By Sydney Case, Features Editor
As the school year comes to a close, River Hill athletes and students are already looking ahead to summer through the school’s annual booster camps. From athletics to the arts, these camps provide younger students with opportunities to develop their skills, meet future teammates, and become familiar with the River Hill community.
Kicking off the summer schedule was the soccer booster camp, held June 8th-12th. Unlike most camps that take place later in the summer, the soccer camp was held while school was still in session, making it a unique start to the season. Designed specifically for incoming freshmen, the camp allows future players to train alongside current members of the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs while learning what to expect from high school athletics.
Junior soccer player Alexander El Sawi enjoyed the opportunity to meet the next generation of River Hill players.
“It’s always interesting getting to know the incoming freshmen,” El Sawi said. “You can already see who has potential, and it’s fun watching them compete and start becoming part of the program.”
The camp also welcomed back alumni Hasan Miras, now a junior soccer player at Shippensburg University. Miras spent part of his summer helping coach the camp and reconnecting with the River Hill community.
“Coming back to River Hill always feels special,” Miras said. “This program helped shape me as a player, so it’s rewarding to give back and help younger athletes as they begin their own journey here.”
During the same week, River Hill hosted both boys’ and girls’ basketball camps. Current players volunteered throughout the week, helping younger athletes improve their skills and build confidence on the court.
Sophomore Fiona Devine enjoyed spending time with the campers.
“One of my favorite parts is seeing how much the kids improve over just a few days,” Devine said. “Everyone brings a lot of energy, and it’s rewarding to help them learn while having fun.”
Booster camps aren’t limited to athletics. River Hill also offers opportunities in the arts, including dance camp. Incoming freshman Jules Tarhan is looking forward to participating.
“I’m excited to meet people before the school year starts,” Tarhan said. “It’ll be nice to dance with girls I’ll be spending the next four years with and start making those connections early.”
Later in the summer, girls’ lacrosse camp will take place July 6-9 for players ages 9-14. For current athletes, the camp is a chance to mentor younger players and share their passion for the sport.
“I look forward to camp every year,” junior Camila Cornell said. “The kids are always excited to learn, and it’s really fun helping them build skills and confidence.”
Field hockey camp follows July 20-23, continuing another long-standing River Hill tradition. Sophomore Olivia Creighton enjoys seeing future Hawks develop through the program.
“It’s exciting meeting younger players who might eventually be our teammates,” Creighton said. “You get to help them improve and become part of the River Hill field hockey family.”
For students interested in strength and conditioning, River Hill will host a weight training camp from June 15-18. Freshman Logan Case is eager to participate.
“I’ve always enjoyed working out,” Case said. “I’m excited that the school offers a group setting where people can train together, motivate each other, and learn proper techniques.”
In addition to sports camps, River Hill offers a variety of non-athletic programs throughout the summer. Students can explore their creativity through art camp, video production camp, Paper Magic Book Camp, and several other opportunities.
Whether students are preparing for competition, exploring a new hobby, or meeting future classmates, River Hill’s booster camps continue to provide valuable experiences that strengthen the school community long before the first day of classes arrives.