Chicago Bears to Offer Youth Camp in Hinsdale

Every professional sports organization competes for the attention of the young fan—ages 6 to 14 years old—all of whom are deciding which sport and sports teams are their favorites.

The Chicago Bears pay particularly close attention to this decision. As the nation’s most popular sport, football has a tremendous advantage. But all Chicago sports teams are popular. Given this formidable competition, how do the Bears maintain their place as “favorite team” among the youngest fan demographic?

One strategy features the Bears providing opportunities for children to learn and play football, such as at the Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps—their official youth camp program.

These week-long, day camps provide non-contact football instruction to youngsters from 6 to 14 years old. The Bears bring the camp to local communities such as Hinsdale. For the first time, Madison Elementary School, 610 S. Madison St., will host the camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18-22. The camp will be directed by professional coaches with supplemental instruction from Chicago Bears Camp heroes such as Robin Earl, Kris Haines, Al Harris and Keith Van Horne.

In a prepared statement, the Bears organization said it believes the safe, non-contact program model is the most effective way to teach the kids, while providing comfort to parents with concerns about tackle football. Their philosophy is simple: Today’s youth football players are the NFL stars and fans of tomorrow.

“We want football to be accessible to kids,” said program director Tom Finks in the statement. “In order to do this, the camps need to be conveniently located, safe and high quality. We have tremendous coaching resources, including many alumni Bears players. The non-contact format allows us to safely introduce the game to newcomers, while at the same time we can challenge and develop experienced players.”

While youth football camps are common, very few non-contact programs are available. Finks believes the Bears are filling that void. With non-contact instruction, any athlete who likes the game can try it. Children wear T-shirts and shorts and develop skills without any issues related to tackle practice, he said in his statement.

Finks has been around football his entire life. His late father, Jim Finks, was the Chicago Bears general manager and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. And he is applying some of his dad’s philosophy to the camp curriculum.

“One thing I learned from my dad is athleticism comes first,” said Finks. “Whether it was a quarterback, linebacker or an offensive lineman, the player needed to demonstrate a wide variety of skills, speed and agility.”

Group discounts, customer discount opportunities, payment plans and financial aid scholarships are available. The full price is $389. For more information about Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, visit BearsCamps.com or call 312-226-7776.