If you haven’t returned your application for the Malcolm Butler Football Camp, it’s not too late. The event’s organizers on Thursday extended the deadline an extra week, to Wednesday, July 15 at noon.

“We have a few that are still out and floating around,” said Cynthia Bell, the event coordinator for the camp. “We’re going to extend the deadline. We don’t want to miss those students who are possibly trying to attend.”

The camp currently has 223 returned applications. A total of 250 were printed. Although applications will be accepted until the extended deadline, new ones are not being printed.

“We’re on point but we have a few people who are out of town and are still trying to come in. We don’t want the few other ones to miss out on the opportunity,” Bell said.

Bell came up with the idea for the camp after Butler’s last-second interception at the goal line sealed the New England Patriots’ win over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX in February. After watching the game, the member of the Vicksburg Gators Booster Club knew she had to get in touch with him to do something for the city.

Butler, a Vicksburg native, played high school football at Vicksburg High and then spent two seasons at Hinds Community College.

“He not only represents the state of Mississippi, but Vicksburg as well,” Bell said.

The free camp is Saturday, July 18, at Memorial Stadium. It will run from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and parents are invited to stay. After the participants get checked in, Butler will address the crowd with a motivational speech. Children will perform stretches, then break off into sections for speed, strength and agility, and technical skills drills.

Bell said the goal of the camp is to reach young men to show them that with a little hard work, they can get to where they want to be in sports. The camp is for children in grades 1-8.

“This event is made for the children,” Bell said. “It’s about bridging professional football and giving something back for the kids.”

Security will be on hand at Vicksburg High School to provide a safe environment. Parents and children should arrive to Memorial Stadium by 7:30 a.m. so the camp can start on time.

Children should be dressed in proper attire — gym shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes or cleats — for safety reasons.