Missouri State Cross Country Camp

July 22 - July 25, 2010

(Thursday to Sunday)

(Link to camp facebook page)

The Missouri State Cross Country Camp will provide both male and female athletes an experience that is both motivational and educational.  In addition to training opportunities, athletes will receive both group and individual instruction from successful coaches and athletes on the methods that have led to their success.  Topics may include training methods, psychology, positive lifestyle choices, nutrition, injury prevention and more. 

Training will be a key focus of the camp; however, our goal is to provide an appropriate level of training based on each campers current abilities and training needs.  We want campers to go home excited to continue their training, not injured or in need of extended rest. 

The Missouri State Cross Country Camp will provide extensive opportunities for campers to take part in social activities and events.  Camp staff will be friendly, enthusiastic and motivational. 

Eligibility:  Boys and girls entering grades 9 to 12 may participate in the camp as a residential or commuter camper.  Those entering grades 7 and 8 may take part in the camp as commuters only.

Housing and Meals:  All residential campers will stay in an air-conditioned residence halls located on the Missouri State University Campus.  The residence hall will be supervised 24 hours a day by staff from both the camp and MSU Residence Life.  Lunch and dinner will be provided in MSU cafeterias.  Breakfast will be provided immediately after group runs at training sites.  

Commuters:  The Missouri State Cross Country Camp welcomes commuters who wish not to stay on campus overnight during the camp.  Commuters should check-in with camp staff each morning at 7:15am and should check-out with camp staff each evening when departing.  Commuters will be able to participate in all activities and will receive all meals served during camp.  

Health:  Athletes will be covered by a limited accident and illness insurance. A qualified athletic trainer will be on hand during training sessions and medical facilities will be available. The release for treatment/indemnity agreement and code of conduct form must be signed. Parents are required to advise on special health conditions at the time of registration. 

Fees and Registration:  DEADLINE:  JULY 5, 2010 (If past the deadline e-mail greghipp@missouristate.edu to check availability).

Residential Camper – $325

Residential Camper Group Rate – $275 (five or more campers from the same school)

Commuter –  $250 

If registering after June 1^st add $25.  All campers will receive a camp shirt and water bottle.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORMS

Coaches:  High school and youth club coaches are welcome to attend with their runners and may register for the camp for a discounted rate of $250 (Residential) and $200 (Commuter). Coaches attending may be asked to assist in supervision of some camp activities.  Coaches please contact the camp director for coach registration materials and information.

Camp Schedule

Check-In:  Thursday, July 22^nd – 12:30pm

Check-Out:  Sunday, July 25^th – 3:00pm

Typical Camp Daily Schedule

7:30AM        Group Run at Trails

9:30AM        Breakfast

11:00AM      Educational Session

12:00PM      Lunch and Free Time

2:30PM        Learn By Doing Session

4:00PM        Afternoon Workouts (Run, Pool, Cross Training, Other)

5:30PM        Dinner

7:00PM        Motivational Speaker

  8:00PM        Social Activity / Event / Games

Facilities and Running Trails: 

Missouri State's distance runners enjoy a wide variety of options for trail running.  The Springfield, Mo. area and its Ozark Mountain surroundings feature numerous parks that provide many beautiful miles of running.  Campers will experience many of the following facilities and trails during their stay at MSU.  (Trail Pictures)

MSU Cross Country Course:  This facility has been designed with major championships in mind.  The facility features an all grass loop style course that meets all NCAA championship requirements.  Missouri State hosted the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship and the 2009 NCAA Midwest Region Championship.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield:  “The Battlefield” was once the site of the first major civil war battle west of the Mississippi, now it is the usual home for the MSU's weekend long runs.  The Battlefield offers more than 15 miles of trail running through open fields and wooded paths

Lake Springfield Park:  Lake Springfield provides a challenging training site through its open fields that overlook the lake.  The park also features a 5,000-meter cross country course and a connecting greenway trail. 

Frisco Highline Trail:  The Frisco trail is a “rail to trail” project that extends from Springfield to Bolivar, Mo. providing 35-miles of smooth crushed limestone running path great for steady tempo running.

Phelps Grove Park:  Phelps Grove is a beautiful tree covered park just ¼-mile from the MSU campus.  The park contains a well groomed 1000-meter grass loop allowing Missouri State’s distance runners to complete interval training on soft, cross country specific terrain without having to go far from campus. 

Springfield Nature Center:  The Springfield Nature Center offers miles of wood chip and chat covered paths through rolling terrain.  The nature center is a usual stop for the Lady Bears for distance running.  The nature center also connects to greenway trails that run throughout the city.

Ritter Springs Park / Sac River Park:  Ritter Springs and the adjacent Sac River Park combined for over 10-miles of trail running through the rolling hills of Springfield’s north side.  The park features grass and dirt paths through wooded areas and open fields.