Gearing up for summer sports
February 1, 2013
While the chill, wintry days of February loom ahead, it's a sure sign that spring is not far off as the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Department gears up for its summer sports program ... and notice that's missing the word "youth."

That's because this year will bring programs for kids both young and old.

Here's a look at what the summer holds:
February 25 - April 13 Future Badger Basketball, a new program this year for boys and girls grades three through six. Boys play each Monday and Thursday, girls each Tuesday and Friday with practices and games at Valley View, the middle school and the high school. Cost is $25, which includes game shirt, and the deadline to register is February 16. A basketball clinic will be held February 16, with time and location to be announced.
April 30 - June 6 Girls Future Badger Fastpitch: another new proram for girls ages six through eight (call for information for older girls). Games will be held each Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the fairgrounds fields. Cost is $25, which includes game shirt, and the deadline to register is April 20.
June 4 - July 11 Flag Football: Open to boys and girls ages eight through 12, with games each Tuesday and Thursday. Cost is $25 and the deadline to register is May 25.
June 4 - July 2 Tee Ball: Open to boys and girls ages four through six, though there may exceptions to the age limits. Kids play each Tuesday and Thursday at the fairgrounds fields. Cost is $25, which inludes a shirt and hat, but not pants or socks. Registration deadline is May 25.
  Adult Softball: Dates and times to be announced. Cost is $25 and the deadline to register is June 15.
July 15-19 Youth Tennis Camp: Ages 5-7. 8 to 9:10 a.m.; ages 8-10, 9:15 to 10:25 a.m.; ages 11-18, 10:30 to 11:40 a.m., each daily at the fairgrounds tennis courts. Cost is $25, which includes a shirt and use of a raquet. Registration deadline is July 6.
July 15 & 17 Adult Tennis Camp: 6 to 7:15 p.m. both days at the fairgrounds tennis courts, John Beck of the Boundary County Tennis Association will instrut. Cost is $25, which includes a shirt and use of a raquet, deadline to register is July 6.
July 22-26 British Soccer Camps: open to boys and girls ages three through 16, camp times and pricing vary by age. Camp fee includes a T-shirt, soccer ball, giant poster and personal player evaluation. If you register by June 1, they'll even throw in a free British soccer replica jersey! To learn more, visit www.challengersports.com.
August 6 - September 19 Soccer: Open to boys and girls ages four through 14, play Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 and 6 p.m. on the fairgrounds fields. Cost is $25.
October 1 - November 7 Future Badger Volleyball: Open to girls in grades five and six. Practice and games each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. at Valley View Elementary. Cost is $25 and the deadline to register is September 21.
And this doesn't include the annual Hershey Track Meet, a free event open to boys and girls ages 9 through 14, to take place at the high school track, date and time to be set. Kids can compete in the 50, 100, 200 and 400 meter dash, the 800 and 1,600 meter run, the 4 x 100 meter relay, the standing long jump and/or the softball throw, and winners will have the chance to continue competing for a chance to go to the North America finals in Hershey, Pennsylvania in August!

Registration forms and more information are available outside the parks office, 7171 Fifth Street by the fairgrounds, or on-line at http://www.boundarycountyid.org/youthrecreation/index.htm; forms and fees should be mailed to Parks and Rec, Attn: Anne Thompson, P.O. Box 3044, Bonners Ferry, ID, 83805.

The Parks and Rec Department is always looking for coaches and sponsors, whether you choose to sponsor a team specifically, or just wish to be a program sponsor. You can volunteer in various areas such as fundraising, coaching, officiating, and more ... anything you may have to offer, monetary or voluntary, will greatly be appreciated.

"We are all working to provide the youth in our community with some fun and positive activities, making our community a better place," said sports director Anne Tompkins. "We hope you’ll consider being a part of that. Thank you in advance for your consideration!"

To learn more, call (208) 304-3603.