strongly encouraged to bring their own water bottle or other liquid supply. We will have a cooler on hand, but that can be depleted quickly. Also, although the facility does have a water fountain, we have no way of assuring its status of operation. Finally, please understand that this is not a babysitting service and that parents are welcome to stick around during the camp, provided that they remain outside the fence or other areas where we are working. (Exception: Dads and coaches are welcome to sit in on teaching sessions). In connection, please plan for drop-off and pick-up at the appropriate times. We will not be responsible for players who are not picked up at the appropriate time. Requirements:   Each player must: 1) Register for the camp. 2) Fill out a Player Information Sheet and bring it with him to the first day of camp. Instructions for obtaining a Player Information Sheet will be provided once the camp registration form and payment have been received. 3) Good conduct will be enforced. Ours is a Christian organization. Although you do not need to be a professing Christian to participate, we do require that you abide by certain Rules of Behavior while participating in our camps. These are described on the registration form. Continual use of inappropriate language or behavior will result in dismissal with no refund. [ top ]