Getting to know Marisa Farrell, founder of The Golf & Tennis Academy (GTA)

Our vision is very clear and simple. We want to offer a highly competitive top notch instructional sports camp with the fun & appealing activities of a traditional camp. Our sons have participated in a number of camps over the years.. We have tried to accumulate all the positive elements and omit the negative ones.

 @cdcliving: What would you say to a parent concerned about leaving their child alone?

I would reassure that parent that their child would not be left alone. One of the key elements that we offer at GTA is the safe and control environment that Casa de Campo has to offer. Campers are kept very busy whether it be via instruction or afternoon & evening activities. Counselors play a key role in making the campers feel comfortable and GTA has experience, warm and highly professional counselors that will make sure campers feel at home.

Bibi Arteaga, Marisa’s husband and co-founder of GTA

@cdcliving: What would you say to an interested party who have never visited Casa de Campo? How would you describe the resort? 

It’s a haven for anyone who wishes to disconnect from reality. It’s a haven for anyone who wants to get into shape. It’s a haven for anyone who wants to have a vacation of pampering, good food & drinks and indulgence. Basically it’s a haven for everyone.

@cdcliving: Aside from the professional coaching in soccer, golf and tennis, what other activities will the children enjoy?

This is where GTA sets its self apart from most of the sports camp. Most sports camps have the instructional schedule and then the camper is left on his own with an occasional visit to the mall or something in that line. At GTA campers will enjoy organized afternoon & evening activities.

These include beach volleyball, kickball, pool games, scavenger hunts, salsa and merengue classes, visits to Altos de Chavon, movies at the Marina. We also have incredible weekend excursions including zip lining, canoeing on the Chavon river, visiting Las Cuevas de las Maravillas. We also offer a Community Service program on Saturday where campers will visit a non profit organization and bring necessary supplies as well as spend time at the facility.

@cdcliving: Will your children be taking part?

Absolutely! They will be boarding as well. JJ and Marcelo are as excited as we are for the summer to start.

 @cdcliving: How will you be involved during the camps?

By all means! My role in this incredible venture is GTA’s marketing and sales efforts. PIL advertising created our logo & brochure. Silgon created our website. During the summer session my role will be to overlook the day to day operation and be the liaison between the instructors, counselors and Casa de Campo. I will also play a major role in assuring that all campers feel at home.

 @cdcliving:  How has the response / interest been so far?

The response has been phenomenal- feedback has been very positive.

 @cdcliving: Your website was created by Silgon Inc. how was your experience working with Silgon Inc., would you recommend them?

We would highly recommend Silgon! Our experience with them has been seamless. We are delighted with the website and have received many positive comments on it. Professional, creative and extremely helpful.

@cdcliving: Anything to add?

GTA is truly a new camp experience. From the high level of instruction to the first class facilities. Campers will have the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful destinations and enjoy all of its wonders from the amenities, to the facilities to the nature and beaches.

The following is all the details of the Golf & Tennis Academy summer camps:

The Golf & Tennis Academy (GTA) at Casa de Campo

Golf Camp
The Golf Camp features daily instruction under the direction of Casa de Campo’s golf professional staff, including Eric Lillibridge, Director of Instruction at the resort’s Jim McLean Golf School. Along with learning every part of the game (with a 5-to-1 student-teacher ratio) students get to play the famous Casa de Campo courses; Teeth of the Dog, Links and Dye Fore – 63 holes of challenging golf designed by legendary architect Pete Dye.

Tennis Camp
The Tennis Camp is for any young adult wishing to take their game to the next level. Expert instruction will be given by a team of USPTA-certified pros with a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Group clinics will include hitting drills, serving skills, footwork, serve and volley and much more – which will be enhanced by match play everyday.

Soccer Camp
Instruction by Marco Cortez and his staff. Marco is an ex professional soccer player from Peru and is currently a head coach for Pinecrest Premier Soccer coach in Miami, FL.

When:

• July 14th to July 27th
• July 28th to August 10th
•  July 14th to August 10th

Where: Casa de Campo resort

Cost (2 weeks): 

Borders
• Golf Camp: US$3,200
• Tennis Camp: US$3,000
• Soccer Camp: US$2,800

Non-borders
• Golf Camp: US$1,600
• Tennis Camp: US$1,500
• Soccer Camp: US$1,400

Website: www.golftennisacademy.com [Website created by Silgon Inc.]

Contact: 305-793-3407, marisa@golftennisacademy.com