HAHIRA — There is nonstop fun at Valwood’s Eager Sports Center this week, with two volleyball camps providing young athletes the opportunity to develop and enhance their volleyball skills.

Coordinated by Val and Chad Gallahan, these camps are designed for different age groups and skill levels. They offer specialized training and provide a fun environment for all participants. The first camp of the day starts at 9 a.m, with the second camp ending at 4 p.m.

The beginner camp has had around 30 daily participants, and the intermediate camp boasts around 40 daily campers. Around 15 members of the Lady Valiant volleyball team assist the coaches, ensuring that no one is left behind. Val equates the sizable number of attendees across the camps to the sport’s growing presence.

“The sport is just growing so much in south Georgia that there is just a lot of interest,” said Val.

The Beginner Volleyball Camp is tailored for rising 2nd to 8th graders. The camp emphasizes the “FUN-damentals” of the game, ensuring that learning is enjoyable while providing a strong foundation in basic techniques. This approach helps foster a love for the sport in young athletes and sets them up for success.

Val has seen the ease at which someone can pick up the game watching her own daughter. Initially just at the camp to be watched by her parents, Val’s daughter has quickly begun to understand the basics of the game.

“She (Val’s daughter) and her friend have developed skills where they are able to keep the ball alive and really have listened to the instruction that is given,” Val stated.

Campers are grouped by age during drills to ensure that each participant receives age-appropriate instruction. This method allows for optimal learning experiences, ensuring that the drills and activities are tailored to the campers’ developmental level. The camp aims to build confidence and enthusiasm in young volleyball players by focusing on the basics and making learning fun.

The Intermediate Volleyball Camp caters to rising 5th to 8th graders who already possess some volleyball experience. This camp focuses on advancing players’ skills beyond basic instruction, with an emphasis on continued development and a strong technical foundation.

The coaches and the Lady Valiant volleyball team guide campers through more advanced drills and techniques. The training sessions are designed to challenge the athletes and help them refine their skills.

The intermediate camp culminates in competitions and awards to add an element of excitement. These activities reward the players for their hard work and foster a sense of achievement among the participants.