The Las Vegas Desert Dogs wrapped up their second annual Camp 99 following two weeks packed with drills, games and plenty of lacrosse action. Held this summer from July 21 to August 1, Camp 99 is the team’s youth-focused, multi-sport summer camp inspired by co-owner Wayne Gretzky. Led by team captain Connor Kirst and supported by teammates Luke Pilcher, Adam Poitras, Josh Jackson, Jackson Webster, Tyrell Hamer-Jackson and Jonathan Gagliardi, the camp continues to grow as a cornerstone for developing young athletes.
Kirst serves as the team’s Youth and Amateur Lacrosse Development Manager, playing a key role in growing lacrosse within the community. He designs and leads programs that introduce young athletes to the sport, making lacrosse both accessible and enjoyable for beginners. Through clinics, camps and workshops, Kirst focuses on teaching the game’s fundamentals while fostering a positive environment where players develop teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership skills. His goal is to inspire the next generation and help grow lacrosse from the grassroots up.
"Our goal is to make the sport accessible and exciting for kids here in Vegas," said Kirst. "We want them to feel welcomed into the lacrosse world and walk away having had a great time."
The camp combined lacrosse drills with other sports and activities, allowing campers to stay active and learn something new. While the focus was on fun, the growth in their skills didn't go unnoticed.
"You could tell the kids were improving daily," said Luke Pilcher. "They were focused, fired up and just genuinely excited to be there. We hope we helped create some lifelong Desert Dogs fans, and maybe a few future players too."
Camp 99 welcomed both first-time players and returning campers from last summer. Kirst said the combination proves the game is catching on in Southern Nevada. "Seeing some of the same kids come back and bring their friends or teammates with them is exactly what we hoped would happen. That's how the sport grows."
The Desert Dogs plan to continue expanding their youth programming with more camps, clinics and school visits leading into the upcoming season.
