Chewacla State Park Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award

Chewacla State Park Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award

Auburn’s Chewacla State Park was one of eleven Alabama state parks awarded the 2016 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, a travel website featuring traveler-generated content and reviews. The award celebrates establishments that provide excellent guest experiences and consistently achieve positive reviews on the TripAdvisor website, tripadvisor.com.

2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards for Alabama State Parks:

(Park name or attraction and award name)

• Cathedral Caverns – State Parks

• Cheaha - State Parks

• Chewacla - State Parks

• DeSoto - State Parks

• DeSoto Falls - Mountains, Nature and Wildlife Areas

• Gulf - Campgrounds

• Gulf - State Parks

• Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park (zip line concessionaire) - Zip Line Adventures

• Gulf State Park Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail - Trails

• Gulf State Park Pier - Piers and Boardwalks

• Joe Wheeler - State Parks

• Lake Guntersville - State Parks

• Lake Guntersville Lodge - Lodging

• Lakepoint - State Parks

• Monte Sano - State Parks

• Oak Mountain - State Parks

• Wind Creek - State Parks

Chewacla State Park's 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, and is conveniently located in the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails.

In the 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built six stone cottages in the park, which are available for rental year round. The cottages have been renovated and feature hardwood floors, stone fireplaces, beautiful new bathrooms, modern kitchens and televisions. Each has central heating and cooling so your stay will be comfortable no matter what time of year you visit. Linens are provided.

If you prefer roughing it the park also offers 36 full hookup camping sites and 10 primitive sites. Shower facilities are available in all camping areas.

The Alabama State Parks Division relies on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. To learn more about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark.com.

2016 Summer Camps Part 2: Get Active

FUNdamentals of Track & Field Camp: June 27 - July 1

The First Annual FUNdamentals of Track & Field Camp is specifically designed to teach younger kids the proper mechanics and techniques of the basics of Track & Field: Running, Jumping and Throwing. Learning these skills at an early age will help kids as they grow and develop in ALL sports! We will discuss proper stretching, warm-ups, speed and agility drills, form, technique, and much more! And most importantly, we will keep the FUN in FUNdamentals! Campers will participate in various competitions, games, and races. Our staff will consist of Auburn University Track & Field student-athletes, former and future Olympians, and Auburn University Track & Field Coaches.

For more information, visit: http://www.auburntrackcamps.com/fundamentals-camp.cfm

Indoor Futsal Summer League: June 2 (occurs weekly on Sunday, Tuesday &Thursday until July 31)

The Indoor Futsal league is hosted by Auburn Soccer Association. The league will house coed teams in U10, U12, U14, U18, and 19 & up age groups. All games will be played at the Boykin Center (400 Boykin Street #A). The league will begin on Thursday, June 2, and run until Sunday, July 31. All games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Each time will cost $300 to register.  If you are registering as an independent player, it is $30. All payment will be collected before your first game!

For more information, visit: http://www.auburnthundersoccer.com/other-info/asa-indoor-futsal-summer-league/

Junior Team Handball Camp: June 26 – July 21

The Junior Team Handball Camp will teach 5th-8th grade students the sport of team handball. Coaches and players from the USA Team Handball national teams will lead the camp, which will focus on the basic techniques of throwing, catching and scoring, as well as the basic tactics of offense, defense, and rules of the game. Combining elements of basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball/softball, this fast-paced “water polo on land” will provide a fun opportunity for youth to learn, play, and compete with world-class athletes.

For more information, visit: http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/youthhandball.htm

Auburn Soccer Camps: June 10-12, June 12-15, July 11-14, July 15-17, July 17-20

Time is running short but spaces remain in the 2016 Auburn Soccer summer camps, which are held throughout June and July at the Auburn Soccer Complex and are run by the Auburn soccer staff. Led by head coach Karen Hoppa, who led the program to its first Sweet 16 appearance last season, the camps are for boys and girls from age 6 all the way to rising high school seniors. June 10-12 is the Elite Camp for girls in 8th through 12th grade and costs $400 for the session. Residential Camp I runs from June 12-15 and is for girls ages 9-16. It costs $475 to stay on campus like and live like an Auburn student-athlete and it costs $350 for commuters. There are three camps in July. The first is the Day Camp, which is from the 11th through the 14th and is for boys and girls ages 6-12. It costs $130. The second Elite Camp runs July 15-17 and is for girls in 8th-12th grade and it costs $400. The final Residential Camp runs July 17-20 and is for boys and girls ages 9-16. It costs $475 to stay on campus and $350 for a commuter. All camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender.

For more information, visit: www.auburnsoccercamp.com

2016 Summer Camps Part 1: Get Active with University Outreach Youth Programs for High School Students

Part 1: Get Active

Senior Tiger Camp (Football Camp): June 7-8

The Senior Tiger Camp is for boys that will be entering grades 9th-12th in the Fall 2016. This camp consists of a two-day camp where campers will be broken down into groups by grade to receive as much individual instruction on football fundamentals and techniques as possible during the four available practice sessions. Check-In will be at the New Indoor Practice Facility located at 392 South Donahue Drive. Practices will take place at the Athletic Complex practice fields as well as the Intramural Fields. Check-in will be on June 7 at 12 p.m. and camp will end at 8 p.m. Camp will begin at 8 a.m. on June 8 and camp will conclude at 3 p.m. What To Bring: Front and Back Copy of Your Insurance Card, A Copy of a Physical Performed within One Year of the Start of Camp, A Form Which Suffices For School Sports Will Suffice For Camp, Tennis Shoes, Cleats, T-Shirts, Socks and Jocks, No Helmets & Shoulder Pads. Overnight Accommodations: Auburn Football Camps will not provide overnight lodging for campers. Out-of-town campers will be responsible for reserving their own accommodations. For more information on local hotels, click here. (http://www.aotourism.com/Accommodations/) For any further questions you may have concerning the camp, please email Brett Whiteside, Camp Director, at whitetb@auburn.edu, or visit http://www.auburnfootballcamps.com/senior_tiger_camp.cfm

Speed, Agility & Conditioning Camp (For ALLSports): June 14-16, June 21-23

The camp is 3 days from 9:30am-12:00pm. The dates of the camp are: Session I June 14-16 and Session II June 21-23. The cost of the camp is $125.00 per camper. The purpose of this camp is to teach the campers proper mechanics to aid in the development of speed, agility, and explosive power appropriate for any sport. Each day will start with instruction and warm up, stretching programs, drills, and FUN!!!! Water will be provided – but YOU must bring a water bottle (with your name on it) and snacks. Appropriate clothing is required including athletic wear, sneakers/cleats.
Use the button below to submit payment and register for the Camp. Also, you MUST bring the signed paperwork to the first meeting in order to participate in the camp. Please print pages 13 - 22 and read pages 23 - 31. Please choose session to register for the 2016 Speed, Agility, & Conditioning Camp for ALL Sports. The camp is 3 days from 9:30am-12:00pm. The dates of the camp are: Session I June 14-16 and Session II June 21-23. The cost of the camp is $125.00 per camper.

Boys Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp: June 20-23

Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse Camps mission is to provide the best coaching to student athletes across the country through positive reinforcement, encouragement, and commitment. Building confidence is an essential component to a young person’s development and a very important step in achieving success both on and off the field. Our goal at Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse Camps is to provide the leadership necessary to help build this confidence and to help each camper reach their full potential. We want everyone that spends a week with us, to leave camp knowing they can achieve anything. All camps will be housed in the Hill Dormitories which are configured in suites consisting of two double rooms (two students per room) connected by a bathroom. Campers will have a variety of meal options served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in The Village Dining facility. Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp practices and instruction will be held at the Hutsell (Wilbur) Track. For more information about the Xcelerate Boys Lacrosse Camp, visit; http://www.xceleratelacrosse.com/lacrosse/camps/boys-alabama-auburn-university/.

Girls Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp: June 23-26

Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse Camps mission is to provide the best coaching to student athletes across the country through positive reinforcement, encouragement, and commitment. Building confidence is an essential component to a young person’s development and a very important step in achieving success both on and off the field. Our goal at Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse Camps is to provide the leadership necessary to help build this confidence and to help each camper reach their full potential. We want everyone that spends a week with us, to leave camp knowing they can achieve anything. All camps will be housed in the Hill Dormitories which are configured in suites consisting of two double rooms (two students per room) connected by a bathroom. Campers will have a variety of meal options served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in The Village Dining facility. Xcelerate Lacrosse Camp practices and instruction will be held at the Hutsell (Wilbur) Track. For more information about the Xcelerate Girls Lacrosse Camp, visit: http://www.xceleratelacrosse.com/lacrosse/camps/girls-alabama-auburn-university/.

Dance Intensive Camp: June 27 - July 1

Auburn University Dance Faculty will host a 5 day dance intensive this summer. Each day will be filled with classes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap and conditioning such as Pilates and Yoga. In addition; students will also learn choreography and improvise on their own to build choreography to be performed on the final day. All levels of students ages 11-19 are welcome! 
 This is a rare opportunity for dancers in the Auburn community to train and perform in the beautiful new facilities at AU. The trained dancer and the novice can all finish this 5 day intensive with more technique and appreciation for the art of dance. A final performance on Friday, July 1st at 5:30pm will be open to the public. Invite your friends and family!

This camp is intended for rising 6th – 12th grade students. Tuition is only $200 per person. Enrollment will be limited to 30 students so register early. Register here: https://mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=C160627A&Publish=ANYWAY.  Auburn University Theatre provides undergraduate theatre training and performances in the award-winning Telfair B. Peet Theatre. Ensembles include the Radio Flyer Theatre Company, which features productions in the style of the Golden Age of Radio, and the Mosaic Theatre Company, which creates and performs original works of theatre around issues of diversity. In addition, various musical performances are held throughout the year in the Telfair B. Peet Theatre.

Abilities Unlimited Camp: July 11 – 29

Abilities Unlimited is a 3-week summer camp (July 11- 29, 2016) for children and youth with and without developmental disabilities ages 5 - 12 years and counselors-in-training ages 13 – 22 years. The camp runs Monday-Friday from 8:30 – 3pm (after care from 3-5pm). The camp will incorporate bicycle training, swimming lessons, and an adapted physical activity/recreation curriculum. In addition, academic and transition activities are incorporated into the daily curriculum. Our goal is to build motor competence and confidence, as well as social, cognitive, and life skills in those with disabilities. Our program is supported by funding from East Alabama Medical Center and the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach. This program is run in partnership with Lee County Special Olympics, iCan Shine, Inc., and Exercise Connection. Pick up and drop off will take place in front of the School of Kinesiology Building (301 Wire Road). Campers will spend their instructional time at the School of Kinesiology. Additional instructional rooms and facilities will include: Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum, the Student Activity Center, and the Martin Aquatics Center. Campers will have buffet-style lunches at The Village Dining facility, where they have unlimited options of a buffet-style meal. Snacks will also be provided in the morning and afternoons. If your camper has any food allergies please make sure to indicate this information on the registration forms. Abilities Unlimited is a collaborative project with faculty from the School of Kinesiology, Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, and the Transition Leadership Institute at Auburn University. Below is the information for the School of Kinesiology faculty that are currently supported by a grant from the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach. Apply here: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_77eo801ZGbgZYZ7

Running through Auburn & Opelika

 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Run/Crank Your Heart Ride
When: February 18 at 7:30am
Where: Chewacla State Park
Contact: Alison Hall 334.501.2940
Website: www.loveyourheartrun.com/

What: Love Your Heart Run is sponsored by the Exceptional Outreach Organization and the City of Auburn. The Love Your Heart Run is our premier fundraising event benefiting children and adults with special needs that participate in Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Academy Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team, Friends for Life and City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp. Participants may run or walk the event!
Crank Your Heart Ride is being held in conjunction with the 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Ride. The Crank Your Heart Ride was introduced in 2008 in an effort to broaden the Exceptional Outreach Organization’s annual fundraiser event and further raise awareness of the many therapeutic programs we support throughout the community.

Couch to 5K Run
When: February 25at  8am
Where: Downtown Opelika
Contact: Tracey Buckingham at 334.332.6536
Website: www.celebratelife.eamc.org/

What: On Saturday morning, February 25th, the Celebrate Life 5k Run will be held in downtown Opelika, followed by a celebration concert in front of the Lee County Courthouse. Route 66 will provide the entertainment as participants celebrate the culmination of their 12-week health and fitness program sponsored by AORTA. The Celebrate Life Couch to 5K program is open to any business, department, or group of individuals who would like to train for a 5K event together. Participants can run or walk the event. Regardless of current fitness level, we will provide training programs for all individuals to be able to complete the 3.1-mile event in February. We are asking and encouraging businesses to form teams to enter the Celebrate Life 5K together. Schedules and training information will be provided for participants and group run/walk times will be announced. On the day of the run/walk, teams will not only compete for the fastest times, but for a variety of other categories, such as Best Team Name, Biggest Team, Smallest Team, Most Pounds Lost Team, Slowest Team, Best Team Spirit, and others.

Mud Mania
When: March 31 from 9am to 3:30pm
Where: Southern Springs Equine Farm in Auburn
Contact: Gabe Gotthelf at 404.964.4613
Website: www.mud-mania.com/

What: Mud Mania is a mud drenched outdoor obstacle adventure race fueled by excessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Whether competing alone or on a team, ultimately it is a challenge that will pit your raw grit against the notoriously rugged Alabama mud.
Set in the backwoods of rural Auburn on Southern Springs Equine, Mud Mania is a bootcamp style 5K run embedded with 20+ obstacles. Participants will run in 30 minute heats of 300 participants each. Your momma spent 18hrs a day trying to keep you clean. Give us 3 miles...we'll getcha' dirty!

2012 Amphibious Warrior Mud Run
When: April 7 at 8am
Where: The Great American Park , 3935 US Highway 29 North in Auburn
Contact: James Summerlin 256.541.2863
Website: www.aumudrun.eventbrite.com/

The Mud Run is a CHALLENGING course full of MUD and just clean fun brought to you by the The Few and Proud Marines of Auburn University. The route will consist of about 4 miles of off-road trails, creeks, hills, obstacles and of course MUD PITS! This event is open to women and men of ages 13 and up. There will be individual and team registration available for those like us that don’t like leaving a buddy behind when the “going gets tough”. So grab an old pair of shoes and some worn out clothes and get ready to get MUDDY! Included this year is a chance to camp on site to experience the full feeling of the event.
Also new this year is the ability to go off roading in your ATV or truck out there on the mud pits of the American Off Road Park's area followed by a concert. Disclaimer: this course requires running, jumping, climbing, slogging, sloshing, crawling and raw determination!

Junior League of Lee County Walk Run
When: April 14 at 8am
Where: Town Creek Park in Auburn
Contact: jllcart@gmail.com
Website: www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com/jllc/npo.jsp?pg=fundraiser&article=514

What: The Junior League of Lee County Walk Run in an annual event held each April.  The race is family and pet friendly.  Participants can choose from a 1.5 mile or 5K walk or timed 5K run and offers goody bags, prizes, refreshments and children's activities.  In 2010-2011, the race raised $13,151 for arts and literacy programs for the children of Lee County.  Choose to walk (1 mile or 5k) or run (5k).
Includes a free T-shirt and goodie bag.  No refunds.  Registrations received after April 1st are not guaranteed a T-shirt. All registrations: $15 until April 1st, $20 after April 1st. Children 10 and under: Free Registration, T-shirt not included. 5K Run Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers and to the top male and female finishers in age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60