By Samantha Hoegle - Nestled along the coast of Maine is Bowdoin College, a small, liberal arts College known for delicious food, challenging academics, and successful athletics. Bowdoin College is also host to Polar Bear Rugby Camp, July 14 – 17, run by Coach MaryBeth Mathews of the Bowdoin Women’s Varsity Rugby Team.

Photos by Anne-Marie Lemal-Brown.

Coach Mathews runs Polar Bear Rugby Camp with a similar philosophy to her varsity team: Rugby is a sport for anyone, and everyone should have the chance to learn.  Along with this philosophy, Polar Bear Rugby Camp is known for having a very low camper to Coach ratio and coaches with many different coaching styles to suit players of all types.  At Polar Bear Rugby Camp, not only do you have a coach teaching a tactical or technical skill, you have an entire other set of coaches focused on players during drills and games, giving real-time feedback so players can improve.  

The camp boasts an accomplished varsity, national and international staff with experience teaching young men and women at many levels.  Current and recent staff members who share their expertise and love of the game include Kathy Flores, Anthony Purpura, Jonathan ‘Griff’ Griffin, Kerri Heffernan, Farrah Douglas, Peter Baggetta, Craig Wilson, KO Onufry, Kevin O’Brien, Laurie Bourdon, and Mathews. 

Historically, Polar Bear Rugby Camp has served high school and college students.  This year, the camp has expanded to include Middle School/Youth players.  At the camp, players are split into smaller groups based on age, gender, and skill, allowing them to be challenged and learn with players on a similar level.  The staff notes that this improves confidence, skill acquisition, and fun!  Whether players are new to the game, intermediate, or highly experienced, every student-athlete has the opportunity to take away something valuable to their growth and understanding of the game. There are team discounts and need-based financial aid available to make improvement accessible to everyone. 

If you’re looking for a camp where you’ll get individual instruction, have a knowledgeable coaching staff, and have fun (which rugby always should be), look no further than Polar Bear Rugby Camp at Bowdoin College!