About UPside Camp
Upside Camp is a summer cross-training camp for ultimate frisbee players ages 12-15 (Rising 7th through 9th graders) with some ultimate experience and who intend to continue playing organized ultimate. Created as an alternative to the competitive, ultimate-only camps geared towards club play and travel teams, Upside Camp focuses combining a fun and supportive environment with challenging workouts and preparation
Upside Camp is limited to just 21 participants to ensure a high coach/counselor to camper ratio, ensuring every participant gets direct instruction as well as ensuring that everyone has a high quality experience with personal attention. Although sign-ups are on a week-to-week basis, our curriculum is intended to progress over the course of the summer and campers will benefit from all 6 weeks of camp.
Running
Participants will engage in daily Track and Cross Country inspired training sessions to improve speed and endurance, improve their running form, and learn how to translate that speed on to the ultimate field. This includes track repeats, distance runs (1 to 3 miles), speed drills, and form drills.
Fitness
Fitness and strength building are increasingly important for young athletes as they enhance overall strength and power. Campers will engage in circuit workouts featuring classic exercises like push-ups crunches, planks, as well as more dynamic movements targeting whole-body fitness and athleticism.
Yoga
Yoga is an essential aspect of any sport including ultimate because of the practice’s mental and physical benefits, including flexibility, balance, awareness, core strength and mental wellbeing. Upside Camp will hold 30-minute daily Vinyasa sessions led by a Yoga Alliance certified instructor with a focus on breath work, muscle restoration, and mindfulness on and off the field.
ultimate
In addition to all the cross-training, Upside camp will of course feature plenty of ultimate play in a supportive environment focused on fun and building comradery with other ultimate players outside of their school teams. Players will engage in some drills, learn intermediate-advanced techniques, as well as plenty of Mini and scrimmages.
Meet the coachES
Alden Harcourt, Head Coach
Alden began playing ultimate in fourth grade at Laurelhurst Elementary and carried his passion through Jane Addams Middle School, Lincoln High School, and now a National Champion as a member of Carleton College’s CUT.
Manzell Blakeley, Head Coach
Upside camp is the brainchild of coach Manzell Blakeley, who has 20 years of ultimate coaching experience at the youth and club levels, along with a 30-year playing career and background as a D1 Track and Field athlete.
Bianca Druta, Yoga Instructor
Bianca started practicing yoga as a way to restore muscle and improve flexibility as a competitive rower in 2020. Since then, she has been practicing independently and now works at Core Power Yoga in the University District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tryout?
No, Upside Camp is non-competitive, registration is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there discounts?
Yes! There are two discounts available for multi-week registrations:
3+ Weeks: $30 discount
5 Weeks (Full Summer): $75 discount
Discounts must processed manually after your registration. Please allow 2 days for processing discounts.
How intense are the workouts?
Upside workouts are challenging but age appropriate. Participants will be encouraged to give high effort but never at a risk to health or safety.
What is the rainout policy?
Upside Camp will generally operate rain or shine. In case of lightning or Field Closure sessions will be suspended.
What is the Refund Policy?
If your child is unable to attend a week they have registered for, 100% refunds will be given for cancellations 10 days before the start of camp. Later cancellations may be refunded on a full or partial basis on a case-by-case basis.
Camp Dates:
Week 1: July 7th, 8th and 10th
Week 2: July 14th, 15th and 17th
Week 3: July 21st, 22nd and 24th
Week 4: July 28th, 29th, and 31st
Week 6: August 4th, 5th and 7th
Week 7: August 11th, 12th and 14th
Contact upside
Please use the form to the right or you email directly at Northsideulty@gmail.com