While most students head to the beach or sleep in over the summer, echoes of bouncing basketballs, cheer chants and dance steps continue to fill the gym and field at CHS. This summer, several of the school’s athletic teams are hosting youth camps, giving younger athletes a chance to grow.
“They give us a chance to represent Chantilly,” sophomore field hockey player Gracie Miller said. “A lot of kids fall in love with a sport because of these camps.”
The camps are strategically scheduled and run by student-athletes and coaches across multiple programs. Dance, baseball, boys and girls basketball and cheerleading are all hosting camps, with dates ranging from mid-June to late July.
“We’ve done camps every summer since I became the head coach in 2019,” girls varsity basketball coach Joshua Regan said. “I think that the consistency of having camps has allowed for the team to connect better and learn the importance of leadership.”
The structure of the girls basketball camp is designed to keep kids moving while reinforcing skills. Coaches and high school players run activities that keep campers active and engaged throughout the day.
“Having competitive games each day teaches the campers how to have fun while also learning the basics of the game,” Regan said.
Camps also create opportunities for high school athletes to practice leadership and mentorship. Coaches say these moments bring their team together, shaping them for the upcoming season.
“The camp really benefits three groups of people,” Regan said. “The campers benefit from learning skills and getting to know the players and coaches at Chantilly. The high school players learn leadership and management skills. The coaches benefit from getting to know players and families of younger students that will eventually attend Chantilly.”
Behind the scenes, organizing these camps is a step-by-step process. Coaches must plan far in advance to ensure they have the proper space and that camps don’t conflict with each other.
“We have to reserve space for camp early in the year to make sure that no one else takes the gym space,” Regan said. “This year, for our first week, the boys camp is from seven to noon and we come in from noon to five because there is a lack of gym space. It’s not ideal to have both team camps the same week, but we work together for the greater good.”
In addition to space, programs must also have approval from the school system. Camps can’t run without authorization from both the boosters and school administration.
“These camps are sponsored by athletic booster clubs,” Assistant Director of Student Activities Kevin Ford said. “The process starts with identifying that there’s space for the camp to happen and then getting approval from the boosters and from Mr. Shapiro that everything checks out logistically.”
Since school budgets can’t cover every need, summer camps often act as fundraisers. The money from registration fees goes straight back into helping each team cover its costs. Even with the financial benefit, coaches state that the true value lies in building relationships between players, coaches and families.
“It’s a great opportunity for the team to just spend time together and bond,” Regan said. “Most of the players really enjoy working with the younger kids and many come back after they graduate to work.”
Miller said that helping with camps gives athletes a chance to develop off the field or court. High schoolers can take this opportunity to learn how to take initiative, communicate clearly and set an example for younger kids.
“You’re not just practicing, you’re helping kids learn and have fun,” Miller said. “It makes you step up as a leader.”
CHS’ camps have grown in reputation over the years, drawing families from across the region. Some campers return year after year, even if they’re zoned to attend other high schools.
“It’s a humble brag, but I think we run the best camp in the county,” Regan said. “We have girls that come to camp eight or nine straight years. We also have a lot of kids that will go to other high schools come to our camp year after year because they have so much fun. Our camp is well-known throughout the area.”
To ensure fairness and prevent recruiting violations, coaches are required to follow strict rules when campers live outside the CHS attendance zone.
“You can talk about being in our program,” Ford said. “If there’s no Chantilly kids there, then you’re not allowed to discuss that because it’s considered recruiting.”
For Miller and other student-athletes, these camps are more than just a summer volunteering opportunity; they’re a way to represent the school, support their teams, and build confidence as leaders in the community.
“It pushes us to lead, especially our upcoming captains,” Miller said. “That leadership doesn’t start at the beginning of the season, it starts now.”
