Youngsters Grasp Chicago Bear Necessities at Tinley Youth Football Camp

With former Bears players showing up to impart wisdom and happy young campers running around in non-contact drills, it’s obvious that the Bears Youth Football Camp is under way in Tinley Park.

Tinley Park camp director Chris Hill, a 12-year coaching veteran, is in his fifth year with the youth program. Along with setting up contests and handing out prizes to the attendees, Hill and his staff have enjoyed teaching the kids the proper fundamentals of football.

With 35 campers spanning ages from 6-14, Hill and his staff deal with a wide range of skill sets and exposure to the game.

“Football has always been great to me," Hill said. "I love coaching and I love kids, and this is a great way for me to give back to the community."

Each day the kids are visited by a different former Bears player. Visiting players have included Darnell Autry, Kris Haines and Jim Morrissey. Each day, the former Bear will give advice on the game of football, but also speak about life in general, highlighting the proper way to conduct oneself off the field.

Hill said he and is staff try to reiterate the significance of a positive work ethic to the campers.

“It’s important for me to show the kids what football can really do for you, not just on the field, but in everyday life skills," Hill said. "I’m trying to pass that on to a younger generation."

Neal Wallace brought his son to the Bears Youth Camp by way of Crown Point, Ind. The Northwest Indiana native has enjoyed watching his son’s progress at the camp.

“My son is involved with the local pop-warner team back home," Wallace said. "It’s good to see him doing some extra drills, conditioning, things he might not normally be doing. They’ve been playing a lot of games and he is enjoying it.”

The Tinley Park camp will end on Friday. Hill and his staff will pack up and begin a new camp the following week in Hinsdale.

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