[CBFF] Bears announce 2007 training camp schedule

[Steve Behrens]

  * Bears announce 2007 training camp schedule*
  By Larry Mayer


   LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Can't get enough of the Bears? Then grab your
calendar and prepare to hit the road because here's your chance to see the
reigning NFC champions up close and personal.

The Bears on Thursday announced that they will conduct training camp from
July 27 through Aug. 18 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, where
fans will be able to watch practice free of charge and enjoy a variety of
special events.


The Bears will hold training camp at ONU for the sixth straight summer. The
campus is located 60 miles south of Chicago and boasts four practice ields,
air-conditioned locker rooms and dining facilities, a weight room, meeting
rooms, and dorms for players, staff and media.

Most practices begin at noon, 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., the same time that the
Bears' games kick off during the regular season. The gates to training camp
open one hour prior to the start of all practice sessions. Admission is free
for all practices with the exception of ONU Appreciation Night.

Several activities will be geared toward children. Open every day, the kids
area is filled with inflatable games including obstacle courses, football
tosses and bounce houses for younger children.

Kids ages 4-12 can catch punts, kick field goals and race their friends
daily in the Gatorade Junior Training Camps. The two-hour camps usually
begin about one hour before practice.

Staples kids-only autograph sessions will be held on nine days during camp.
The first 150 children ages 4-12 who enter camp through the main Gate 1
entrance will receive a pass good for that day's autograph sessions. Passes
must be presented to staff members in front of the autograph area outside
the tennis courts.

The autograph sessions take place immediately after practice, so kids are
asked to arrive before the workout ends. Dates and times are subject to
change without notice.

Children 14 years old and under are invited to celebrate Staley's birthday
by participating in a "Run with Staley" event on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The run
begins at 9 a.m. at Ward Field, and Staley will lead the kids on a one-mile
loop around campus.

Fans attending training camp will be able to visit the Bears Pro Shop, the
team's official store which features the finest in Bears gear including
jerseys, T-shirts, hats, collectibles and more. There's no charge for
parking and the first 1,000 fans will receive free daily giveaways.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Bears will host Chicago Sun-Times Family Night
presented by Chase, a ticketed event at Soldier Field that gives fans a
chance to watch practice and enjoy fireworks. Tickets cost just $5 for the
event.

Another ticketed event, ONU Appreciation Night, will be held on Thursday,
Aug. 9 in Bourbonnais, as the Bears practice under the lights at Ward Field.
Proceeds from the paid admissions will benefit ONU scholarships.

Family Night at ONU will be held on Tuesday, July 31, and will include a
free practice under the lights at Olivet's Ward Field with and a fireworks
show as well as other family entertainment following the 7 p.m. workout.

The Bears will also host Comcast Hispanic Day on Sunday, July 29, Armed
Forces Day and Youth Football Day in Bourbonnais. The dates for Armed Forces
Day and Youth Football Day have not yet been finalized.