LAKE FOREST, Ill. – A generation after his father helped build a Bears championship team, Tom Finks is focused on teaching the next generation of football stars.

The son of Hall of Fame executive Jim Finks owns and operates Pro Sports Experience, a company that conducts 26 Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps throughout the Chicago area.

The community-based, weeklong summer camps teach athletic skills and life skills to children ages 6-14. The camps are led by professional, college and high school coaches as well as former Bears players. The instructors reinforce the values of respect, teamwork and sportsmanship.

A participant in a Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp makes a great catch.

“From a skill development standpoint, we deliver great instruction,” Finks said. “The camps can challenge experienced football players to reach higher levels and the camp is also great for the newcomer in terms of introducing the game and its fundamentals.”

In 2007, "Sports Illustrated for Kids" named the Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps the top youth summer camp operation in Illinois.

Former Bears that serve as instructors include Ron Cox, Bobby Douglass, Wendell Davis, Robin Earl, Allan Ellis, Mark Green, Al Harris, Kris Haines, Glen Kozlowski, Jim Morrissey, Mickey Pruitt, Revie Sorey, Calvin Thomas and James Thornton.

Current Bears players also occasionally participate as instructors.

The kids are separated into four age categories (6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14). The focus with the youngest group is on developing basic motor skills, gaining confidence and having fun. Instructors help the older children with technique and fundamentals in non-contact drills.

Camps will be held in Crystal Lake, Mokena, Naperville and Winnetka July 9-13; Arlington Heights, Downers Grove, Glenview, Lincolnshire and Orland Park July 16-20; and Burr Ridge, Chicago, Elmhurst, Libertyville and Northfield July 23-27.

Having grown up when his dad worked for the Bears—Jim Finks served as the team’s general manager from 1974-82—Tom Finks is certain that his father would approve of the venture.

“I’m sure he would be very proud that we’re doing this," Tom said. "In conjunction with the Bears makes it even more special."

Jim Finks died of lung cancer in 1994. A year later he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim Finks had great success with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, but he is probably best known for drafting several players who helped the famed 1985 Bears win the Super Bowl.

“I think he was fortunate enough to have great people on his staff and have a great team situation from the scouts to all of his support staff,” Tom Finks said. “Certainly when you get to that level, it becomes a complete team effort and I think that he would speak to that.”