2008
Central Maine Field Hockey Academy

The Camp

This camp will focus on the fundamental skills of the game.  We will provide an atmosphere for new players to learn the basic skills and strategies of field hockey, and for more experienced players to take their game to the next level. All players will be challenged according to skill level.  Videotape analysis will be available to all high school level players.  Instructors will focus on both offensive and defensive skills.  Goalkeepers will be provided with small group instruction.  The camp will include a sport specific conditioning program to help the athletes prepare for pre-season.

Director

Amy Bernatchez, Head Field Hockey coach at Colby College. Amy is a 1992 Graduate of the University of Maine and 1997 inductee into the Sports Hall of Fame at the university.  Bernatchez was a Division I Regional All-American in 1990, and a named to the US Field Hockey squad in 1991. Amy’s 15 years of coaching experience is predominantly at the high school and youth levels. Coach Bernatchez has coached 3 High School teams to State Championships, and the Colby Mules to their first ever NESCAC Semi-Final Game in 2004. 
Many former players have gone on to successful playing careers in College and many are now coaching. One of Amy’s passions in life is teaching eager young players the game of field hockey.  So many lessons about life can be learned on the field, and it is a coaches’s responsibility to pass that information along to her players. 

Staff

Area high school coaches as well as College coaches and college players will be hired to coach at the camp.  Staff to camper ratio will be at least  1:7. All staff members will be friendly and positive with the players. 

Location

We are very proud to be offering the campers the use of the new Bill Alfond Turf Field on the campus of Colby College. Players will practice on both grass and artificial turf. Inside facilities will be available to play Indoor field hockey every evening.  Campers will also have the use of the Olympic size indoor pool, as well as other recreational facilities, including the fitness center at Colby College. 

Housing and Meals

All overnight campers will reside in Colby Dormitories and eat in the Colby Dining Halls.  Campers will be supervised by camp staff and are expected to follow the camp rules.  The first meal will be dinner on July 20nd and the last meal will be lunch on July 24th.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 – 8:30 AM  Breakfast
9:00-11:30  AM Morning skills session
12:00- 2:00 Lunch  and Break time
2:00- 4:00 Afternoon skill session/conditioning & small games and competitions
4:30- 5:30  Dinner
6:00 – 8:00 PM Full Field Team play
8:00 – 9:00 Indoor 6v6 play
9:30 – 10:00 PM Team Meetings
10:30 Lights out!!!!

Camp Features

• Camp T-shirt and water bottle
• "All Star" Game, 2pm on Thursday July 24. Parents invited to attend
• Use of spacious indoor pool
• There will be a camp store for the campers to buy extra drinks, food and equipment (including sticks and shin guards).
• Every player will receive a written evaluation at the conclusion of the week.
• All fields will be supplied with cold drinking water.
• Athletic trainers will be on site all week.
• Special Evening Events including pizza and ice cream

What to Bring

• Each player must have a stick, sneakers, shin guards, and a mouth guard to play. Goalkeepers are expected to bring all of the appropriate equipment.
• All campers need to bring bedding (sleeping bag or sheets), towels and toiletries and an alarm clock
• Campers need to bring rain gear and appropriate practice clothes
• Optional: Money for the camp store