On Tuesday July 2nd, the upper debs from Camp Starlight fought with heart, spirit and ambition. In the beginning of the game, Lily A won the jump ball to start the game. Chloe B shot 7 points as Camp Tioga tried to shake her down. Carly E had two points to take the pressure off of the team, which boosted up the spirit of the game. Sienna K had great ball control when the other team tried to trap her in the corner. As the 3rd quarter was reaching the peak to finish, Myla W grabbed the rebound and held the ball with her life as Tioga was trying to receive it. Emma J and Shira R played good defense and made great passes. Cassidy W contributed with master mind plays and helped guide her team. Joie E, Emma D and Sarah T played good defense, which resulted in blocking the ball, rebounds and slowing down their best point guard. Lastly, Ashley W did a great job of controlling the speed of the game, and being unselfish with playing with her teammates. However, the girl’s efforts came out short and lost to Tioga, but a valiant effort was put forth. Great job upper debs!
Posts Tagged ‘sports camps’
Upper Debs Basketball versus Camp Tioga
Monday, July 8th, 2019Lacrosse at Camp
Tuesday, May 26th, 2015Calling all athletes. If sports where you walk off the field sweaty, sore and completely exhausted are your thing, lacrosse should be at the top of your “Sports To Try” list. Lacrosse is a very physical, fast paced game that involves a lot of running, hand eye coordination and agility. It is a team sport, in which players equipped with long sticks with mesh nets at the end compete to throw, catch and pass a little rubber ball to their teammates, with the ultimate goal being to launch it into the opposing teams goal.
Camp Starlight offers campers the opportunity to suit up and give lacrosse a try. This sport, just like all of the sports at camp, are organized, taught and supervised by trained coaches and professionals of the sport. Safety is always the number one concern, and campers are required to wear all necessary safety equipment including a helmet, mouthpiece and gloves. Players are educated on the rules and techniques associated with the game, and are watched carefully to ensure everyone has fun and injuries are avoided.
Lacrosse games are played on one of many athletic fields across camp, and provide beautiful scenery for players and spectators alike. One of the cool things about playing lacrosse at camp is that you will be able to compete with other teams from other camps. This is exciting for those athletes who are naturally competitive and get excited about some friendly competition. Lacrosse is not just for campers who consider themselves all around athletes. It is a great sport for beginners too, and there is no safer place to try something new than America’s Finest Summer Camps. Lacrosse involves a lot of running and cardio work, which is great for weight loss and keeping your heart and lungs healthy. It also builds muscle and stamina.
Sports at Camp Starlight are designed for every camper, whether a trained athlete or a rookie. Camp Starlight keeps sports fun, and encourages friendly competition while keeping the old saying in mind, “it’s all about having fun.”
For campers going back to a middle or high school with a lacrosse team, they can use this summer to perfect their skills, learn the game, and fall in love with the sport before school tryouts.
Lacrosse is an action packed game and is a great way to meet new friends, stay healthy and add to your quickly growing list of “new things I want to try at camp.”
Catching Up with Tennis Head Craig Cooper
Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
The Camp Starlight tennis program is always one of the largest and most popular programs on camp each summer. This year,Craig Cooper, a 25 plus years veteran coach, is at the helm. We recently caught up with Coach Cooper to learn more about him, his background, an coaching philosophy.
Although he hails from Ohio and attended Ohio State University, Coach Cooper has traveled the world coaching tennis. It was during his college years as an elite athlete, however, that he first decided that he wanted to become a coach. “It’s a profound profession,” he says.
He was drawn to camp because he finds the experience of working as a coach at camp “enlightening, challenging, and fun.” He also appreciates the relationships he has formed as a result of working at camp. Coach Cooper said he chose Camp Starlight because of it’s amazing reputation and because he had a really good feeling about the opportunity after speaking with camp Owner and Director David Miller.
During the winter, Coach Cooper trains athletes throughout the Midwest–including his home state of Ohio–and Florida, though his
coaching efforts aren’t confined to tennis. He is also a professional lacrosse coach. He says his favorite things, so far, about his debut summer at Camp Starlight are the new relationships he has formed with both staff and campers. Relationships are very important to Coach Cooper. He believes that a good coach is an overall life coach. In fact, being a mentor and forming lasting relationships with his athletes as their tennis skills develop are what he loves most about coaching.
When he’s not coaching tennis or lacrosse, Coach Cooper enjoys golfing, fishing, cycling, and watching movies. Those who are familiar with Coach Cooper’s intensity when it comes to sports might be surprised to learn that he’s also a thespian who loves theatre and acting and has “dabbled” (as he says) in the industry.
Here’s to a successful first summer at Camp Starlight for Coach Cooper!
Wayne County Update
Sunday, July 27th, 2014
Girls Tennis vs. Chen-A-Wanda, July 26
The 9th grade lower seniors are moving forward towards a finals match-up with a solid 5-0 victory against Chen-A-Wanda. All the singles matches were won handedly by Ella S., Juia K. and Dani S. (8-1)(8-2)(8-1) respectively. Smart decisions led to solid shot making by all three players, with some unnecessary unforced errors mixed in. All in all, three were solid performance from Starlight. At the #1 doubles position the team of Allison M. and Madison L. were tested, but cam through with a 8-6 victory. Communication was key in the victory. Madison L. served great and Allison M. had solid net play. Abby R. and Jesse F. played well together for the first time coming away with an 8-0 victory. Good overall teamwork and solid performances by everyone. Congrats to the 9th grade girls moving toward the finals.
Coach Craig Cooper, Rachel Mills, Gabby Samkova
6th Grade Boys Soccer vs. Chen-A-Wanda
The 6th graders hosted Chen-A-Wanda, a team they last met as 4th graders in 2012. That game ended with Starlight winning 2-0, and
this game was also a close affair. Chen-A-Wanda nicked a goal against the run of play to take a one-nil lead. Starlight responded in kind to level the contest before a Chen-A-Wanda goal a minute before half-time saw Starlight head to the break with it all to do in the second half.
A good start saw Starlight level within five minutes, and then with 8 minutes remaining Starlight took the lead for the first time in the game, something they would not relinquish running out winners 3-2. Aidan C. made a number of fine saves, especially in the dying minutes with Chen-A-Wanda, trying to send the game into overtime. Ethan B. and Harrison S. put in fine performances at the back, as did Jack T. in midfield.
Starlight is now headed to the championship game where they will likely face Wayne.
Wayne County Update
Friday, July 25th, 2014
Baseball vs. Camp Chen-A-Wanda, July 20
7th grade Starlight lost a tough game at Chen-A-Wanda at home. Fielding proved to be the most important factor in this game. Camp Starlight committed 7 errors while Chen-A-Wanda only committed 1 error. Starlight had 4 hits while Chen-A-Wanda only had 2 hits, but 8 walks in a 7-1 victory over Starlight. Great efforts by Eric M, Ben G., Cooper G. and Gabriel F. must be noted. Additionally in the 7th grade game, Starlight was not selective at the plate swinging at anything close early in the count. Not waiting for the right pitch definitely proved to be important and detrimental for the Starlight hitter. Also, many players lost focus after being down early and never gained it back. Final score of 14-1. Jacob P. was strong for 5 innings of no hit pitching!
Baseball vs. Camp Lavi, July 21
The 4th grade team pitchers threw 4 innings of no hit ball! Pitcher Jared S. and Charlie G. only walked 2 while the offense scored 6 runs in a 6-1 victory over Camp Lavi! Key batters were Jackson F. and Ryan G., both with 2 hits each.
Boys Tennis vs. Camp Tioga, July 21
The 5th grade and under boys are moving on to the finals in Wayne County Competition with a convincing win over Camp Tioga 4-1
in the semis. At 1st singles Sloan S. fell 8-6 to a strong player from Italy. At 2nd singles Jaden Y. maintained his concentration and focus played the big points smart and won 8-5. Jake P. at 3rrd singles had to fight back and then took control of the match winning 8-6. In fine fashion the 1st doubles team of Max G. and Ben M. played solidly and communicated will in a dominating 8-2. At two doubles the new team of Dylan K. and Jonah M. played together in winning their first match 8-3. Congrats to the entire 5th grade team, moving on to the finals. We are excited for great things to come!
Final Score 4-1, W
Coaches Craig Cooper and David Wilford
Girls Tennis vs. Camp Wayne, July 21
The 5th grade and under girls came through gloriously with a sweep 5-0 over Camp Wayne in their second Wayne County match. Emerson P. and Hannah S. were tested in their matches and came through 6-4, 6-3 respectively. Heather G. won going away 6-0. Both doubles teams oh Hannah J. /Hannah W. and Sklyer C. /Juliette S. dominated by winning (6-0)-(6-0). Everyone is having fun competing and learning more about the game of tennis every day. Congrats moving on Starlight 5th grade girls!
Final Score 5-0, W
Coaches: Craig Cooper, Dani Rubenstein and Amanda Gilberg
Wayne County Update
Monday, July 21st, 2014
Boys Basketball vs. Camp Wayne, July 18
The 9th grade team began the season the same way they ended as 8th graders, playing like champions. With a suffocating defense and total team play we jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Zach R. who led all with 28 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 blocks scored the first 7 points of the game. Camp Wayne was in the rear view the test of the game.
Top Scorers:
Jordan K. 4 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists
Gregory K. 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Fisher R. 3 points, 1 steal
Ethan E. 10 points, 1 steal
Jared G. 2 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Sam K. 1 steak, 1 assist
Noah R. 5 points. 2 assists
Matt F. 2 points. 2 rebounds
Jake M. 3 rebounds
Oscar O. 1 assist
Final Score 58-38, W
Coach: Diego McCoy
Lacrosse vs. Camp Towanda, July 13
The Starlight 6th grade lacrosse played an outstanding game against Towanda. The leading scorers were Daryn C. (8) and Sabrina W
(5). The Starlight girls won almost every draw in which Maddie S.-who also had 2 goals was very committee to getting the ball on our side. The game was very fast paced and full of skill. Out amazing goalie Julie G. had 7 saves; she played an amazing game as well as the rest of our girls. The game ended with an incredible score of 20-9.
Coaches: Daniels Delgado Devon Himelman
Wayne County Update
Sunday, July 20th, 2014
10th and 11th grade girls basketball vs. Camp Shoshanim, July 17
Starlight took home a win in their game against Camp Shoshanim. Molly B. scored 17 points and Jessica R. 12 points. The girls played with determination throughout the game. Great job, ladies!
Final Score 40-24, W
Coaches: Janelle Floyd and Kendall Minta
Senior Wayne County Gymnastics Invitational, July 17
Starlight was awarded third place team at the Senior Wayne County Gymnastics Invitational. Elle B. came in 11th overall and Lily K. came in 15th overall. The senior girls are looking forward to the next meet.
Coaches: Victor Randazzo, Maxine Irvine, Sally Hawkridge
Starlight vs. Camp Chen-a-Wanda Boys Tennis, July 17
An all-around great match by the entire team winning 5-0 over their weaker opponent. Sloan S. continued his winning ways over an older play 8-3 with some amazing shot making; his technique and shot selection was impeccable. Jake P. played outstanding in an 8-0 victory. Daniel W sealed the match with a convincing 8-3 victory. Both doubles teams of Aaron K. and Jake G. and Blaze S. and Ryan R., won easily over their less experience opponents (8-0) (8-0). Great job Camp Starlight moving forward towards the finals.
Final Score 5-0, W
Coaches: Craig Cooper Jock Cooney
Starlight vs. Camp Chen-a-Wanda Boys Tennis, July 17
The 10th/11th grade boys were outmatched by a strong Chen-a-Wanda team. At 1 singles CA Jordan K. fell 0-8 although he had
many long points and games. By far the best match of the day was CA Justin G. at 2 singles that went back and forth with his opponent for over an hour before falling 8-6. Great match, great competition. Nathan W. lost 8-0 and both doubles team played strong matches, but fell as well (8-3) (8-5) respectively.
Final Score 0-5,L
Coaches: Craig Cooper David Willford
8th grade basketball vs. Camp Morasha, July 18
The 8th grade boys had a close game against Camp Morasha winning 44-35. Starlight played outstanding defense. Dylan T. led the team with 15 points. Ryan K. had 14 points and clutch 3-pointer to put the game away in the 4th quarter. Danny S. had 6 points, Zach C. had 5 points and Owen B. had 4 points and played amazing defense the entire game.
Final Score 44-35, W
Coach: Dan Mutz
Wayne County Scores Update
Thursday, July 17th, 2014
4th boys grade basketball vs. Camp Weequahic, July 13
The fourth grade boys played amazing basketball on the road today, beating Camp Weequahic 32-19. The boys played with determination all 4 quarters and played well as a team. Charlie H. led the team in scoring 10 points. Charlie G. had 4 points and 8 assists. Jesse K. had 8 points. Hayden A., Jackson F., Reese S. Dylan C., Devin H. Ben A. and Adam B. each scored 2 points. The team moved the ball and played amazing defense throughout the entire zone. The boys are having fun and looking forward to their next game.
Final Score 32-19, W
Coaches: Dan Mutz and Kyle Galin
6th grade Boys Basketball, July 14
Jake E. looked good as a pitcher coming to camp but he gave coaches a wonderful surprise in his second visit to the mound with 5 innings of no hit ball. He also struck out 13 batters and walked 5 batters. The team won against Camp Nesher 11-1.
9th Grade Girls basketball vs. Camp Lavi, July 16
Upper senior girls basketball played what their coaches are calling the “best game of the season.” Mollie B. raised the score to 29 points with a buzzer beater at half court. Sam B. and Erica L. played tremendous aggressive defensive and Jessica R. had 15 rebounds.
Final Score 38-35, W
Coaches: Janelle Floyd and Kendall Minta
Staff Catch up with Lacrosse Head Jason Robinson
Thursday, July 17th, 2014
Jason Robinson may be new to Camp Starlight, but he has quite effortlessly settled into the camp environment. He says that his favorite thing about his first year at camp is how cheery everyone is. “There are smiles all around.” When the Camp Starlight blog recently caught up with Jason, we learned a lot about him and his background as well as what drew him to Camp Starlight.
Jason found the idea of the camp environment in which he lives and works away from home intriguing and says the impressive facilities and owner David Miller’s enthusiasm and passion for camp made the choice to come to Starlight easy.
Although he lives and coaches in South Florida now, Jason grew up in South Bend, Indiana, attended West Virginia University, and comes from a sports loving family. His father is a football coach whose passion and excitement every day heavily influenced Jason’s decision to become a coach as well. “I also knew that my willingness to help people succeed was crucial,” he says, adding that he knew that’s what he wanted out of life. His favorite thing about coaching is when a kid “gets it after working on a skill and it finally clicks.”
Outside of camp, Jason has a pet Chihuahua named Tiny eagerly awaiting his return home in August. But, for now, Jason is quite content to be here, concluding that he loves camp and loves lacrosse.
Wayne County Score Update
Saturday, July 12th, 2014Starlight Baseball
It’s been quite exciting for all of us this year at Camp Starlight! Baseball students have played hard while picking up some crucial pointers to improve their game at all levels. Our main objective is to keep it fun, do the best we can and teach the students key skills to help in their development as athletes. Our first week has been focused on skilled development and practice games. In our first games, 2 of our 3 teams have been victorious over Camp Poyntelle with outstanding performance from our players. Thank you for your great efforts, Starlight campers!
Coach Bob Gunnarsson
Starlight vs. Camp Tioga Tennis, July 9
Starlight’s 6th grade boys won their first Wayne County away match. Milo K. had a test at first singles in winning 8-6 and Blake S. came back to win 8-6 as well. Aidan C. won 8-0. Both Starlight doubles teams of Spencer B. and Jacob P. and Justin H. and Alex E. won 8-0 and 8-1 respectively. Congrats on their first win and moving forward with confidence!
Coaches Craig Cooper and Ben Tolliday
Final Score 5-0, W
Starlight vs. Bryn-Mawr Tennis, July 10
The Starlight 10th and 11th grade girls were shorthanded without their CA teammates, but fought hard in defeat to a very strong Bryn-Mawr squad.
Andie S. won a tight match at #1 singles and Meredith N. played a fine match in defeat and played some great points in losing 8-1. Zoe T. was outmatched and fell 8-0 while the doubles pairs of Lauren R. and Brooke L. along with Emma K and Lauren P. played hard in an 8-2 defeat. Great sportsmanship was on display.
Coach Gabby Samkova
Final Score 4-1, L
