Five-year-old Nicolas Garcia smiled as he clutched a football while zigzagging between slalom poles.

Tarell Johnson, 8, cleared four mini-speed hurdles in succession.

Garcia and Johnson were among the 150 participants at the Second Annual Ceres Jr. Bulldogs Football Skills and Cheer Camp, staged July 22-24, at Smyrna Park.

"The turnout was great," said Joseph Estrada, athletic director and head varsity football coach. "We're very pleased. We're developing a good program for the kids."

Ninety-plus football players warmed up together before cycling through six different stations.

Approximately 50 cheerleaders worked just as hard in their practice area.

Each camp session lasted two hours, 6-8 p.m.
"Our numbers were good," Estrada said. "We did a little bit better than last year. We had fun. We taught them the basics. We kept the kids active. Safety was the No. 1 concern."

Bulldog leaders passed out Hawaiian shaved ice, courtesy of Heaven Snow, following Thursday's training session.

Each participant also received a certificate of participation.

"We want to keep the kids in Ceres," Estrada said. "We're here to develop them. We got a lot of talent. Our goal is to work with the high schools."