Covenant Community Church's ninth annual soccer camp and vacation Bible school starts Sunday, and at least 400 local children are expected to attend.
Registrations are still being accepted for the camp, which takes place Sunday through Wednesday at the soccer field at The Linsly School, 60 Knox Lane, Wheeling.
The program is free for children 4-10 years old, and parents can preregister their son or daughter at www.c3wheeling.org.
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Local children participate in last year’s soccer and vacation Bible school program organized by Covenant Community Church in Wheeling. The ninth annual camp starts Sunday and takes place each night through Wednesday at The Linsly School.
"We prefer they pre-register," said Chad Adams, director of the camp. "But if they don't, they can certainly register the day of the camp."
Those participating don't have to start the camp on Sunday or attend all four days, he added.
Indoor facilities are available, and the camp continues rain or shine.
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"We prefer they pre-register," said Chad Adams, director of the camp. "But if they don't, they can certainly register the day of the camp."
Children can be dropped off starting at 5:30 p.m. each day.
Sessions start at 6 p.m. daily and lasts until about 7:30 p.m.
Youths attending the soccer camp are separated into three age groups for the soccer and Bible school instruction. In between, all ages will come together for singing, a skit and a snack.
"The purpose of this camp is for our church to serve our community," Adams said. "We have been asked why we do it for free and have no corporate sponsorship even though we've been approached about it. We want to serve with no price tag attached.
"There are two passions in my heart - soccer and God and his role in our lives," he continued. "Some of them aren't familiar with that."
Adams played soccer at Linsly then went on to achieve All-American status at Princeton University.
He noted at least 50 coaches from nearby high schools and colleges will assist during the camp. In addition, another 150 "non-soccer" volunteers - primarily church members - will be present, according to Adams.
"We realize for some of these kids, this is the only camp they get to go to all year," he said. "It is free, and we want to make it as fun as possible. We don't know what their home lives are like. That's what drives us to achieve excellence in all aspects of our camp."
On June 10, youths attending the camp also are invited to Covenant Community Church for a cookout.
They will be able to watch videos from the camp on a big-screen television and see themselves in action.
"They love it," Adams said. "It's becoming more like a festival."
