Clark explained that since the majority of kids are trying the sport for the first time, the focus isn’t just on skills, but on the sport’s unique scoring system. “It’s as beginner as it can get,” said Clark. “This way they know, going forward, if they want to continue with it.”

One camper, Ashique Hasany, 11, who recently started taking private tennis lessons, said he enjoys the CAPE program because it gives him another opportunity to play the sport he loves. “You wake up in the morning and you get nice exercise,” Ashique said before smacking a few forehands in a rally with Clark.

The camps will wrap up on July 19, but interested potential participants can look forward to registration for 2014, when the program will return for another season, once again offering local residents an affordable, fun option for the summer.