Over the years, UTEP has hosted numerous camps for the El Paso youth, attracting families to enroll their kids. The camps are in all areas of interest, from math to engineering, music, art, and even athletics.  

The Teen Boxing and Conditioning camp is no exception. The camp not only focuses on strengthening and teaching kids about boxing but also gives them something to carry with them once camp is over. 

First coming to UTEP in 2012 to teach kinesiology courses through P3 (Professional and Public Programs), Juan Jose Espino has been teaching the Teen Boxing and Conditioning camp since 2016, giving kids the necessary tools to defend themselves when needed. Although students will need to bring their own equipment and snacks, UTEP provides general-use equipment for students. 

When asked, “Why have these community outreach programs through the university,” Espino responded: 

“Why not? It helps a lot of kids because it’s safer. People tend to sometimes trust the university more because they make instructors go through background checks. Every instructor that I’ve met here is one of the best in what they do,” Espino said.

Through this camp, Espino teaches kids about self-defense while letting them have fun. “Even though kids their age shouldn’t know how to defend themselves, we live in a crazy world where they have to defend themselves from bullies and school shooters,” Espino said.  

Not only does the camp keep kids busy and off the streets over the summer but promotes UTEP athletics. This camp is enough to inspire kids to take the initiative in their health and well-being and possibly even return next year for another session. 

This P3-run camp is available for kids ages 12-17, although P3 conducts many community enrichment programs for all age groups, including knitting and cooking. Although the first camp has concluded, two more camps will be coming in July, with both being instructed by Espino. 

Nicholas Maes is the sports editor and may be reached at [email protected]