CareSource Football ProCamps hosts successful summer event

On Friday July 21, 250 children in grades third through eighth took part in the CareSource Football ProCamp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus.

“What a tremendous opportunity for us to work with so many local children in a positive atmosphere like this,” said Ohio State star defensive end, JT Tuimolau. “It wasn’t that long ago I was just a kid taking part in camps like this, getting instruction from people I looked up to. This whole atmosphere is just perfect.”

Camp participants took part in several football stations, each teaching the children specific techniques and tips from local high school football coaches and assistant coaches. In addition, the camp instructors offered hands-on instruction, including lectures, fundamental football skills contests, and non-contact games in a high-energy, fun, and positive environment. Campers were placed in small groups by age to ensure that each child received maximum instruction.

Not only did the young campers learn a great deal at the camp, so did their parents, who were presented a unique opportunity to hear from a medical professional.

Catherine Butz, M.D., the Clinical Coordinator of the Pediatric Psychology Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University delivered a “Doc Talk” to the parents of the campers discussing how to properly support the emotional needs of emerging athletes today.

Other Buckeye players who helped with the camp included Josh Fryar, Cedrick Hawkins, Jakob James, Cam Martinez, Tywone Malone Jr., Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Tegra Tshabola.

“What a great feeling working with all these kids,” added Malone. “It’s my first season playing football in Columbus and to have the opportunity to spend a day like this, just having fun playing football with the campers, it’s just awesome.”

At the conclusion of the camp, each of the campers received a souvenir autograph from the Buckeye players, a camp team photo as well as a CareSource football ProCamp t-shirt.