2019 FirstSwing Baseball & Softball Camps
You may register by emailing Coach Phil: phrog38@hotmail.com with the registration form or mail it in. Questions may be either emailed or call 425-451-8276. Fill out separate form for each camp.
The “Funnest” Baseball/Softball Camp of ALL!!!!!!!
The FirstSwing Foundation is hosting its thirteenth annual Bellevue baseball/softball camps at the new turf Medina Elementary School Fields, July 8-12th and August 12-16th. The camps will be for youngsters 4-13 years old, 9am to noon each day. Tuesdays, July 9th and August 13th, from 1-4pm there will be special skill sessions with games. As FirstSwing is NOT doing these with the City of Bellevue, you must register with FirstSwing directly.(See below)
The mission of these camps is to teach “life’s little lessons” and the fundamentals of baseball/softball within the baseball environment. Each day, the camp focuses on the three basic baseball/softball skills, provides drills, and practice for the skills, and then plays a game using what has been taught. There is a syllabus that accompanies the camp which empowers the parents to continue teaching and reinforcing the proper mechanics of hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and the mental aspects of the game. FirstSwing stresses the importance of practice, work ethic, problem-solving, and decision-making. Moreover, the players receive “lessons” in conditioning, nutrition, baseball math, manners(yep, manners), and MORE!!
The camp includes unique learning games and competitions to measure bat speed, baseball competencies, and related skills. There is a Home Run Derby, Bunt-a-thon, and Target Ball Challenge. Each ball player may request a written evaluation upon completion with recommended drills, etc to encourage the player to practice in order to “Get Good”!
Parents and coaches are encouraged to attend and take part. Phil Rognier, the Executive Director, has coached at every level of baseball(to include “Small Ball”, 2-4 year olds)), taught the game to thousands of coaches and players, and subscribes to the “children above ideology” thinking that empowers young players and does not enable them. He has a Masters Degree in Education and manages an international “Baseball Connect” program which has camps in Portugal, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, China, Australia, as well as in other states in the United States. Coach Phil conducts Coaches’ Clinics for parents and Little Leagues, and has published numerous books and articles regarding the game of baseball.
The cost of the Camp is $150 (family plan: $180 for 2) for the 5-day camp and $60 for the Skills afternoon. You may register by emailing Coach Phil: phrog38@hotmail.com.(registration form is here) Questions may be either emailed or call 425-451-8276. Fill out separate form for each camp.
Checks are to: FirstSwing, PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039.Bring glove, athletic or baseball shoes, water, and an attitude to WORK HARD!! No seeds, candy, gum, or soda pop!!
Each camper will receive daily gifts to include Topps baseball cards, Wiz Kid figures, and many surprises!! Find out what the Red Hippo is!!!! It is FUN and educational and you get to PLAY BALL!!!
References on request. Thank you and GAGPTH! Coach Phil
Camp Descriptions
Complete Camp = Regular and Skills (Ages 6-14)
Experience complete baseball from the first swing to the last catch while having fun learning every skill required in the game: hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and infield and outfield play. Be part of the excitement - participate in a home run derby or bunt-athon and earn cool prizes. Campers receive constructive coaching while playing an hourly game on a team.
Skills Camp (Ages 8-14)
Develop your game with more specialized coaching. Each player chooses a defensive position for individual instruction and evaluation: pitcher, catcher, infield or outfield.
Additional Programs
Parent-Coach Clinics: FirstSwing offers professional training clinics for youth coaches at all levels. These 3-4 hour "hands-on" interactive learning sessions provide a basic overview of the game and how to teach it. The curriculum includes fundamental educational and teaching principles, as well as the mechanics of throwing, pitching, hitting, and fielding. These are excellent for the parent(s) that wish to teach their young ball player(s) the proper way to play the game and to maximize FUN!! FirstSwing has conducted Coaches Training Clinics for: Redmond West LL, Pacific LL, Marysville LL, Bellevue West LL, Federal Way leagues, Kirkland American and National LL, Evergreen LL, Alderwood LL, South Mukilteo LL, and others. FirstSwing will "custom build" a clinic to fulfill YOUR needs!
DARE YA!!: A parent-child baseball experience that teaches the game and is FUN! DARE YA! is the ultimate family bonding activity in baseball. Youngsters compete against their parent(s) as well as other family teams in challenging baseball skill tests. The skills are taught, practiced, and then each participant "tests" his/her learning in competitive exercises/events. ANY age or ability level youngsters are eligible to attend this very FUN experience. Included are hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, base running, trivia, and "surprise" competitions. Winners receive special medals and EVERYONE leaves with gifts and GREAT MEMORIES!!
THE KLOUTERS: The Klouter Baseball Program(9-12U) is a unique baseball team experience with the primary mission of empowering youngsters to become solid productive citizens and well-rounded in their development. This "citizens in training" team is chosen by the FirstSwing Foundation on the basis of family and player attitude and demeanor. Some of the goals are: to develop teamwork, cooperation, decision-making skills, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, "life skills", and to empower all Klouters with the ability to live and direct their lives in a positive and successful fashion. Baseball is the arena BUT, "winning in life" is the challenge! www.klouterbaseball.org.
THE BASEBALL CHALLENGE, Over-the-Line, "Pitch-Hit-Run": FirstSwing provides unique and interesting baseball/softball experiences for ALL youngsters throughout the year. Interested? Contact Coach Phil at phrog38@hotmail.com or (425)451-8276.
EXTRA INNINGS: One-day camps offered periodically during the summer for advanced players. Generally, 1-4 PM at Phil Johnson with the intent on teaching the mentality and fluency of the game. Email Coach Phil at phrog38@hotmail.com for information and dates.