Sports Specialty Camps, Grades 1-12
Bob Berman, Sports Specialty Camps Director x233 bberman@worcesterjcc.org
Kelly
Sampson, Aquatics/Gymnastics Camp Director x235 ksampson@worcesterjcc.org
The JCC Sports Specialty Camps provide expert sports instruction in an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. Our camps’ primary emphasis is on skill and technique complemented by an appreciation of teamwork and strategy.
Sports campers make use of the JCC’s beautiful athletic facilities: Outdoor ball fields, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, 25 yard indoor and outdoor pools, dance studio and cardio kick box room. All camps are co-ed. Sports Specialty Camps will include Thursday lunch cookouts for all participants.
Bus Transportation... from the Westboro/Shrewsbury service area is available at the rate of $12/per day/ round trip or $7/each way. No refunds for transportation services.
Sports Specialty Camps Brochure. See individual camps for grades.
Application packet for Sports Specialty Camps
GYMNASTICS
CAMP
Session
1: June 16 - June 20
Session
2: August 18 - August 22
Grades 1 to 8 • 9 am - 4 pm • $200 M, $225 NM
Dedicated to progression through careful training of basic skills. Quality
instructors safely challenge the limits of individual abilities.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Training in Olympic Events (balance beam, floor exercise, uneven parallel bars and vaulting
- Gymnastics Films
- Tumbling and Dance
- Strength and Flexibility Classes
- Cheerleading
- Achievement Awards
- Optional Swim
- Camp T-shirt
WRESTLING CAMP
Session 1: July 7 - July 11
Grades 3 to 12 • 9 am - 4 pm • $225 M, $250 NM
Taught by World Champion, Mehdi Kaveh!! Wrestlers will learn international level techniques broken down into the basics. All participants, including beginners and non-wrestlers will also benefit from Mehdi's unique fitness program.
As a 5 time Iranian National Champion, Mehdi brings passion and a new perspective to American wrestling. His training regimen focuses on:
- Proper Stretching
- Smart Positioning
- Discipline
- Physical Conditioning
- Psychology of Competition
- Set-ups to High and Low Shots
- Hand Fighting
- Mind/Body Awareness
- Optional Swim
BASKETBALL CAMP
Session 1: June 23
- June 27
Session 2: August 11 - August 15
Grades 1 and 2 • 9 am - 1 pm • $135 M, $155 NM
Grades 3 to 8 • 9 am - 4 pm • $200 M, $225 NM
Aftercare available 1-4 pm/ grades 1 & 2 at $15 per day (subject to minimum enrollment).
Expert staff, composed of top high school and college coaches, help campers better understand the game of basketball and reach higher levels of performance.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Offensive and Defensive Fundamentals
- Daily Scrimmages
- Contests
- Instructional Videos
- Swim Option
- Camp T-shirt
- Complimentary Basketball
- Achievement Awards
- Guest Speakers
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Bill Gibbons, Holy Cross Women’s Basketball Coach
Brian Meehan, Head Basketball Coach, Brandeis University
Nancy Mayer Bates, Former North High School Varsity Girls Basketball Coach,
Former All-American University of Virginia women’s basketball.
PAST CELEBRITY GUESTS:
Boston Celtics - Rick Fox
Boston Celtics - David Wesley
Boston Celtics - Travis Knight
Wayne Turner - University of Kentucky
Michael Bradley - Philadelphia 76ers
Coach Willie Maye - Boston Celtics Color Commentator
ALL-SPORTS
CAMP
Session 1: July 7-
July 11
Session 2: July 14 - July 18
Session 3: August 4- August 8
Grades 1 to 9 • 9 am - 4 pm • $200 M, $225 NM
Campers will receive instruction in a variety of sports. Skill sessions, contests and scrimmage games will help campers improve their level of play in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Baseball, basketball, soccer, NHL street hockey, track & field, tennis & NFL flag football are just some of the sports to choose from during our All-Sports Camp sessions.
Daily swim option plus elective periods will provide campers with a fun-filled experience.
The All-Sports Camp instructors will be members of the JCC Health & Fitness Department and other qualified staff.
CIRCUS PERFORMING with...“GARY THE SILENT CLOWN”!
JCC All-Sports Camp welcomes back “Gary the Silent Clown” to work with All-Sport campers during Session 1 and Session 2! Campers will challenge their fine and gross motor coordination as they improve confidence, and self esteem while they are participating in fun activities such as spinning plates, balancing, juggling, walking on stilts, unicycle, and much more. The program cullminates with campers participating in a circus style show. Gary has performed extensively with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. He is well known throughout New England for his clowning programs given each year at many elementary schools, including here in Worcester at Flagg Street School! This program will be a great complement to a wide range of other great sports and activities throughout the week.
SWIM LESSON CAMPS

Prepare children for a summer of fun and a lifetime of safety in all aquatic environments.
Preschool programs focus on water exploration and comfort, with an emphasis on water safety.
K-6 programs use the American Red Cross progressive swim program.
Session 1: June 16-
June 19
Session 2: June 23 - June 26
Session 3: June 30 - July 3
Session 4: July 7 - July 10
Session 5: July 14 - July 17
Session 6: July 21 - July 24
Session 7: July 28 - July 31
(all levels - indoor pool)
PRESCHOOL (Level
1 & 2)
3:30 - 4:00 pm • $32 M, $42 NM per Session
GRADES K - 6 (Level
1 & 2)
4:00 - 4:30 pm • $32 M, $42 NM per Session
GRADES K - 6 (Level
3 & 4)
4:00 - 4:30 pm • $32 M, $42 NM
Level 1...INTRODUCTION TO WATER SKILLS...This class is designed for children who have no swimming skills. Children must be able to follow directions and hold on to wall by themselves.
Level 2...FUNDAMENTAL AQUATICS SKILLS...Participant must have passed Level 1. This class is designed to give students success with fundamental skills. Students learn to float by themselves and recover in a vertical position. They begin to move in both alternating and simultaneous arm and leg motions on the front and back to lay the foundation for future strokes.
Level 3...STROKE DEVELOPMENT...Participant must have passed Level 2. The object of this level is to build on coordination of the front crawl and backstroke and introduction to elements of the butterfly and fundamentals of treading water. Basics of water entries will be introduced.
Level 4...STROKE IMPROVEMENT...Increase the development of the front and backcrawl with increase distance and coordination. Build on the butterfly stroke and refine skills of the elementary backstroke and breaststroke. Basics of turning on the wall will be introduced.
Kelly Sampson, Nadya Mahoney and their Aquatics Staff look forward to helping your child improve their swimming skills in a clean, safe, and fun environment. We will provide qualified instructors and offer small class size to give your swimmer the best possible chance to improve.
SOCCER CAMP

August 18 - August
22
Grades 1 and 2 • 9 am - 1 pm • $135 M, $155 NM
Grades 3 to 8 • 9 am - 4 pm • $200 M, $225 NM
Aftercare available 1-4 pm/grades 1 & 2 at $15 per day
(subject to minimum enrollment)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fundamental Drill Stations
- Guest Speakers
- Skill Contests
- Videos
- Camp T-shirt
- Soccer Ball
- Highly Qualified Staff
- Specialized Training
- Goalkeepers
- Scrimmage Games
- Achievement Awards
- Swim Option
Program Coordinators:
Massood Abolfazli, 20 year coaching veteran who trained 20 All-New England & 12 All-American Players. His Clark men’s teams won the Division III 1984 ECAC Championship, and competed in seven consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Under Massood’s guidance, the Clark women’s teams made 6 consecutive tournament appearances and in 1999 posted the only undefeated season in Clark women’s soccer history. Both the men’s and women’s teams were nationally ranked during his coaching tenure. Massood is a 4 time All-New England Selection and All-American Selection and a Clark University Sports Hall of Fame member.
Hans DeKlerk, Played amateur soccer in the Netherlands. Two years semi-pro in Israel. Two years varsity soccer at Clark University. Coach and Assistant Coach for Worcester Youth Soccer League. 4 years coaching youth soccer team at SAC and has organized and directed two Youth Goalkeeper Clinics.
Sean Chenevert, Former Varsity Men’s Soccer Coach, Anna Maria College.Currently in his 4th season as Coach at the St. Peter Marian High School soccer program.
RICH GEDMAN
BASEBALL CAMP 
Session 1: July 21
- July 25
Session 2: July 28- August 1
Grades 1 and 2 • 9 am - 1 pm • $140 M, $160 NM
Grades 3 to 7 • 9 am - 4 pm • $210 M, $235 NM
Aftercare available 1-4 pm for grades 1 & 2 at $15 per day
(subject to minimum enrollment)
Rich Gedman...
Current Manager of the 2005 Can-Am League Champion
Worcester Tornadoes and 2005 Can-Am Manager
of the Year. Rich brings 12 years of Major League
experience to the JCC. Rich played with the
Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and St. Louis
Cardinals and participated in two American League
Championship Series and the 1986 World Series.
He was the 1981 Sporting News Rookie of the Year
and a two time American League All-Star Catcher.
Dave Smith...
Camp Clinic Coordinator. Currently 3rd Base Coach and Director of Community Affairs & Education for the Worcester Tornados. Former senior instructor for the Chris Corkum Baseball Inc. programs of Connecticut and Western Mass. Former Varsity Baseball Coach at Murdock High School. Dave played semi professional baseball in the Boston Park League, Western Mass Tri County League and the Central New England Baseball Association.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fundamental Drill Stations
- Professional Guest Instructors
- State-of-the-Art Baseball Training Equipment
- Swim Option
- Videotaping
- Intrasquad games and fun contests
- Achievement Awards
- Camp T-shirt
Field trips for all campers to professional baseball games:
- Worcester Tornadoes vs. Sussex Skyhawks, Wednesday July 23, 11 am game.
- Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Rochester Redwings, Wednesday July 30, 12 noon game.
Staff: Top high school and college coaches.
Special Guest Clinician:
Ray Fagnant, Northeast Regional Scout for the Boston Red Sox. Ray received
the George Digby Award recognizing him as the Boston Red Sox Top Scout
for 2001/2002.
Guest Player Appearances from the Worcester Tornadoes

