PLAINS- MEGA Sports Camp descended on Plains on Monday providing area youngsters the opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of sports. The church led camp uses sports to teach kids in first through sixth grade about character development.

Kids were able to play basketball, soccer, football, cheerleading and baseball in addition to some non-athletic arts and crafts options. The camp runs the week of June 24 through the 28th at various facilities around Plains.

The children’s day began with registration followed by the “opening rally” where kids and coaches sing songs and discover the theme and “MEGA Point” for the day. The MEGA Point serves as a reinforcement tool for the educational message of the day.

Following the rally kids went to their respective sports sessions. The young athletes learned new skills, practiced some old ones and then got to use them in an actual game. Players were also able to apply the MEGA Point of the day while playing their sport.

After a brief halftime to catch their breath and have a quick snack, the kids took part in a halftime rally. The athletes were instructed in the lesson of the day and told a sports story that helped reinforce some of the day’s instruction.

After the closing rally and a few more songs, the kids had the rest of the day to prepare for the next day’s challenges. Co-director of the MEGA Sports Camp Jeana Brouliette said the camp is a way to teach kids about sports and the ethics that athletics can instill.

“We encourage the kids to learn about the positive aspects of sports like teamwork, how to lose graciously and hard work,” said Brouliette. “The kids learn about the positive characteristics of professional athletes.”

The MEGA Sports Camp runs all week, ending on Friday June 28.