Quick Update

Mike and I are working hard at getting everything together for Running Camp.  Our highlight this summer is a camp 5K on Friday that will run throughout camp property. 

Some of you are probably looking for some more information on what type of training will be involved.  Each morning, campers will have the option to go for a 4-6 mile run before breakfast.  After breakfast there will be a camp activity (like archery and the zip line), followed by a running activity.  Running activities run the gamut from stretching, to calisthenics, to hill workouts, to speed workouts.  There will be multiple options during this time period.  Campers will be able to choose their workout based on how hard of a workout they want. 

Each night there will also be a team event that will require running.  There will always be plenty of time for campers to digest their food and rest.  Wednesday will be a full rest day.  We will be taking a break from running, though we will still have cross training including boating and swimming.

No camper will be forced to participate in an event if  he/she is injured.  We want our campers to improve their physical health, and we know that forcing people to exercise when they are injured will only cause things to get worse.  There will be two certified RNs on the property, so all campers will have access to ice and medical care if they need it.

We hope to have a great group of campers this summer.  It's shaping up to be a really fun week!  If you want more information please e-mail Nick at NDK114@gmail.com or Mike at MJCALLAHAN2@gmail.com.

Nick Klein

Post Cards Sent Out!

Hey Everybody,

The Running Camp post cards have gone out to schools all over PA. Check them out and get to signing up or spreading the word to those who you think would be interested. Below are pictures of what the post cards look like. The weather is warming up, I hope you're all getting out there and getting runs in.

Mike C.

About the Directors

Nick

Nick graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School in 2003.  In high school he played football and ran both winter and spring track.  After everything from the shotput, the javelin, and the 200 meter dash, Nick finally found his niche in distance running.  After high school, Nick ran with Penn State's Club XC team for three years, participating in NCAA races alongside some of the best collegiate runners in the nation.  After college Nick decided to pursue longer races and is currently on a mission to run a marathon in all 50 states (he's got 34 more to go).  When he's not running marathon and other road races, Nick enjoys running the quiet country roads of Lancaster County, often without shoes.

Mike

Mike got into running while chasing down city buses, in New York City, so he could get home from school. From there he ran track at Pocono Mountain East High School, where he graduated in 2004. He ran the 100 meter and 200 meter dash and after high school consistently ran throughout college. As college went on he began running longer distances and ended up running XC at Penn State Worthington Scranton for 2 years. Now Mike still runs races and prefers 5ks to longer distances. He usually runs whatever seems like a fun race and is running the Philadelphia Broad Street Run in May. He spends most days running all over the Poconos and trying to convince others to join him for a race or 2.

A Letter to All Those Interested.

We would like to introduce you to the inaugural year of Running Camp at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in Cresco, PA.  For several years we have dreamt of having a summer camp on our 750-acre property that is geared toward high school athletes.  It has finally become a reality.  We are offering a one-week camp experience that is geared toward all types of runners from July 28-August 3.  While your students will definitely be in better shape by the end of the week, our camp is about much more.  We’ll also teach them some basics about stretching, technique, and injury prevention.

Whether your student competes in cross country, field hockey, football, basketball, soccer, they will benefit from our week of camp.  All youth will be placed in a group according to their fitness profile, and we will offer additional conditioning exercises for those who want to push themselves a little bit harder.

We’d also like to mention that our week is more than just about getting in shape.  Pocono Plateau offers a number of camp activities that encourage students to push themselves.  We have a 500-foot zip line, several high ropes courses, and plenty of team building that requires outside-the-box thinking and teamwork.  Students will also have the chance to compete in running challenges and an intense Olympics-themed event.

If you would like more information, please feel free to reach out to one of us.  You can email Mike at email or Nick at email.  Both of us played multiple sports in high school, and ran XC in college.  Now that we’re out in the real world we continue to participate in races from 5Ks to marathons.  We’ve experienced highs and lows, plateaus, and nagging injuries.  We have learned much through our experiences, and we are excited to help your students grow in their conditioning and in their appreciation for athletics. 

We hope you will share this camp with your students and encourage them to attend.  Below you will find several links about Pocono Plateau and our camp.  We look forward to seeing your students!

Sincerely,

Mike Callahan and Nick Klein