The Spirit of Sportsmanship
By Heather Reichle
Situated on 425 acres in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, the International Sports Training Camp (ISTC) offers a unique experience that combines traditional camping with a one-week sports camp.
With its picturesque surroundings, including the private 100-acre Trout Lake, the summer sports camp serves ages 8 to 17.
“The staff incorporates life-long skills and values into the programs to create an environment in which campers feel safe in taking on challenges and furthering themselves both on and off the sports field,” says Leah World, Resident Life Director at the camp.
Life On The Lake
The camp outlines the private lake, which is only accessible to campers. Every day, campers have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including swimming, jet-skiing, waterskiing, banana boating, blobbing, kayaking, paddle boating, climbing an iceberg and bouncing on a water trampoline.
“Our privately owned lake is a feature of the camp, and with exclusive use of the lake we can offer a number of different activities for campers to enjoy in a controlled environment,” says World.
During recreation time (1-3 p.m. daily), lifeguards trained in American Red Cross lifeguarding, CPR and first aid are on duty; campers can choose to play at the waterfront or relax on the beach.
In addition to aquatic activities, two sets of playing fields surrounded by pine trees are used for traditional camp sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and flag football.
The 9,000-square-foot All-Sports Pavilion is used for sports programs as well as rainy-day activities as well as afternoon and evening events.
Flying, Swinging And Climbing
The facility has some not-so-traditional elements as well. Campers can learn what it feels like to swing through the air on a flying trapeze. Trained circus-arts staff members instruct campers who are willing to try the trapeze. Those who master the basics can progress to the high bar to learn swinging and catching.
The ISTC also has a 35-foot climbing tower with three walls of varying difficulty. Once a camper reaches the top of the tower, he or she uses a zip-line to return to the ground. Each group of campers has a session at the climbing tower with instructors. The campers are given the opportunity to climb, rappel, try a giant swing, and overcome fears. The sport and adventure program, which is available for campers ages 15 to 17 are offered the opportunity to learn to belay as well.
The ISTC Team Adventure Course surrounds the climbing tower, encompassing six low-ropes elements. The All-Sports campers participate in these team-building activities to learn group communication, trust and leadership.
The unique facility features help define ISTC as a sports camp that encompasses about every physical activity possible. With all of the amenities offered, campers are sure to find the sport that fits them best.
Heather Reichle is a freelance writer living in Columbus, Ohio. She can be reached via e-mail at HReichle28@yahoo.com
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Quick Camp Facts
Located in heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains
260 campers per week
18 campers per cabin with a minimum of two counselors
Price range from $510 to $1150
Ages 8 -17