When you think about the words camp and football, the first thing that comes to mind is training camp, and for youth football players, that comes in August. But as we head through the spring, it’s not too early to think about your child getting a jump on the football season by going to a football camp or two this summer.

While kids might be busy with other activities during the summer, setting aside some time for a non-contact football camp is a good idea for a number of reasons. Since many kids may not have picked up a football since last season ended, it’s a chance to get the rust off and get back on a football field. It’s also a valuable opportunity for a child to stay active while also getting a fresh approach and learning new techniques from other coaches. 

RELATED CONTENT: Pathway to U.S. National Teams to change in 2018

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. National Team Regionals: The Journey to International Bowl 2019

Each year, there are a number of camps that are set up around the country, and they can range in terms of length, price, and level of instruction. My kids go to a terrific three-day camp in June that features current and former NFL players and coaches as guest instructors. If there is a camp like this in your region, it’s a great opportunity for your child to not only get some additional football experience for a few days, but also to learn from those who have reached the highest level of the sport.

Last year, my kids learned from the likes of former New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, New England Patriots Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty, Houston Texans offensive line coach Mike Devlin and former New York Jets safety Erik Coleman. When someone who has made it to the NFL speaks, kids listen, and it was priceless to see how these men interacted with the kids, ran them through drills, and shared some stories and life experiences. 

RELATED CONTENT: From pee-wee football nerves to inspiring pee-wee football players, thank you, Nick Mangold

A neat thing about these camps is that it’s not just for kids who play tackle football. In the case of my kids, Bradley plays tackle and Jared plays flag, but they are able to go to the same football camp because the basic fundamentals that are taught apply to both versions of football. The camp is set up to make it enjoyable and meaningful for all of the kids who attend, and they all become better players for it.  

Both of my kids are in the middle of baseball season, but they’re already starting to ask about the football camp, which is fast approaching at the end of June. After getting back in the football swing of things for a few days, it won’t be long before they’re both thinking about the fall and getting back on the field for the new season. They will do so with the added fundamentals and techniques that they learn at a quality non-contact youth football camp. 

Peter Schwartz is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network, FOX News Headlines 24/7 and WCBS 880 Radio in New York. His older son Bradley plays youth tackle football for the Super Bowl Champion East Meadow Rams on Long Island while his younger son Jared plays flag football for the LSW Giants. Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy cheering on the New York Jets when they’re not at a youth football field.