May 21, 2004 UNT Inhouse publication: UNT prepares to welcome area youth for National Youth Sports Program

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UNT prepares to welcome area youth for National Youth Sports Program

About 300 Denton County preteens and teens will visit UNT this summer to combine basic instruction of organized sports with classes on alcohol and drug abuse prevention, math and science, higher education, nutrition and other topics.

They will participate in UNT's free National Youth Sports Program June 1-July 5.

Sponsored by the UNT School of Community Service and the Applied Cultural Anthropology Research Center, NYSP is designed to develop socialization skills and build self-esteem and self-concept through classes and sports. Funded through grants from the National Youth Sports Corp., NYSP camps are held at more than 200 colleges and universities each summer, with most campers from economically disadvantaged families. Texas has 15 camps – more than any other state. NYSP has been held at UNT since 1997.

All NYSP campers are provided with hot breakfasts and lunches and transportation to and from campus.

Students are divided into groups according to their ages and gender. Each group participates in an indoor sports activity, outdoor sports activity, class and a team building exercise each day. Sports activities include tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, softball, badminton and swimming. Each NYSP student also receives a free physical examination.

Laura Washington, NYSP activity director for UNT, says because NYSP is a nonprofit organization, it relies heavily on donations.

"We accept monetary donations that are used for transportation, gift certificates to various department stores to purchase needed items for the children, and office supplies," she says.

Washington adds that money is also needed this year for additional staff and transportation for the campers.

"We realize that everyone is in a crunch for additional money, but money cannot be an issue when shaping a child's future," she says.

In addition to providing money, faculty and staff members can contribute to NYSP by making presentations to the campers.

"We try to teach them that despite the situations they are in now, they can further their education and they can continue on to UNT to get that education. We encourage faculty and staff members to come and talk to the students about jobs and career choices, higher education and financial aid," Washington says.

To make a contribution or to volunteer to make a presentation, call (940) 369-7875.