Sporting their skills for the summer

Sydney Hicks and Isabella Petz were on their game.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Lucas Rubenstein executed a lay-up at W.T. Clarke High School during East Meadow’s CAPE summer sports program last week.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Sean Beitter worked on his dribbling skills. The students spent the hot day playing indoor sports in the air-conditioned gymnasium.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Volleyball coach Chris Tracarico, far right, showed students the proper form for hitting the ball.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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On a bright, sunny Wednesday at W.T. Clarke High School and arguably the hottest day of the summer, the Herald spent an afternoon at the Creative Arts Program of East Meadow summer sports program, run by the East Meadow School District, on July 28.

What started out as a recreational after-school program has grown over the years into one of the community’s most popular summer camps. Along with its fall and spring programs, CAPE welcomes children ages four to 12 for a variety of sports training, arts and crafts and educational courses.

Elementary school students attend the fall and spring program at McVey Elementary, while middle schoolers go to Clarke, where the program lets children learn teamwork skills with their classmates while attempting a new sport, or practice one they’re already familiar with.

In addition to learning from New York State Public High School Athletic Association-certified instructors, the campers are also guided through the courses by high school students.

It was the final week of the summer camp, and the sports were basketball and volleyball, allowing the kids to remain inside the air-conditioned gymnasium during the heat wave. Running back and forth across the floor, the kids were busy working on their skills. “I loved learning how to handle the ball, shooting-wise,” said Andrew Jacob, 11. “My form improved.”

The summer sports program was created by Dan Deegan, a former athletics director at Clarke High School, in the ‘90s. “The program enables certified teachers and coaches to highlight the areas children need more help in,” said Mike Meittinis, a teacher at Clarke High School who has directed the sports camp since 2007. “It’s an opportunity for the kids to try a new sport.” 

Clarke High School’s softball team, which won the Long Island championship in June, also attended the softball camps to provide the campers with some tips. 

The children played a different sport each week throughout the summer, beginning July 6, including field hockey, project adventure, softball, baseball, boy’s lacrosse and co-ed sports including basketball, badminton, volleyball, and tennis. “I got to do something everyday,” said camper Kainnon Martin, 10. 

For the convenience of parents, the camp is inexpensive and plans to stay in the same location next summer, Meittinis said. It costs $75 per week.

“We got to learn tips on how to become a better player,” said Makoa Martin, 12, reflecting on his time at camp. “it was so much fun.”