FARMINGTON – Additional youth programs to be offered this summer by the Farmington Recreation Department include:

Paul Blauvelt Baseball Program for ages 6-14 runs from July 7 to 25. This 17-year program of baseball skills instruction is named in memory of Mount Blue baseball team co-captain Paul Blauvelt. It offers youngsters an opportunity to work on and improve their game in the off-season as did Blauvelt.

The program is divided into four divisions:

• Farm League for ages 6-8 focuses on proper techniques involving throwing, catching and hitting.

• Cal Ripken Beginner Division for ages 8 and 9 concentrates on upgrading basic skills.

• Cal Ripken Advanced Division for ages 10 and 11 for those desiring additional practice .

• Babe Ruth League Division for ages 12-14.

The program will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the following classes:

• 9 a.m. Farm League.

• 10 a.m. Cal Ripken Beginner Division.

• 11 a.m. Cal Ripken Advanced Division.

• 1 p.m. Babe Ruth Division.

Registration costs for Farmington residents is $15 and $20 for out of town residents. Class size is limited.

Tennis instruction for ages 7-12 will be held from July 8 to 31. This is a four-week tennis instruction program offered each Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Hippach Field courts. Through a variety of fundamental drills, children will be taught the proper method for hitting forehands, backhands and serves. Tennis balls will be provided but participants must supply their own rackets.

Classes will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for 7-9 year olds and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. for 10-12 years olds. Tennis instruction is limited to seven participants per class.

Registration cost is $20 for Farmington residents and $25 for out of town residents.

Mountain Biking Challenges for ages 10 to 16 will be held from July 7 to 11 for beginners and from July 14 to 18 for advanced bikers. Greg Veayo will return for his sixth season of mountain biking. The five-day beginner session introduced novice riders to bike safety, basic maintenance, first-aid and riding technique. For the advance session, riders will be offered mountain biking on the most rigorous trails.

For either session, participants need only provide their own mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. Each day will begin and end at Hippach Field with rides lasting from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration charge for Farmington residents is $20 and $25 for out of town residents.

Jamie Beth Shible Cheerleading Camp for ages 7 to 14 will be held from July 8 to 31.The cheering camp, dedicated to the memory of the 1996-1997 Mount Blue High School co-captain, will be offered for the fourth time this summer.

Those enrolled will get the opportunity to improve under the watchful eyes of the Mount Blue alumni cheerleaders. Participants will learn essential skills such as motion technique, voice projection and facial expressions while displaying enthusiasm needed for the spirit of cheering.

This program was developed for aspiring Little League Football cheerleaders and those hoping to cheer at the high school level. It takes place from 6:15 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday at the Farmington Community Center. The program lasts four weeks. Registration is $20 for Farmington residents and $25 for out of town residents.

An exhibition will be held for family and friends during the final class on Thursday, July 31, and all performers will receive a commemorative T-shirt courtesy of the Shible family.

Cheerleader Tumbling Program for ages 7-14 will be held from July 8 to 24. A new program this year, it is available only to participants registered for the Jamie Beth Shible cheerleading program. Tumbling ability has become an essential element of cheerleading competitions.

This program will focus on teaching the proper form and techniques on round-offs and back handsprings, two areas necessary for any aspiring middle school or high school cheerleader to learn.

This three-week program takes place from 5 to 5:45 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday at the community center.

Registration is $18 for Farmington residents and $24 for out of town residents.

Pre-season Soccer Camp for ages 7 to 14 will be held from Aug. 4 to 7. A four day soccer camp devoted to skills development will be offered by the Recreation Dept. later this summer. This is an opportunity for veteran players to get a jump on the competition and for new players to be introduced to the basic fundamentals that will be taught to them during the upcoming seasons of middle school competition, instructional soccer league or prep soccer program.

Pre-season soccer take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Monday through Thursday at the Hippach Field. Registration for this program must take place before the first class. Registration for Farmington residents is $12 and $16 for out of town residents.

Early registration is suggested for these programs as most have space limits. For more information on any of these programs, contact the Farmington Recreation Dept. at 778-3464 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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