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WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY – Kalamazoo, MI

Full Day Camp with Half Day option
 

Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps comes to the Zoo! Brand new in 2023, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI will be offering two weeks of camps this summer. The camp will be directed by WMU Asst. Head Coach, Stephen Payne and will be hosted at the impressive Sorenson Courts on campus.

Each camper receives personal attention, advanced teaching techniques, intensive drill work, and game/match play, all in a fun and competitive environment. We break the campers into small instructional groups of similar age and ability, so each child is working in a group that is commensurate with their experience level. We tailor each program to the level of the players. Beginners get a heavy dose of swing technique and fundamentals, while more advanced players focus on strategy, point building, percentage tennis, etc.

The Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps are the premier camps for young players who strive to learn the game, improve their skills and participate in middle school, high school, USTA team tennis, or tournaments.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMP INCLUDE:

 

  • Comprehensive instructional program with daily teaching progressions
  • Small instructional groups to ensure individual attention
  • Safety prioritized on and off court
  • Camp T-Shirt and prizes for all campers
  • Camp demo program with all the latest Wilson rackets

CAMP DETAILS

CAMP DATES:

  • Session I: June 12-16, 2023
  • Session II: June 19-23, 2023

 

CAMP FEES:

  • Full Day – $550 per week
  • Half Day – $325 per week

    TIMES:

    Full Day Option:

    • 9am – 4:00pm daily

    Half Day Option:

    • 9am – Noon daily

    AGES:

    • Boys and Girls ages 7-18 of all skill levels.
    • Camps open to any and all restricted only by age.

    MORE INFORMATION

    Camp Types

    Our traditional tennis camps are designed to focus on the fundamentals and swing techniques of modern tennis strokes. We tailor the instruction to the skill level and experience of each level of player. Some of the areas of focus for each level include:

    • Beginners: The beginning-level player will be introduced to the basics of the game. Emphasis will be placed on stroke production and the technical aspects of the swing to teach these young players sound fundamentals from the ground up.
    • Intermediate: Intermediate-level players will also focus on stroke production (to ensure proper technique) and be introduced to gameplay situations to introduce these players to the competitive side of the game.
    • High School / Tournament:  High school (both varsity and JV) and tournament players will focus on the strategic and competitive aspects of the game. Although swing fundamentals are featured, emphasis will also feature point building, court positioning, patterns of play, and live ball drill work.

    Note: A skills evaluation is done on the first day of camp, and we will assign students to small instructional groups with kids of similar age, ability, and experience levels. Players will continue to be evaluated throughout the week, and coaches will move kids into situations to push them and help ensure they are in a comfortable learning environment.

    Meals

    • Full day Campers should pack their lunch daily. There will option to buy lunch from Cafeteria (Valley Dinning Center- $10.50 per meal : subject to price change)

    FAQ's

    Q: Are there Skill Requirements for this camp?

    Per NCAA rules, our sports camps are open to all entrants. Enrollment is limited only by age, grade level, gender, and capacity restrictions as specified by each camp.

    Q: What type of campers attend this camp?

    Our camps are open to any and all levels of tennis players. We have players from absolute beginner to High School / Tournament level.

    Q. What is the ratio of campers to staff?

    Groups will be divided into small instructional groups of approximately 5-6: 1 camper to coach. Some camps/sessions offer higher or lower ratios based on the curriculum.

    Q. If the camp is full, do you have a waiting list?

    To be added to the waitlist, please register here (there is no fee to join the waitlist).

    Q. Should I purchase camp/cancellation insurance?

    We recommend all families purchase camp/cancellation insurance if they are concerned about the investment they are making in the camp. Kids do get injured, sick and family plans change from the time of registration leading up to the camp. Camp insurance allows peace of mind and has many benefits in any of these events. Please review our policies page for more information about camp/cancellation insurance. Click Here

    PERTINENT INFORMATION

    Check-In

    All campers will check in daily at 9am. On the first day of camp check-in will open at 8:40 am.

    Check-Out

    • Full Day campers will check out daily at 4:00pm

    Camp Forms

    All our camp forms, including the required liability form and medical form can be found HERE

    Packing List

    • Tennis Racket
    • Tennis Shoes
    • Sun Screen
    • Hat / Visor
    • Water bottle
    • Snack (if desired)

    Pertinent Camp Information for Check-in

    Forms / Balance Due


    Camp Waiver (required):  
    Your Liability Waiver was signed during the registration process and is complete as long as your registered online.


    Medical Form (required):  
    Each camper must have a completed and signed medical form brought to check-in on the first day of camp. –  Download Form here 
    A physical exam is not required for campers. If the camper needs medical or disability accommodations, including significant food allergies that require special meals, please email the office.


    Balance Due:
    To check if you have a remaining balance, you can access your account here.

    Check-In / Check-Out Information


    Check-in / Drop off: 

    • Check-in / Drop off Time: 8:45-9:15am on the first day of camp and 9:00am the rest of the week.
    • Check-in / Drop off Location: Lower Sorensen Tennis Courts
    • Check-in / Drop off Address: North Dormitory Road, Kalamazoo MI 49006

    Check-out / Pick up:  

    • Check-out / Pick up Time: 4:00pm Monday – Thursday, 12:00pm Friday for Full Day Campers / 12:00pm daily for half day campers
    • Check-out / Pick up Location: Lower Sorensen Tennis Courts
    • Check-out / Pick up Address : North Dormitory Road, Kalamazoo MI 49006

    Meals Included: 

    • No meals provided but there is an option to purchase daily for full day campers

    Packing List

     

    • Tennis Racket
    • Tennis Shoes
    • Sun Screen
    • Hat / Visor
    • Water bottle
    • Snack (if desired)

    Session Notes

    N/A

    MEET YOUR COACHES

    Camp Director:

    Stephen Payne

    ASSISTANT MEN’S TENNIS COACH

    Western Michigan University

    Stephen Payne enters his third season as an Assistant Coach with the Broncos in 2022-23 after a highly decorated playing career at WMU. The 2021-22 year was a good one for the Broncos as they posted a 15-9 record and capturing the MAC conference title with a 4-2 win over the University of Toledo. In addition, the team won the conference regular season championship and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the 15th time in school history.

    He graduated in 2016 from Western Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management. Played 4 seasons for WMU from 2012-2016 winning 2 Conference Championships. Achieved Career High ITA Doubles ranking of #37 in January 2016. 2-time Hap Sorensen Coaches’ Award Winner. 2014-2015 WMU Doubles team of the year with Matt Hamilton. 2014-15 Team Captain.

    SAMPLE SCHEDULE

    Coming Soon