Generally speaking, most of the summer sports camps in Rome — and all across the nation, for that matter — are designed to help young players develop their skills.

But the camps can actually benefit the coaches, too.

After all, many of the campers will eventually play sports on the high school level, and they might just end up playing for their summer-camp coach.

Many local players and coaches first become familiar with one another during the various camps, and they often form a bond that will carry over for the years to come.

This week, the Rome High girls and boys basketball program were among those who conducted camps, as the Wolves and Lady Wolves hosted their annual Fundamental Basketball Camps at Rome High.

The varsity players from Rome High helped serve as instructors at the camp, along with the members of the coaching staff.

“We averaged about 55 kids each day,” said Rome High girls coach Kevin Strickland, “and we saw some kids this year that we haven’t seen before.”

Always keeping an eye on the future, Strickland made mental notes about some of the talented young players.

“We had some second graders who looked like they knew what they were doing; they looked like they already have an understanding of the game,” he said with a laugh.

Although many of the camps feature various skills contests, the main purpose is making sure the campers enjoy themselves.

“We had a good time today, and we always do,” said Strickland. “We really try to make it fun.”

The Adairsville girls program has also been hosting camp this week, which is aptly titled the ‘Lady Tigers of Tomorrow’ camp.

Next week, the local area will have camps galore, with roughly 10 different events — hosted by both high school and college teams — taking place.

The flurry of camps continues the following week, with basketball, football, cheerleading, soccer and tennis among the choices.