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Helena High School head volleyball coach Amanda Lewis high-fives camper Kendall Merifield at the youth volleyball summer camp on Tuesday, June 13. (Reporter Photo/Keith McCoy)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Dozens of volleyballs could be heard thumping against the gym floor in the Helena High School gymnasium on Tuesday, June 13.

This wasn’t a Helena High School varsity practice, but instead a youth volleyball summer camp where around 57 girls signed up to learn the basics of volleyball.

The three-day camp began Monday, June 12 and was open to anyone in grades 1-7.

Campers learned many of the basics and fundamentals of volleyball while learning instructions and drills from Helena head volleyball coach Amanda Lewis and HHS varsity players.

Helena High School varsity volleyball players Madison Rhodes and Katie Lively are both upcoming seniors and helped volunteer at the youth summer camp.

“We’re doing a lot of teaching as far as passing and just the basics of the game,” Rhodes said. “When I was younger I did a summer camp at Pelham and it helped me find somewhere to play before I started playing for the school.”

“I just think it helps them get involved with Helena and I think they like being able to get help from the older teenagers and high school players,” Lively added about those who attended the camp.

Two volleyball nets were set up in the gym and the goal of the camp was to work on fundamentals the first two days and by the third day put everything together.

This is the third summer Lewis has hosted a youth volleyball summer camp and she stated a number of reasons why local summer camps like the one in Helena is beneficial.

“I think a lot of the girls didn’t really know each other outside of a school setting and this camp just lets them interact in a different way,” Lewis said. “I think this camp is something different and it’s a good way for the community to come together. This camp was only $75 for three days and it’s right here locally. You can spend more money going to a college camp or on a babysitter.”

In addition to learning the basics of volleyball and interacting with other girls and varsity team members, campers also received a camp T-shirt and certificate.

To view more photos from the camp, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.

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