Last month while visiting family in Charlotte, I enrolled my boys in Tennis Camp at the Levine JCC of Charlotte. While we weren’t sure what to expect, we knew that the boys needed the opportunity to move and use energy and figured this was a great chance to learn skills in a social sport that they enjoy.
Again. We had no idea what to expect.
We. Were. Wowed.
We were thrilled.
And ever since I’ve been looking for a tennis program as strong as the one they attended around home. Sadly, I have yet to find one.
What made the JCC Tennis Camp so spectacular? It was more than tennis. When the kids arrived, they were greeted by name on the 2nd day. Everyone knew everyone’s names. Then, they stretched and got ready for the morning. After that, rather than getting right on the court, the kids played a different sport (soccer, capture the flag, etc.) to encourage aerobic exercise and get them working together. Next, they spent about 2 hours on the courts playing tennis activities that encouraged them to learn new skills and play as individuals and as a team. They’d follow their snack break with another activity or game, or head to the pool and lunch.
I enrolled my kids for half day camp and it was all my 6-year-old could handle. My 8-year-old, begged for a whole day. (This from the child who after a week of full day baseball camp told me it was just too much.)
The camp is run by the JCC Tennis program and is taught by both Tennis Pros and tennis “pros” (high school and college athletes) who were all personable and responsible. One of my children is more hesitant about trying new things and they were patient with him–encouraging him to be comfortable before jumping in.
So, in search of another tennis camp for my kids, I’ve found nothing that measures up around home. Therefore, my kids are now begging to go back to Charlotte next summer and enroll again. My parents are pretty happy to hear that.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
© 2012, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.


















Twitter: beccabernstein
says:
Lovely to hear! I had no clue the camp was so strong. We live in Charlotte and I’d love for my children to play tennis. Thanks, Julie!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I have no idea why I think of you from somewhere besides Charlotte. Definitely check it out, Becca!
I bet your parents were thrilled… this calls for an annual summer visit
You should share your feedback with the JCC if you have not already. Great news to know its such a great program here in our own backyard.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
My parents are celebrating right now, Renee. Mom’s already in planning mode. I had to calm her down a bit.
Yes, she’s sharing with Karen. Thanks!!
This is Nana. Next June we can meet half way – in Richmond. You can give us the boys. We’ll bring them back to Charlotte for a month & send them to camp at the LJCC again. Oh – should we do the Tennis & Sports Camp next summer, or should we try Camp Mindy? I understand that one is fabulous too! LOL – But I just can’t help being happy & thinking about it! Miss you Julie!
Twitter: parentise
says:
Sounds great! Have you looked at ESF Tennis Camp in Newtown Square. We’ve been so happy w/ their day camp – I can’t imagine their tennis camp wouldn’t be amazing as well.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I haven’t! Thank you for telling me. I’ll definitely check it out.