As local schools close down for summer vacation, the College of the Canyons athletic department is opening its courts and fields and inviting children to attend one of the Cougars’ annual youth summer camps being held from June to August. With five camps to choose from, there’s sure to be something to fit every young athlete’s busy summer schedule.

Baseball

Join the 2012 baseball team in its fifth annual summer youth camp. Head coach Chris Cota and his squad will cover defense, hitting, pitching and much more in this four-day camp for boys and girls ages 7-14. The camp will run from July 16-19. The cost for the camp is $195 per camper.

Basketball

Men’s basketball coach Howard Fisher’s camp will stress fundamental skills such as defense, dribbling, passing, shooting and rebounding. There will also be skills competitions, guest speakers and full-court games. Individual instruction and written evaluations are given to each player. The basketball campers will be offered three separate three-day sessions, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Session One will take place June 18-21, session 2 runs June 25-28 and session 3 runs Aug. 6-9. The cost to register for each session is $200. The camp is open to boys andgirls ages 6-14.

Football

Join Cougar head coach Garett Tujague and other coaches and players from the seven-time conference champion Cougar football program in a thrilling non-contact football skills summer camp. This camp will help players increase their skills in every area of the game, including: offense and defense, passing, rushing, catching, blocking, kicking and much more. The camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to noon, July 23-26. The cost is $80.

Soccer

The Canyons School of Excellence Summer Soccer Academy offers curriculum for both beginning and advanced players. The Academy will be staffed by players and coaches of the men’s and women’s soccer teams, who will be on hand to offer advice and personal attention. The camp is for male and female players and will run from July 16-20. The cost to register is $125. Discounts are also available for families and teams.

Volleyball

Learn either basics or advanced volleyball skills during one of two fantastic four-day camps designed for boys and girls — of all skill levels — ages 9-14. This camp will cover everything from basic serving, blocking and setting to advanced concepts like the jump serve, the quick attack and offensive and defensive concepts, all in an individualized setting. There are two sessions. The first session will take place daily from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. July 16-19. The second session will run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 23-26. The cost to register for each session is $125.

For more information about the College of the Canyons athletics 2012 summer camp schedule or to download registration forms, visit www.COCAthletics.com.