Johnston Community Education

Course Description Your son is invited to participate in this Annual Summer Baseball Camp offered through the Johnston Baseball program and Johnston Community Ed. Players are grouped by age, and learn baseball material that fits their age range. Camp finishes on the last day and players can head back to the field to attend the JV/Varsity game. All youth Johnston baseball players are allowed in for free. Kids will be honored before the varsity game. Players learn information on throwing, hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, sliding and team offense/defense Players will be working hand in hand with the varsity coaches and the varsity baseball players Logistics Wear proper baseball apparel with glove, bat, and wear a hat. Participants can share bats if needed. Bring a water bottle (w/name on it) Camp Director -JHS Head Baseball Coach Michael Barta- Since taking over as Head Baseball Coach in 2012, Coach Barta has won Coach of the Year, and already has over 400 wins! Johnston Baseball has won 7 state championships and has made 21 state appearances.

Course Description Boys are taught fundamentals of shooting, passing, ball handling, finishing, offensive action and defense. In addition to fundamentals, team concepts for offense and defense will be taught. Goal is to give all kids a great experience by providing an opportunity to compete, listen, learn, and enjoy the great game of basketball. Johnston’s coaching staff along with current and former players will instruct the campers. All boys receive a T-shirt. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS and through Door #15 on north side of JMS for final day Wear proper basketball clothing including t-shirt and shorts with clean, dry shoes Basketballs will be provided at JHS site so please don't bring one, JMS- please bring one Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Courtney Henderson- Coach Henderson took over the head job at JHS in 2023. He has won 10 CIML(Metro)/Alliance Conference Championships, 5 District Championships, 5-time District Coach of the Year, Iowa State Coach of the Year 2015-16, 4A State Coach of the Year 2010-11, has had 2 All-State Basketball Players, made 10 Consecutive District/Sub-State Finals, State Runner-up 2011, and has 5 state tournament appearances.

Course Description Boys are taught the fundamentals of shooting, passing, ball handling, finishing, offensive action and defense. In addition to fundamentals, team concepts for offense and defense will be taught. We want all kids to have a great experience by providing an opportunity to compete, listen, learn and enjoy the great game of basketball. Johnston’s coaching staff will instruct the campers. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS Enter through Door #1 on north side of Summit Wear proper basketball clothing including t-shirt and shorts with clean, dry shoes Please do NOT bring a basketball as they will be provided at JHS, you can bring one at Summit Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Courtney Henderson- Coach Henderson took over the head job at JHS in 2023. He has won 10 CIML(Metro)/Alliance Conference Championships, 5 District Championships, 5-time District Coach of the Year, Iowa State Coach of the Year 2015-16, 4A State Coach of the Year 2010-11, has had 2 All-State Basketball Players, made 10 Consecutive District/Sub-State Finals, State Runner-up 2011, and has 5 state tournament appearances.

Course Description Come see why the Johnston Boys Cross Country team has one of the best traditions of excellence and culture in the country! Learn about the sport, train, and participate in team building activities. Logistics Enter through Door #19 (NE side of JMS) by the gym Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Boys Track and Field & Head Boys Cross Country Coach Matt Jaschen- Coach Jaschen started coaching at Johnston in 2010 and teaches HS Science at JHS. He was the 2023 State Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2023 Des Moines Register All-Iowa Coach of the Year, 7x At-Large XC Coach of the Year Awards. His teams have been to state the last 12 years in a row! JHS won state in track in 2023, runners-up in cross country in 2013/2022, and have had multiple individual champions in both sports. Coach says "We help athletes develop self-confidence, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a culture where young athletes can learn and take ownership of their success."

Course Description The Johnston Boys tennis camp is designed for those planning on playing high school tennis. Emphasis will be placed on singles and doubles match strategy and advanced stroke development. Please arrive 10 minutes early so camp can start on time. Contact Coach Nyquist (Snyquist1@msn.com) or Coach Schuessler (dennis.schuessler@johnston.k12.ia.us) with any questions. Logistics Campers should bring a racket, water bottle and sunscreen each day. Weather policy/procedures- if courts are slick/wet from rains, lessons will be cancelled. The decision will be made at least 30 minutes before each class. Please watch for texts & emails for the notification Camp Directors JHS Boys Head Tennis Coach Dennis Schuessler- Coach Schuessler started coaching at JHS in 2017. Their last state appearance was in 2022. His goal for this camp is to prepare the next generation of Tennis Dragons. JHS Boys Assistant Coach Steve Nyquist- Coach Nyquist started coaching tennis at JHS in 2022. They qualified for team state in 2022 and had state qualifiers in 2022, 2023. Current professional coach has said “You have done a great job and are doing amazing with the Johnston team. They are lucky to have you.” He has over 40 years experience in tennis and has learned from some of the best players and coaches in the country. Coach has tremendous passion for the sport and wants to give back to a sport that has given him a lifetime of fun and pleasure. He wants to be the coach and resource to the players that he didn’t have when he was learning the game. If your son attends this camp and applies what they have learned, they will improve. The camp will focus more on strategy and philosophy that is often not included from professional coaches.

Course Description Join coaches and athletes from the Boys' Dragon Track & Field team for an introduction to the fundamentals of this great sport! Emphasis will be placed on having fun and building individual skills & fitness. The final day of camp consists of a non-competitive, mini, fun track meet in which everyone will receive a t-shirt for participation. Please note if inclement weather occurs, attempts will be made to go inside to the gym if available. If not, then there will be no make-up days due to schedules. Logistics Wear shorts/t-shirt and comfortable running shoes. Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Boys Track and Field & Head Boys Cross Country Coach Matt Jaschen- Coach Jaschen started coaching at Johnston in 2010 and teaches HS Science at JHS. He was the 2023 State Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2023 Des Moines Register All-Iowa Coach of the Year, 7x At-Large XC Coach of the Year Awards. His teams have been to state the last 12 years in a row! JHS won state in track in 2023, runners-up in cross country in 2013/2022, and have had multiple individual champions in both sports. Coach says "We help athletes develop self-confidence, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a culture where young athletes can learn and take ownership of their success."

Course Description Camp instruction will focus on the fundamentals of the sport: serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking & digging. In addition, learning to communicate with teammates and leadership will be emphasized. Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Volleyballs and other equipment will be provided Camp Director JHS Head Volleyball Coach Rick Brooks has been coaching at Johnston since 1993. His teams have made 11 state appearances, State Title in 2007, 3 runner-up finishes. Coach Brooks was the Coach of the Year in 2007 and has several "District Coach of the Year" honors. He currently teaches Math at JHS. In 2015, he was honored with the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching. Coach really enjoys coaching the next generation of Dragons!

Course Description Camp led by the JHS Boys Cross Country Coaches and student athletes. Participants will focus on their technique, pacing, and training implementation strategies. Meet at the shelter and kids will warm-up and run on the trail and greenspace. Logistics Meet at the shelter at Johnston Commons Park (6050 Morningside Drive in Johnston) Bring water bottle with your name on it and wear comfortable outdoor running attire Camp Director JHS Head Boys Track and Field & Head Boys Cross Country Coach Matt Jaschen- Coach Jaschen started coaching at Johnston in 2010 and teaches HS Science at JHS. He was the 2023 State Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2023 Des Moines Register All-Iowa Coach of the Year, 7x At-Large XC Coach of the Year Awards. His teams have been to state the last 12 years in a row! JHS won state in track in 2023, runners-up in cross country in 2013/2022, and have had multiple individual champions in both sports. Coach says "We help athletes develop self-confidence, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a culture where young athletes can learn and take ownership of their success."

Course Description Calling all future cheerleaders! This is a fun and exciting experience led by JHS coaches and varsity cheerleaders. Campers will learn basic motions, fun cheers, jumps, and a dance. Grades 3-7 will also be introduced to basic stunts to showcase during their performance. During these practices we will be doing some bonding activities, learning learning a dance, basic motions, jumps, new skills and putting together a performance. Don’t miss this chance to build skills, make new friends, and show off your Dragon spirit! A performance will be hosted at the end of the week (Friday at 7pm)-- showcasing what the cheerleaders learned. Kids can wear any purple shirt (if they have one) for this performance. Logistics Enter through Door #3 at JHS Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Directors Blake Faulkner- Johnston Varsity Head Cheer Coach Laylani Shepler- Johnston Assistant Varsity Coach

Course Description This camp is for current band students looking for a summer opportunity to play. We will spend this week rehearsing 4 - 6 fun band tunes for the Friday performance. Snacks and silly raffle prizes will be offered daily. Each student will receive a camp t-shirt!! A great way to continue playing in the summer! Logistics T-SHIRT REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 5/23/2025. CAN STILL REGISTER AFTER BUT WON'T BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT Bring your instrument End of week performance is 10:30am on Friday. Camp Directors JHS Band Director Jason Heeren JHS Band Director Craig Crilly Click here for more information on the JHS Band Program

Course Description Drama camp will focus on introducing students to the different elements of creating a play, including creating characters, movement, costumes and make-up. All activities will lead to a performance the last day of camp. This week-long camp is designed for all experience levels. On the last day (Friday) - there will be four 20 minute performances, starting at 11:30am and hoping to wrap up by 1:00pm. All are invited to attend. Logistics Please enter through JHS Door #23 (Auditorium Entrance) Drama Camp will check in and meet in the Auditorium daily Bring water bottle and lunch (no microwave or refrigerator available) Each participant will receive a t-shirt Camp Director JHS Drama Teacher- Jeremy Fitzpatrick

Course Description The Fit to Hit Football Camp will focus on skill development , position growth, conditioning and will also learn concepts used by the offense, defense, and special teams. This camp is for athletes that plan on participating in football in the Fall. Each participant will receive a t-shirt. The benefit of attending these camps will give the camper a chance to better their football skills on both sides of the ball by learning an offensive position and defensive position plus will get a chance to start learning specifics about what offensive/defensive formations and plays that will be used during the season. This camp introduces the basics so it will be important to attend so you are ready to go on Day 1. It will also give the camper a chance to get some conditioning in and gauge where the players are at with their stamina. All campers just need to come with T-shirts, shorts and cleats if they have them, plus bring the attitude to work and get better as a football player! Be coachable, open minded and HAVE FUN! Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Football Coach Brian Woodley- Coach Woodley started at Johnston in 2002 and has coached for 30+ years overall. He teaches Physical Education at JHS. He has been named State Coach of Year in both classes 4A and 5A twice in 2017 and 2022. Johnston has qualified for the football playoffs 16 times, 3 Quarterfinal appearances, 1 Semifinal appearance. Coach says "I really enjoy instructing my football camps as I really enjoy getting to know kids that enjoy football and are passionate about bettering their football skills. I also love developing relationships with the kids at a younger age and watching them grow as a person and a football player while participating in the Dragon football program."

Course Description The Fit to Hit Football Camp will focus on skill development , position growth, conditioning and will also learn concepts used by the offense, defense, and special teams. This camp is for athletes that plan on participating in football in the Fall. Each participant will receive a t-shirt. The benefit of attending these camps will give the camper a chance to better their football skills on both sides of the ball by learning an offensive position and defensive position plus will get a chance to start learning specifics about what offensive/defensive formations and plays that will be used during the season. This camp introduces the basics so it will be important to attend so you are ready to go on Day 1. It will also give the camper a chance to get some conditioning in and gauge where the players are at with their stamina. All campers just need to come with T-shirts, shorts and cleats if they have them, plus bring the attitude to work and get better as a football player! Be coachable, open minded and HAVE FUN! Logistics Check in starts at 5:30pm Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS 9th Grade Football Coaching Staff

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE A T-SHIRT IS AUGUST 10 at 8pm. Course Description Learn all about offensive and defensive positions and special teams play. We’ll emphasize the fundamentals of various positions so players can learn about the game of football and build confidence. The camp will include sport-specific conditioning drills, position-specific fundamentals, and games and competitions. Logistics Camp will take place at the JMS Stadium. Enter on south side of stadium. Wear appropriate clothing (t-shirt, shorts, cleats), and bring a water bottle. No other football gear/equipment is needed. Camp Director 8th Grade Head Football Coach Tom Griffin

Course Description Youth players will be taught the fundamentals of basketball that are stressed in the Johnston High School girls basketball program including offensive skills and defensive concepts. All players will be given a chance to work on these skills each day during competitive game play. They will each receive a t-shirt, have daily prizes, and snacks will be provided at the end of each session. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS. Bring a water bottle with your name on it. Do NOT bring a basketball. Balls will be provided. Participants should check in on first day and then families can stay on the track overlooking the gym. Camp Director JHS Head Girls Basketball Coach Chad Jilek- Has been the coach of 5A State Champions in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2020 and Class 5A Runners-Up in 2023, 2021, 2016.

Course Description The players will develop skills emphasized within the Johnston High School Girls Basketball Program and learn how to utilize those skills with the team concept. Instructors will be the JHS Girls Basketball Coaching staff. Logistics Enter through Door #3 on south side of JHS. Balls will be provided. Camp Director JHS Head Girls Basketball Coach Chad Jilek- Has been the coach of 5A State Champions in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2020 and Class 5A Runners-Up in 2023, 2021, 2016.

Course Description Come join the coaches and athletes of the 6 x State Champion JHS Girls Cross Country TEAM in the process of living out our TEAM Mission Statement: We are Dedicated to Developing Strong, Confident Women Who Seek to Build Community While Enjoying Competitive Athletics!! Logistics Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Girls Cross Country Head Coach Patrick Hennes- Coach Hennes has been a Dragon since his first days of student teaching at JHS in the Spring of 2002. He has had a front row seat as the number of graduates has doubled over time and taken great joy in witnessing JCSD grow into a thriving and diverse community serving the needs of a broad, multicultural group of learners. After volunteering with the JHS Track & Field squads as a student teacher in the spring of 2002, Coach Hennes was hired as an assistant coach for both the boys and girls Cross Country and Track & Field squads for the 2002-2003 school year. The following year (2003) he was hired as the Head Girls Cross Country Coach, remaining with the Boys Track & Field program as the distance coach until joining the girls Track & Field TEAM as distance coach in the spring of 2007. In the classroom, Mr. Hennes enjoys teaching mostly JHS seniors in one of their final required courses: American Government or American National Government. In one action-packed semester, students learn about the Foundations of American Government, Citizenship and Civic Participation and the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Coach Hennes has been recognized with the following awards: 2016 Des Moines Register/USA Today Iowa All Sports Coach of the Year following the Dragons undefeated and record-setting State Championship season 13-time recipient of the IATC Cross Country Coach of the Year Award, including most recently the Dragon’s 2023 State Championship season 2016 USTFCCCA Iowa Coach of the Year 2018 IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Conference Championships (what years) The Dragons have earned a total of eight CIML Conference Championships under Coach Hennes, who took the Dragons from “Worst to First” in the Conference in his first season as Head Coach in 2003. The Dragons celebrated the 21st anniversary of that Championship with another in the 2023 season. They have also won a total of 13 State Qualifying Meet Championships under Coach Hennes and his amazing staff. State Appearances- The Dragons have competed in the IGHSAU State Championship in 20 out of the past 21 seasons and are currently the defending State Champions State Titles- The Dragons have won *six* out of the past 10 IGHSAU Class 4A Cross Country State Championships (2014-2016-2017-2019-2020-2023) and have finished in the Top 4 in 14 out of the last 18 years. In 2016, the Dragons set the State Meet record for the All Time lowest TEAM score (26) and fastest TEAM finish (18:41 for 5K) "As coaches, we take great pride in living and coaching by our TEAM Mission Statement: We are dedicated to developing strong, confident women who are committed to building community while pursuing excellence in competitive athletes. As coaches, we deeply value the trust that parents place in us to help guide the development of their daughters as both athletes and as individuals. As coaches, summer is our opportunity to take the time to really, truly get-to-know our athletes on an even deeper level as individuals. Life is an adventure and we can’t wait to share that adventure with your daughter!!” Why should they attend/benefits? Participants will learn what it takes to live by our TEAM values: Be Healthy Dream Big Dreams Pursue Excellence Take Ownership Be Accountable Have Fun Embrace Your Sister

Course Description This is a recreational camp dedicated to the introduction of volleyball skills needed to play. Basic drills led by the JHS Coaches and players in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Those who show more interest can attend the July camp as well. Logistics Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Volleyball Coach Rick Brooks has been coaching at Johnston since 1993. His teams have made 11 state appearances, State Title in 2007, 3 runner-up finishes. Coach Brooks was the Coach of the Year in 2007 and has several "District Coach of the Year" honors. He currently teaches Math at JHS. In 2015, he was honored with the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching. Coach really enjoys coaching the next generation of Dragons!

Course Description The camp will be an introduction to cross country. With the intention to teach the basics of warm-up, stretching, and cool down. Additionally, campers will get insight into some of the types of workouts that cross-country runners use. All fitness levels are encouraged to participate, as each participant will be allowed to train at their own pace. Games and fun activities will be included. Logistics Wear clothing that you can run in: running shorts or compression shorts, sports bra, t-shirt or tank top that is comfortable for movement. Hair ties/ hair up. Good pair of tennis shoes/ running shoes with support and socks Optional- Hat and sunglasses Bring water bottle with your name on it Camp Director Jenna Darsee - Summit Middle School Art | Johnston Head Middle School Girls XC & Assistant 8th Grade Track Coach

Course Description The Johnston Dragon Softball Camp is looking for passionate youth softball players who want to enhance their skills. The camp will consist of individual skill work, competitions, games, and the opportunity to learn from the Johnston HS Softball Players and Coaches. Logistics Bring your softball glove, batting helmet, and a bat (if you have one) Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Softball Coach Rich Calvert

Course Description Interested in playing high school tennis or just interested in honing the game? Some of the camp takeaways include: being a good sport, serving form, improving forehand and backhand, volleying, setting goals, the mental game, and game strategy. Logistics Campers should bring a racket, water bottle, and sunscreen each day Arrive early for check-in Weather policy/procedures- if courts are slick/wet from rains, lessons will be cancelled. The decision will be made at least 30 minutes before each class. Please watch for texts & emails for the notification. Camp Director JHS Head Girls Tennis Coach Mitzi Hetherton

Course Description Camp instruction will focus on the fundamentals of the sport: serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking & digging. In addition, learning to communicate with teammates and leadership will be emphasized. Individual and small group drills will be used to instruct skill work and to develop team play. Logistics Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Volleyball Coach Rick Brooks has been coaching at Johnston since 1993. His teams have made 11 state appearances, State Title in 2007, 3 runner-up finishes. Coach Brooks was the Coach of the Year in 2007 and has several "District Coach of the Year" honors. He currently teaches Math at JHS. In 2015, he was honored with the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching. Coach really enjoys coaching the next generation of Dragons!

Course Description Camp instruction will focus on the fundamentals of the sport: serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking & digging. In addition, learning to communicate with teammates and leadership will be emphasized. Individual and small group drills will be used to instruct skill work and to develop team play. Logistics Bring a water bottle with your name on it Camp Director JHS Head Volleyball Coach Rick Brooks has been coaching at Johnston since 1993. His teams have made 11 state appearances, State Title in 2007, 3 runner-up finishes. Coach Brooks was the Coach of the Year in 2007 and has several "District Coach of the Year" honors. He currently teaches Math at JHS. In 2015, he was honored with the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching. Coach really enjoys coaching the next generation of Dragons!