Football mini-camp kicks off program

The Harlem Neighborhood Summer Development Program will be hosting a mini-camp for youth football players tomorrow that will feature members of the Atlanta Falcons organization ... but no players.

The Gatorade Atlanta Falcons mini-camp is just the kick-off celebration for a larger summer program headed by the Rev. Melvin Adams.

"We are very excited that an organization with strong community ties such as the Atlanta Falcons and (owner) Arthur Blank will help kick off our summer program," Adams said. "Hopefully, this will jump start our summer."

As of last week, Adams did not know whether Falcon players would attend the camp.

Originally, Falcons' spokeswoman Sandra Van Meek said some players usually attend similar functions. On Thursday, Van Meek said that no players would be available because they would be in classes at the team facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.

Adams said that 200 children, ages 7-14, from all over the CSRA would participate in the camp held at Harlem Middle School. He said that many more expressed interest, but the Falcons' organization capped the number of participants at 200.

"We are new to this," Adams said, "so we really don't know what to expect in terms of an overflow. We will just have to make accommodations."

The camp, which takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., will also feature food and games for those not participating in the camp. But any parent or child who wants to watch the camp will be welcomed, Adams said.

"We think we are going to have a carnival atmosphere with games and food," he said. "We should have plenty to do if will have a large turnout."

The Harlem Neighborhood Development hopes the camp will become the catalyst that permits the camp to become an annual occurrence in Harlem.

The summer program that runs from June 14 to July 30 is open to children ages 4-12. The program will feature field trips to the library, Patriots Park, Euchee Creek Trail among others.

The summer program rates are $25 per day or $65 a week. A $10 registration fee is required per child.

For more information, call 556-0209.