The FirstSwing Foundation, a local 501c3 non-profit, is offering summer baseball and softball camps for youngsters 4-14 years of age in Everett and Bellevue June through August. Each summer FirstSwing teaches the mechanics and fundamentals of the game, while focusing on the inherent “life lessons” within the game.
Kevin Mailloux from the Everett Aqua Sox visits FirstSwing Camp
The camps are structured so that each youngster will have “fun in the sun”, play games each day, and enjoy many competitive exercises. Regular camps offer team play, fun contests, “woodie day”(use wood gloves/bats), Home Run Derby, and teaches the game while playing it. Skills camp focuses on individual defensive, pitching, and hitting skill sets. “Small Ball” is for the 4-7 year old “rookie” players and introduces the game with fun play and drills.
Camp Location: Phil Johnson Ball Fields (Everett)
Link to Everett Parks & Rec registration online
(browse to Day Camps | Sports to find us or use a barcode below)
FIRSTSWING COMPLETE CAMPS (80052,80050,80053)
Times: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Dates: June 24-28, July 8-12 and July 15-19
Cost: $105
(continue the camp with the Skills Camp afternoon sessions below)
Experience complete baseball from the first swing to the last catch while having fun learning every skill required in the game: hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and infield and outfield play. Be part of the excitement – participate in a home run derby or bunt-a-thon and earn cool prizes. Campers receive constructive coaching throughout the camp session. Instructor: Phil Rognier, FirstSwing Foundation
Link to Everett Parks & Rec registration online
FIRSTSWING SKILLS CAMP (80058,80059,80057)
Times: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Dates: June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19
Cost: $105
Continue from the morning sessions (bring your lunch) or attend this camp on its own. Develop your game with more specialized coaching. Each player chooses a defensive position for individual instruction and evaluation: pitcher, catcher, infield or outfield.
Link to Everett Parks & Rec registration online
FIRSTSWING SMALL BALL (80063,80060,80061)
Times: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Dates: June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19
Cost: $105
Even the smallest ballplayers can score big fun in this parent-toddler camp. Preschool-aged campers learn the basic skills of baseball. Parents learn helpful tips from our syllabus. Camp is limited to 12 per session. This program is taught by student interns trained by FirstSwing.
Link to Everett Parks & Rec registration online
Registration Procedures:
Registration for all Summer Everett Parks and Recreation Programs, including the FirstSwing baseball and softball camps have begun. There are 3 ways a person may register for camp:
1. ONLINE REGISTRATION: If you have not registered for an Everett Parks and Recreation Department class before, go to: http://signmeup.everettwa.gov and create a family account. If you already have an online account and you cannot remember your account information, please call the Recreation Office during business hours to obtain your online account access information.
2. PHONE REGISTRATION: 425-257-8300 ext. 2, Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm
3. WALK-IN REGISTRATION: Recreation Office at Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA 98203, M-F 9am-5:30pm
Pre-registration is required prior to attending any Everett Parks and Recreation Program. Please register early for camp. Camps have been cancelled in past years due to lack of enrollment. As a reminder, Scholarships are available for families that live within the City of Everett. Contact the Recreation Office for an application or download at www.everettwa.gov/parks (use “scholarship application” in search). If you are not an Everett Resident and need financial assistance, please contact Phil Rognier of FirstSwing directly at phrog38@hotmail.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Jan Tanner, Recreation Supervisor, at 425-257-8293 or e-mail jtanner@everettwa.gov.
9th ANNUAL BELLEVUE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CAMP
The “Funnest” Baseball/Softball Camp of ALL!!!
Location: Bellevue(Clyde Hill School)
Dates: August 12-16
Regular Camp(9am-noon) with one Skills day on the 13th from 1-4pm.
Registration form: Download here
The FirstSwing Foundation is hosting its ninth annual Bellevue baseball/softball camp at Clyde Hill School Fields August 12-16th. The Camp will be for youngsters 5-13 years old, 9am to noon each day. Tuesday, August 13th, from 1-4pm there will be special skill sessions with games. As FirstSwing is NOT doing these with the City of Bellevue, you must register with FirstSwing directly.(See below)
The mission of these camps is to teach “life’s little lessons” and the fundamentals of baseball/softball within the baseball environment. Each day, the camp focuses on the three basic baseball/softball skills, provides drills, and practice for the skills, and then plays a game using what has been taught. There is a syllabus that accompanies the camp which empowers the parents to continue teaching and reinforcing the proper mechanics of hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and other aspects of the game. FirstSwing stresses the importance of practice, work ethic, problem-solving, and decision-making. Moreover, the players receive “lessons” in conditioning, nutrition, baseball math, manners(yep, manners), and MORE!!
The camp includes unique learning games and a number of competitions to measure bat speed, baseball competencies, and related skills. There is a Home Run Derby, Bunt-a-thon, and Target Ball Challenge. Each ball player may request a written evaluation upon completion with recommended drills, etc to encourage the player to practice in order to “Get Good”!
Parents and coaches are encouraged to attend and take part. Phil Rognier, the Executive Director, has coached at every level of baseball(to include “Small Ball”, 2-4 year olds)), taught the game to thousands of coaches and players, and subscribes to the “children above ideology” thinking that empowers young players and does not enable them. He has a Masters Degree in Education and manages an international “Baseball Connect” program which has camps in Portugal, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, as well as in other states in the United States. Coach Phil conducts Coaches’ Clinics for parents and Little Leagues, and has published numerous books and articles regarding the game of baseball.
The cost of the Camp is $130(family plan: $180 for 2) for the 5-day camp and $50 for the Skills afternoon. You may register by emailing Coach Phil: phrog38@hotmail.com. Questions may be either emailed or call 425-451-8276.
Checks are to: FirstSwing, PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039.
Bring glove, athletic or baseball shoes, water, and an attitude to WORK HARD!! No seeds, candy, gum, or soda pop!!
Each camper will receive daily gifts to include Topps baseball cards, Wiz Kid figures, and many surprises!! Find out what the Red Hippo is!!!! It is FUN and educational and you get to PLAY BALL!!!
References on request. Thank you and GAGPTH! Coach Phil
You may visit firstswingbaseball.org to get a general overview of FirstSwing’s camps and other learning opportunities!!