The Old Rochester Regional Track Camp may be small, but it gives students a powerful jump start to the track season.

ORR track coach Cindy Tilden started the camp three years ago.

“I don’t think there’s one like this in the area,” she said.

The four-day camp began Thursday on the ORR field.

High school students, who come from ORR, Bourne, Bishop Stang and other area schools, get the benefit of stretching their legs and perfecting their form before school starts.

“It keeps them in tune with what they’re doing,” Tilden said. “They also get to make new friends.”

Additionally, students have the opportunity of working with coaches from the South Coast Conference, including New Bedford High School’s Isaiah Houtman and Wareham High’s Chris Gardner.

ORR junior Brooke Santos said that is one of the most helpful parts of the camp.

“They all work with kids our age everyday, so it’s good to get their perspective,” she said.

The camp isn’t just for those already on the team, younger students are also encouraged to learn the ropes with older athletes, and it’s an opportunity for them to learn the ins and outs of high school track events.

“I hope to give them a taste of what they’ll do in high school,” said Tilden.

Santos agreed that the camp is a comfortable way for younger students to be introduced to high school track.

During Friday’s practice, she offered Michaela Mattson encouragement as the rising freshman practiced her high jump.

“It’s scary, but she’s doing a really good job,” said Santos.

Mattson, who has participated in the camp all three years and was on the junior high track team, may not be new to the events, but she said the time on the field would help her transition to the high school team.

“It’s cool because you see yourself increasing,” she said of her jumps.

She acknowledged that high school would be much different than junior high track, but she welcomes the change.

“I think that it will be even more fun.”