Lake County Lightning Baseball Camps & Clinics

Lake County Lightning Baseball Camps & Clinics offers instruction in pitching, hitting, fielding, catching, and baserunning. Campers also take part in a wiffle ball home run derby, team baserunning games, hand eye challenges, mini competitions, and fun pitching competitions. Instruction areas include pitching mechanics and mindset, pick off moves, pitching grips and situations, hitting fundamentals and situational hitting, plate approach, pitch count strategy, bunting applications, infield and outfield glovework and footwork, tag plays, throwing to bases, getting pitch ready, pop-up priority, throwing programs and drills, short and long toss, around the horn, baserunning skills such as leading off, proper base stealing, timed 60 yard dash, proper base path running, situational baserunning, outfield communication, reading the ball, play ready preparation, and situational play execution, along with baseball IQ topics such as work ethic, accountability, growth mindset, body language, sportsmanship, and attitude.

• Ages: 8–13 years old
• Schedule: 5 day camp running June 23–25 and June 30–July 1, 2025, with daily sessions for rising 3rd–5th graders from 9:00am–10:30am and rising 6th–8th graders from 11:00am–1:00pm
• Price: Cost: $59. Total cost of the event grants access to all 5 days (prorated pricing not available). Attendance for all 5 days is not required; all days are open. Attendees will receive one free camp T-shirt for every ticket that is purchased. Additional T-shirts can be purchased at time of checkout. Free event T-shirt if paid online.

The Lightning Camps feature coaches with diverse backgrounds, including current and former Division 1 collegiate experience, extensive expertise in coaching High School Varsity teams, and specialized pitching coaches with seasoned professional experience. The leadership team includes Jeremy Lutz (Director of Operations, Lightning Baseball; Facility Manager, “The Bolt”; Head Coach, IL Lightning 15U), Jerry Fox (Founder, Lake County Lightning, Illinois Lightning Baseball, Illinois Lightning Softball), Chuck Gandolfi (Director of High School Development, IL Lightning Baseball; Head Coach, IL Lightning 17U), and Kurt Hironimus (Director of Operations, IL Lightning Softball; Head Coach, IL Lightning 18U). From initially fielding three teams in 2003, the organization has grown to over 500 players across more than 35 teams organization-wide, and teams compete in national, state, and local tournaments and levels.

Lake County Lightning is a non-for-profit travel baseball and softball organization serving the Lake County, Illinois community and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The organization states that it is committed to developing outstanding baseball and softball players and exceptional individuals, using travel ball as a platform for youth to cultivate core values such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Its stated emphasis is on the development of fundamental skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic while fostering a positive, professional team culture and a deep love for the game. Camps and clinics are offered for beginner and intermediate players with an emphasis on learning fundamentals and rules, as well as for advanced players with advanced drills, techniques, and competitive play. Lake County Lightning families have access to year-round training in a 30,000 sq. ft. indoor facility called “The Bolt,” and a Wilson partnership gives all Lightning families 20% off year round on equipment.

Families are asked to have players wear baseball pants if possible, bring their own bats and batting helmet if possible (with bats and helmets available on hand if needed), bring their own baseball glove, and bring plenty of water or Gatorade, with water also available on hand. Attendees receive one free camp T-shirt per ticket purchased.

Last updated May 26, 2026.