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Sports

Sports Video Highlight Reel: Sounds of Bears Youth Football Camp Like the Real Thing

Hut, hut, hike! Local kids meet for a week of "training camp" sponsored by the Bears

While NFL labor officials worked to resolve lockout issues, pro football still was making its mark in the Southland.

The Bears staged a week-long camp at Southwest Christian School in Tinley Park, one in a series of events they've sponsored throughout the city and suburbs that give kids the opportunity to learn from high school and college coaches.

The coaches put the kids through speed and agility training; teach them how to run plays; show them good nutrition and give them a good foundation of football knowledge for the future.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Throughout the camp, former Bears players visited to inspire the children, tell stories and participate in camp alongside the kids. A Super Bowl game rounded out the week with players receiving participation medals and laurels for their attitude, willingness to learn, and leadership.

Two kids from each of the camps even get an opportunity to attend a Bears preseason game and do their camp drills on the field before the pros.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tinley Park camp director Chris Hill said the kids enjoy themselves throughout the week and is glad he's able to help with this program each year. "It's important for kids to get out and get active," he said. "And if we can help by teaching them the game of football at the same time, that's even better." 

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