Tennis Block Party for local Home Schoolers

 On Thursday, October 28th thirty Lynchburg area home school children, ages 5-13, took to the courts of Randolph College for a two hour tennis block party.  A tennis block party provides interactive games and attractions for all ages and abilities. The Randolph College Men’s and Women’s Tennis Team hosted the event.  The LTPA supplied nets, balls, and rackets as well as treats and drinks.  This event would not have been possible without the Randolph College Tennis Coach, Jamie Campbell and her amazing tennis teams.  They were awesome with the children and demonstrated how fun tennis is! The event was very high energy with music blaring and children moving through various tennis activities. The event culminated with a prize court that was generously donated by USTA/Virginia Tennis. Here’s what the parents had to say!

“It was clear to me that a lot of thought and effort had gone into the organization of stations and activities.  I know we will be some of the first to sign up if this were offered again (or monthly! hint, hint).” :o)

“Anna had a wonderful time and you increased her love of tennis. I appreciate you doing this much! We will look forward to any future events you might hold. The family one at Sweet Briar sounds fun! Thank you so much!!”

“My daughter really enjoyed the block party, and I think you did a great job putting it together! It really kept the kids engaged and occupied and taught them something in the process. We would be interested in future events put on by LTPA.  Thanks for including the home school community in these events.”

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Quickstart Workshop for YMCA Camp Counselors  

 On a beautiful Spring morning late in May the USTA, LTPA and YMCA  came together on the lush courts of Lynchburg College to train the YMCA summer camp counselors in the QuickStart approach to teaching tennis.  QuickStart is a fun and innovative way to get kids playing tennis faster with smaller rackets, a lower net, a smaller court, and soft balls that travel at a slower speed.  This lowers frustration and makes the game fun at an early age.

 Rob Issem, Tournament and Ranking Administrator, from the USTA came to Lynchburg to instruct the event.  The workshop was very hands-on having counselors experiencing tennis through the eyes of a child. 

 The YMCA will be hosting three area camps this summer in Lynchburg City, Amherst and Nelson counties.  It is estimated that more than 450 children will be experiencing tennis through these programs.  For most, it will be their very first experience holding a racket! 

 The counselors left the workshop with a handbook of lessons, full of enthusiasm, to incorporate newly learned skills into their summer programs.