Drills, learning the fundamentals and flag football games will be some of the activities featured during a youth football camp being offered from Tuesday, June 27, through Thursday June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Octorara Junior-Senior High School. The camp, which is open to youngsters ages 6 to 14, will be led by high school football coach Ed Smith with help from alumni and current members of the Octorara Braves football team.

Each session will begin with a warmup, followed by drills and then end with a mini game of flag football.

"We will run it like a regular practice," Smith explained. "We will do a stretching routine, I will say a quick word to them about what we are looking for - having fun, being excited and hustling - and we will break into different age groups for fundamental drills and teaching the different positions."

Smith noted that some youths are sent to camp because their parents want them to stay active during the summer, while other campers are eager to learn about the sport and have a chance to play. "It's a good mix. We have some kids who love football, and they are really excited about it. (For the others), we try to get them to fall in love with the game and teach them the good things about the game," Smith said, noting that the camp is open to youths from all area school districts, not just Octorara.

Attendees should bring water bottles to camp, and they may wear cleats if they have them, but they are not required. "We take plenty of water breaks," Smith said, noting that youths will be given an ice cream treat or a popsicle on the last day of camp.

Smith said that the high school football players are eager to teach the younger students what they know about the game. "The whole goal is to get these kids involved early. They really look up to the high school football players like they are superheroes," Smith shared. "We are starting to see some of the high school kids that went through this camp when they were 8 years old (play high school football). (Since) they went through the camp, they know what kind of impact they can have on other kids."

Per Smith's direction, every Octorara football player is required to take part in community service projects. For example, team members recently read to youngsters during Octorara's Literacy Under the Lights program. "We are starting to see the benefits of the football culture in Octorara. I really believe in investing in our community and our youth," Smith stated.

The high school football team is active year-round. The players are currently working out and lifting weights before football camp begins in August. "We are already preparing for the upcoming season. For these three days (of camp), we are taking a break to give back and invest in our youth," Smith said.

For more information about the youth football camp and to register, visit http://www.octorarafootball.org. Walk-ins will also be welcome.