From First-Time Players to Future Stars: Summer Camp at Paddle Palace

Nearly 60 young players. More than 30 hours of training. Five days of drills, matches, friendships, and fun.

The first two Paddle Palace Junior Table Tennis Camps of the summer brought together one of our most enthusiastic groups yet. Campers ranged from young beginners who are still learning to tie their own shoes to experienced high school players preparing to leave for college.

No matter where they started, everyone shared the same goal: become a better table tennis player.

Girls with game! Young athletes brought plenty of energy, focus, and personality to the tables at Paddle Palace Junior Camp.

Serious Training in a Fun Environment

Under the direction of Jiwei Xia, Jay Crystal, and Burke Walls, campers received world-class instruction in every part of the game. Dean Shultz and Dharshanika Selvakumar provided great assistance as well.

Each week included:

• Fundamental stroke development
• Footwork and movement
• Serve and receive
• Focused drilling
• Match strategy
• Tournament competition
• Plenty of games and challenges

With more than 30 hours of training packed into five days, the improvement can be remarkable. Players begin the week working to control the ball and finish it moving with greater confidence, better technique, and a much clearer understanding of how to play points.

One father saw the change after his daughter attended camp for the first time last summer.

“I can’t believe my daughter can play legitimate table tennis after just one week of camp!”

After watching her return this summer, he was even more impressed.

“Wow! Look how confident and aggressive her play is now.”

That kind of progress is what makes camp special.

More than 30 hours of training include drilling, technique development, match play, and tournament competition.

A Camp Players Want to Attend Again

A high percentage of this summer’s campers have attended Paddle Palace camps in previous years. Many return with friends, siblings, cousins, and other family members.

One returning player gave us the best review we could ask for:

“My favorite camp that I attend every year!”

We’re also proud of the strong mix of young women and young men participating. The atmosphere is competitive, welcoming, and supportive. Players challenge one another, celebrate improvement, and build friendships around a sport they can enjoy for life.

Camp combines serious skill development with friendships, challenges, and plenty of fun.

A Full-Circle Paddle Palace Story

This summer also included a special visit from Emily “Ping” Takahashi, a former national-level junior standout.

Emily brought her two sons, several cousins, and members of her extended family to camp. It was a wonderful full-circle moment because Paddle Palace Club still has coaches who worked with Emily during her own playing days.

Now a new generation of her family is learning the game in the same club environment that helped develop her.

The Perfect Place to Train During Summer

While the competition heats up at the tables, the club stays comfortable at approximately 70 degrees throughout the day.

There’s no blazing sun, no excessive summer heat, and no sunburn. Campers can focus their energy on learning, competing, and having fun.


Two young players rally across an International standard STIGA table during Paddle Palace Junior Table Tennis Camp.

The Progress Continues After Camp

The most rewarding part of camp is seeing what happens next.

Many campers are now entering tournaments and attending Paddle Palace Club’s Saturday Junior Training Program. They are building on the technique, confidence, and love for the sport that began or grew during camp.

Camp isn’t simply five days of activity. It can be the start of a player’s table tennis journey.

Campers enjoyed a special visit to the Paddle Palace executive boardroom, where they collected fun stickers and viewed the many Hall of Fame honors earned by former company CEO Judy Hoarfrost.

Next Camp: August 10–14

The next Paddle Palace Junior Table Tennis Camp will be held August 10–14.

Whether your child is picking up a paddle for the first time or already competing and looking to reach the next level, this camp offers an unforgettable week of training, competition, friendships, and fun.

Come see how much progress a young player can make in one week.