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Harbaugh Visits 49ers Youth Campers

The campers at the 49ers fifth annual Youth Football Camp were treated to more special guests on the second day of camp. Head coach Jim Harbaugh along with two prominent former 49ers were there to instruct and motivate the boys and girls in attendance.

Harbaugh offered support to campers following their lunch break and promised to lead a special drill with the campers for their final day of camp on Wednesday.

But before the campers could run drills in front of an NFL head coach, they spent the morning session working on the life skill component of the day: teamwork.

49ers Youth Football Coordinator Jared Muela, who runs the camp, said the goal is to teach a different life skill to the campers each day while they’re at team headquarters. Monday’s theme centered on respect which was a perfect bridge to Tuesday’s teamwork concept.

Now that the campers learned the importance of respect, they were able to build teamwork with their fellow campers.

“We want to build that team work and camaraderie every day,” Muela said. “Today’s theme is teamwork and it seems like they’ve really latched on to it.”

The campers used teamwork to perform to their best ability in outside linebacker drills. With four-time Super Bowl linebacker Keena Turner giving tips during the drill, the campers were able to improve with each attempt and were supportive of one another in the process.

“We’re learning how to keep our balance and turn a corner without losing any speed,” Muela said as the drill took place. “The hardest thing about it is staying tight, staying low and maintaining your speed.”

Luckily for the campers, Turner was there for any additional insight. Former 49ers defensive back Eric Wright also helped in the defensive drills; lending the expertise that only the four-time Super Bowl champion could offer.

“The basis for the camp is fundamentals,” Muela went on to say. “We want to make sure we instill that in each and every athlete out here.”

The campers will meet for the final day of camp on Wednesday, where they’ll be able to execute the plays they’ve been learning throughout the course of camp.

Harbaugh spent time interacting with the camp coaches as well.

This camper shows good technique during linebacker drills.

Harbaugh greets 49ers tight end coach Reggie Davis, who watches his sons participate in the camp.

Harbaugh offers a quick pep-talk to the campers before they head to drill work.