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Although they still joked around, and laughed a lot because it's still summer, there was no mistaking the Warriors realized they need to get sharp in more of a hurry.

With the change in seasons, they'll be playing in the fall rather than the winter in 2007-08, and every minute is precious as they get themselves ready.

But they caught a break this year.

Coach Ron Stremlow, who used to teach and coach at Kingsley High School, called up a former pupil to ask her to help give instruction at camp.

Alaina Olds starred at Kingsley before she went on to further fame at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, where she eventually earned All- American honors before graduating.

Now, she's a teacher at Manton. Stremlow got her to agree to come over to Forest Area for a four-day volleyball camp that included high school and junior varsity age players.

The younger girls came in during the mornings, and while everyone suffered from the heat and humidity the first three days, it was a much cooler gymnasium that greeted campers on the final day.

Keeping the atmosphere light and lively for the younger campers was essential, and Stremlow broke up the camp into fun games for the youngsters.

"It's important at their age (elementary) for them to have fun things to do," Stremlow said. "So, we devised some type of activities that would be fun, and keep them enthusiastic throughout the time of the camp."

But they also got some valuable tips on the proper techniques for setting, passing and digging the ball while still keeping things on a fun level.

Olds amped up the level of intensity with the high school campers, including a footwork drill, and the proper posture when on defense.

The game continues to evolve, and Olds has kept pace with the changes.

She shared some of that knowledge to the campers.

"Yes, she brought a lot to the table," Stremlow said. "I'm going to try and adapt the things she showed us at the camp into our program."

Close to 40 girls attended the camp, including the younger ones.

The first 30 received a volleyball, while the remainder received either a bottle or Tshirt.

Naturally, part of the camp's aim is to get the younger girls interested in the sport.

"I'm hoping to see some of those young ones move up to the junior varsity, and then the varsity," Stremlow said.

"These camps give them something to work on and improve as a player."