Marc Rosamilia

If you've got a middle schooler in Middletown, you've probably noticed something this time of year. Camps everywhere. Basketball camps, soccer camps, lacrosse camps, you name it. And that's a good thing. Kids should be active, playing, competing, having fun. But here's something most parents don't realize until later: not all camps are doing the same job. Skills Are the Addition. Strength Is the Foundation. Think about a house for a second. The addition, the new family room, the extra...

If you've got a middle schooler in Middletown, you've probably noticed something this time of year. Camps everywhere. Basketball camps, soccer camps, lacrosse camps, you name it. And that's a good thing. Kids should be active, playing, competing, having fun. But here's something most parents don't realize until later: not all camps are doing the same job. Skills Are the Addition. Strength Is the Foundation. Think about a house for a second. The addition, the new family room, the extra...

Parents ask me this all the time. Their kid wants to get stronger. Maybe they want to run faster, make the team, or just keep up with their friends. And the parent is on board, until the word "weights" comes up. Then the hesitation kicks in. What if it stunts their growth? What if they get hurt? Aren't they too young for that? I get it. These are reasonable concerns. And honestly, if I heard some of the things floating around youth sports sidelines, I would probably wonder the same thing. But...