Butler High School students play volleyball in the pool July 21 during summer gym classes at the school. By earning their gym credit in the summer, students have the option to take more electives during the school year.

BUTLER TWP — Perhaps akin to the tradition of an annual sleepaway camp, summer gym classes at Butler Intermediate High School have been taking place for more than 30 years.

High school students can earn credits for a semester-long gym class by attending gym classes in four-hour blocks over three weeks. The intensive class covers the gamut of physical activities in one-hour segments, including swimming, basketball, track, handball, weight training, volleyball and tennis.

“It's almost like a camp,” said Dacia Cavaliero, one of the summer physical education teachers. “A lot of the kids who take it take it all four years. They're used to it. They're used to coming here.”

John Wyllie, co-principal at Butler High School, has been overseeing summer programs for several years.

“It's almost like a family tradition,” he said of the gym classes.

It's a popular summer class, too. More than 450 students going into ninth through 12th grades made up 13 classes this summer.

Tuition is $100 for district students and $200 for out-of-district students.

“These kids mostly have elective classes they'd like to take,” said Sally Kauffman, another one of the summer physical education teachers. “This helps them fit in an elective class” during the school year.

In addition to freeing up student schedules, the summer class is convenient. No need to change clothes for gym or have gym classes affect an athlete's performance.

Taylor Weaver, 17, has been taking the gym classes for the past three summers. As a cheerleader and track and field athlete, she doesn't want a gym class to get in the way.

“My schedule is full, so I have to take this,” she said. “It's a really good program. I enjoy it a lot. It really helps me.”

Adam Longdon, 17, has also taken the classes for the past several years. Taking the gym class during the summer provides more flexibility during the school year.

“It's exercise for me in the summer when I don't do sports,” the upcoming senior said.“I can take another language and some computer classes that I want to take.”The class not only gives him an opportunity to hang out with friends, but also to meet new students who are taking the class for the first time and make them feel welcome.Gym teachers enjoy the summer classes because it's a change of pace. Cavaliero said some children are more eager to participate than others during the school year. But in the summer, everyone puts in 100 percent effort.“All these kids that are here want to be here,” she said.