Photo by Deb Gau Students in grades fifth through sixth called out to teammates on the volleyball court Thursday during Marshall Community Services’ Junior Tiger Volleyball Camp. Students in grades Second through sixth meet twice a week to play and build up their skills.

MARSHALL — The volleyball courts in the Southview Elementary gymnasium were a flurry of activity Thursday as local fifth and sixth grade students practiced their serving, setting and passing.

While the students were focused on playing, coaches also reminded them to support their teammates.

“We help each other out and cheer each other on,” one instructor told the group.

This fall, more than 80 kids in grades second through sixth have been building their skills at the Junior Tiger Volleyball Camp, instructors said. The Marshall Community Services program holds sessions twice a week.

“We started at the beginning of September,” with the camp’s final week next week, said Heidi Deragish, one of the camp instructors. Deragish said she and area instructors Heather Bigler, Jackie Braithwaite and Michelle Jacobson all work with the students.

Many of the activities at camp were focused on building up students’ fundamental volleyball skills.

At different times during Thursday’s session, fifth and sixth graders lined up to practice controlling the ball while moving across the court. They also practiced passing and setting to themselves against a wall.

“It makes you move your feet,” instructors said of the exercise.

Deragish said a couple of factors have helped encourage participation in Junior Tiger camp. The success of the Marshall High School volleyball team has helped inspire younger kids, she said. Camp is also a place where students who play volleyball can get additional experience.

“It’s another opportunity for them to touch the ball,” she said.