On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of last week the Dragons held their annual youth camps for football and cheer. Coach Chris Parker and his staff along with high school players took to the practice field to teach kindergarten through 7th grade athletes.

The camp attendees moved across 10 skill stations to learn both new skills and also to enhance those skills already in their repertoire.  Several of the stations focused on safety of the skills learned.  Proper technique of tackling and blocking is vital for the safety of both the offensive and defensive players.  Other stations consisted of passing, receiving and different types of set ups and schemes to be used in games.  A large amount of success in the camp goes to the high school players for their dedication and of course patience with over 180 energetic youth.

Part of the camp gets the young ladies out to work with the high school cheerleaders and their coaches to teach new cheers, work on and learn additional skills and techniques to prepare the new and current little Dragons to get the crowds fired up and cheer on the guys on the field.  The cheer side of the camp brought out around 130 working their way through several stations that taught them toe touches, tumbling and and as stated previously new cheer routines.  The high school cheerleaders also were vital in the camps success with their time being volunteered and their heart for these young ladies to have fun and learn at the same time.

With almost 400 youth showing their interest in Dragons youth football and cheer, the high school program should be set for years to come.  As Athletic Director for all of Pickens County, Chris Parker has to be excited as they move forward over the next several years.