Speed of Play: Leadership & Fitness for Grades 7-9

June 9 - August 29th, 2025 | Available at all sUmmer Camp locations


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In 2025, we are celebrating 15 years of the Speed of Play program!

Speed of Play (SOP) was designed to help older kids make the most out of an active summer by encouraging them to play sports, to be creative, to work hard, stay active, socialize, and mentor younger kids.

Participants are given the opportunity to train and play in an All Sports Camp setting, learn valuable leadership skills, to take with them as they grow, and receive personal mentorship along the way. Participants join us for up to a 12-week All Sports Camp session and play a greater role in AKA events, mentor younger campers and have access to additional privileges at camp.

Participants will be involved with volunteering throughout our community through service projects (on & off-site) that benefit the community! Examples include supporting churches through maintenance, park clean up, providing supplies to animals or the elderly and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to go on SOP Ultimate Field Trips designed to help them be active and most importantly, for the kids to enjoy the summer! Learn more about why we are more focused than ever - Middle School Kids Need Our Help.


Program Components

Fitness

The SOP program focuses on proper fitness and nutrition by providing sports and games geared toward adolescence. Participants will have the opportunity for fun fitness assessments through the summer.

Interaction

Take a break from electronics and social media. The SOP program encourages relationship building through face to face peer interaction, positive sportsmanship and teamwork.

Leadership

Participants have the opportunity to volunteer as a mentor for the younger kids attending the All Sports Camp by leading sports & games or supporting them through our reading buddies program.

Volunteering

The SOP program introduces participants to the importance of giving back. We will have several projects supporting the community and those in need throughout the summer.


Participant Benefits

T-shirt & Certificate

Each participant will receive an AKASPORT t-shirt. Each participant that completes their program receives a program certificate.

Facilities Access

Access to all AKASPORT facilities within the National Sports Center, Golden Lake Elementary, Adrenaline Sports Center, Champions Hall, and Hopkins Pavilion.

SPeed of Play Lounge

Ping Pong, games, study tables, and rest area for SOP participants to relax and hang out. (Only at NSC Rink 8)

Field Trips & Volunteering

Field Tips and volunteer opportunities exclusive to SOP participants combine learning and recreation, to keep minds engaged while having fun!

2025 Pricing & Discounts

Full Summer Packages (8-12 Weeks) $175 per week
Individual Weeks $200 per week (open January 3)

Early Bird Discount of $100 (full summer packages only) available until March 31, 2025.



AKA SCHOLARSHIPS

AKASPORT is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to our All Sport Summer Camp thanks to generous individual donors and sponsors. We also host and participate in events throughout the year to raise funds for families who may not otherwise be able to participate in summer sport programs. 

For more information and to apply for a scholarship from AKASPORT, please contact scholarships@akasport.org


Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is the Speed of Play Program?

AKASPORT is designed to keep the fun in sports and activities. While we enjoy teaching kids about competition (including the sportsmanship of how to win and lose) we recognize that youth sports in general are overly competitive and can discourage kids from trying new sports. We have the flexibility to group kids with similar abilities from beginner to more elite players so each participant can learn and grow at their own pace.

I am on the waitlist for the All Sports Camp. When will I know if I get in?

AKASPORT staff meet weekly to review any waitlist registrations and contact families as soon as possible to let them know if they can be moved into the program. We do our best to accomodate all registrations.

If you are moved off of the waitlist, you will need to log in to your account to make a payment or set up the payment plan. You will not be charge for the program until you are officially registered (no charge if you are on the waitlist).

What is the cancellation policy for summer programs?

CANCELLATION POLICY: SOP For Full Summer Packages (8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 week packages): Speed of Play (SOP)

  • Cancellations prior to April 1st will receive a full refund minus a $57.50 cancellation fee to cover administrative expenses.
  • Complete cancellations after April 1st will receive a refund minus the initial deposit of 15% of the total program fee.
  • If you fall below an 8 week package, individual week rates will be applied as well losing your early bird discount.
  • No refunds will be processed after September 1st.

For Individual Week Registrations (Weekly registration up to 7 weeks): Speed of Play (SOP)

  • Complete cancellation from the AKA All Sports Camp - Speed of Play Program prior to April 1st will receive a refund of amounts paid, minus a $57.50 cancellation fee
  • Individual week cancellations (reducing total program weeks) made prior to April 1st will receive a refund for the canceled weeks so long as participants remain registered for at least one week.
  • Individual week cancellations made after April 1st will receive a refund minus 50% of the canceled weeks or a full refund as a credit applied toward a 2025 or 2026 AKASPORT Program.
  • No refunds will be processed after September 1st.

Absence Policy: There are no refunds for individual days missed due to illness or absence.

  • If more than 3 days are missed within one week due to illness or family related emergency, please contact us at AKASPORT (info@akasport.org) to discuss refunds or credits to your account.
  • You must notify us a full week prior to the week you have paid for if your child is going to be absent in order to receive a refund for the amounts paid, minus 25% (see individual week cancellation policy).
  • If you are unable to attend weeks you have signed up for you are still obligated to pay for those weeks if you have not notified us one full week in advance.

You can find a printable copy of our Waiver and Cancellation Policy Here.

How is the payment plan set up for summer programs?

Our payment plan is available for Full Summer Packages and Individual Week summer camps. We require 15% down payment on total registration. Payment plan information will be specified in your Active account. If you are looking for a payment plan that is not offered, please contact info@akasport.org and we will do our best to accomodate your request.

How old does my child have to be to attend?

Participants in the AKA All Sports Summer Camp must be entering grades K-9 to attend.

Do I need to register for all dates at once?

If you will be attending for the full summer (10 or more weeks) you will need to register for a Full Summer Package. You will have until April 1st to select which weeks you would like to attend within your package.

If you will be attending fewer than 10 weeks you will register for each week individually and do not need to register for them all at once. You may add weeks throughout the summer, however we do have a limited capacity for participants so advise you to register early to prevent being put on a waitlist or not being able to attend the program. Any changes to individual weeks made throughout the summer are subject to our cancelation policy. (See above)

What are your hours of operation?

The AKA All Sports Summer Camp runs Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm.

Do I have to come into the building with my child?

Yes. All children must be brought into the room by a parent or guardian when arriving in the morning. All children must be signed out by an authorized individual in the evening when leaving for the day.

How do you know who can pick up my child?

When you register you are asked to include authorized pick up persons. Any person listed as an authorized pick-up may pick up your child. Any person picking up a child may be asked to present a picture ID.

How do I make week selections for my Full Summer program?

Log into your Active.com account > select "My Programs" > on the right side select "Add Purchase" > One the next screen under Session Options, select the weeks you would like to attend > Scroll to the bottom and select “Checkout” > On the next screen, review and select “Submit”.

See our step by step directions for adding Week Selections to your account.

Can my child stay back from a field trip?

No. If your child is unable to attend the field trip, you may choose to find alternate care for the day. All AKA Staff will be attending the field trips so there will be no care for any children not attending.

Are meals and snacks provided at the AKA All Sports Camp?

Breakfast, lunch and snacks are NOT provided, but we do offer the option to add LUNCHES to registration for an additional cost of $6 per day. Lunches are delivered by our lunch partner Lisa's Catering. See Lisa's Catering Sample Menu.

Our providers do not have separate offerings for dietary restrictions, but we do have a nut free table during meals and snacks.

Participants may bring their own breakfast to enjoy before 9am.

Participants are encouraged to bring snacks to enjoy and at specified break time during the day.

AKA will provide refrigerators and microwaves for participants to use for lunches and snacks.

How do I add lunches for a program I am registered for?

Log in to your Active.com account, select "My Programs" and, on the right side, select "Add Purchase".

See our step by step directions for adding lunches to your account.

View the Lisa's Catering Sample Menu.

What equipment does my child need for the AKA All Sports Camp?

All equipment will be provided except for ice skates and helmets for Ice Sports Week. Any other equipment needs will be communicated prior to camp. Participants are allowed to bring their own equipment during camp. AKASPORT is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Can my child's prescription medication be administered at camp?

Yes, please review our Authorization for Medication form.

Do I have to pay for a day if my child is not there?

If you have registered for the day, yes. You are responsible for payment for that day. AKASPORT schedules staff based on the number of children expected to arrive for care on that day.

We forgot our field trip T-shirt. Can I borrow one for the day?

If you forget or lose your AKASPORT field trip T-shirt you will have to buy a new one on the website - https://akasport.org/store.

Will AKASPORT staff provide sunscreen?

AKASPORT staff will provide sunscreen and ensure that camp particpants are applying it to themselves throughtout the day. You can also provide sunscreen if you have specific sunscreen you would like to use.

Are electronic devices allowed during AKA All Sports Summer Camp?

While we encourage families to keep electronic devices at home, they are allowed during designated times during the day including drop off (7-8am) and pick up times (5-6pm) if we are not currently involved in another activity. AKASPORT is not responsible for lost or broken electroic devices.

What if I am late to pick up my child?

There will be a late fee for pick up of $10 for every 30 minutes.

Do I have to call AKASPORT if my child will be absent?

No, you do not need to call if your child will be absent, but we encourage you to email your Site Director to let them know. If a child is absent from more than three scheduled days with no notification, we will attempt to contact you.

Can I get a copy of the Liability Waiver?

You will be asked to accept our Liability Waiver during registration . A copy of that waiver along with our payment policies can be found HERE.

Do you offer single day rates?

AKA does not offer single day rates. If you have schedule specific questions, please contact info@akasport.org.

Do you offer before and after school care?

AKA does offer before school care through the AKA SPARK program. See details on the AKA SPARK page.

AKA also offers care during days when school is not in session. For our current AKA School Release Day calendar, see the AKA School Release Days page.

At this time we do not have an after school program at the NSC due to facility space availability. We do offer AKA After School Programs at many schools throughout the North Metro (Anoka-Hennepin and Spring Lake Park School Districts). See our AKA After School page for program offerings.