Cranford Teen Entrepreneur Brings Expanded Youth Sports Camps To Local Training Facility

CRANFORD, NJ — A local teen-founded youth sports program is expanding its summer offerings through a new partnership with a Cranford athletic training facility, organizers said.

Sports Sitters, founded by Cranford student entrepreneur Cody DeCoons, will partner with the Cranford Performance Institute (CPI) this summer to help run youth camp programming for local families.

The partnership follows what organizers described as a sold-out “School’s Out Camp” held earlier at CPI. After that event, Sports Sitters was invited to take part in CPI’s summer camp schedule.

Beginning July 6, CPI will continue to lead its morning baseball instruction, while Sports Sitters and a team of local high school athletes will assist with afternoon programming from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to program information. Families will be able to choose between half-day or full-day camp options.

Camp activities are expected to include structured games, outdoor play, water activities, team-building exercises, and other recreational programming designed to keep campers active and engaged.

In August, the partnership is expected to expand, with Sports Sitters taking on a larger role in full-day camp programming alongside CPI.

Organizers also outlined several themed weeks planned for the summer, including Olympic Week, All-Star Week, Color War Week, and Carnival Week. Each week will feature different activities, team-based games, and group competitions designed around the weekly theme.

Sports Sitters was launched less than four months ago with a focus on connecting elementary-aged children with student athletes through sports, mentorship, and play.

Since launching, the program has expanded to include one-on-one sports sessions, small group training, birthday parties, playdates, community events, pop-up programs, and school break camps, according to information provided by the organization.

The program now works with local middle school, high school, and college athletes throughout the Cranford area, offering them opportunities to assist with programming and gain leadership experience.

“It’s hard to believe that Sports Sitters was just an idea a few months ago,” founder Cody DeCoons said in a statement. “Being invited to be part of CPI’s summer programming is something I never imagined would happen this quickly.”

DeCoons credited the Haughey Brothers with awarding a $2,500 Young Entrepreneur Grant that helped launch the program earlier this year.

“I’m incredibly grateful… Their support helped turn an idea into a real business,” DeCoons said. “We’re excited to spend the summer helping kids stay active, make friends, and have fun while creating opportunities for local student-athletes.”

Registration for the program is available through an online form provided by organizers.

Sports Sitters is based in Cranford and can be found on Instagram at @SportsSittersNJ.

Cranford Performance Institute is located at 140 Bryant Ave. in Cranford and provides youth athletic training programs and facilities for individual and team development, according to its website.