The Impact of Sports Camp
In today’s age, it’s hard to remove ourselves from our devices. Whether for work or entertainment, we always have a reason to have a phone in our back pocket. This trend hits younger generations the hardest, as many today have grown up with video games and iPads and often don’t look for alternative activities because the content layer has just become so thick. You might also find the phrase “Touch Grass” being thrown around online. It’s a term literally created by the online community for people so connected to their devices that they don’t even go outside anymore. It isn’t great when people in our society are literally being asked the bare minimum of “touching grass” for outside activity.
So, how can we get our younger generation active and moving? Simple, enroll them in the Sports Camp at the Westwood Park Y branch. From ages 5 to 15, this sports camp separates campers by age, where they will be engaged in a variety of physical sports and activities for both outdoor and indoor environments. From dodgeball to foursquare and soccer, this camp has a great variety of games to play and no shortage of campers to play with.
When asked, the campers not only showed a great interest in the camp but also a complete willingness to and excitement to have new campers come to join. After interviewing three campers, Akira, Zac and Arthur, all three discussed how they would invite and make friends with and tell them how cool camp was to any new camper they meet. “We do a lot more than sports here,” said Assistant Sports Director, Tyler Dodge. From teamwork, sportsmanship, and even losing with grace, it’s easy to see that point from the games they play and the attitude they carry along with them. And at the end of the week, the camper that shows the best of those qualities, regardless of how much they win or lose, will be awarded the title of camper of the week.
When it comes to games, dodgeball and using the obstacle course they know as the Ninja course are unquestionably the favorite activities. However, no matter what game, Association Sports Director Andy MacEachern described the campers as having “Limitless energy.” Always excited and ready to do what they have planned next, even when it’s the end of the day, and they are prepared to go home, they will still be there for every part of that last game before pickup. Especially when it’s the end of the week and all the kids in the camp play one big game altogether! We are proud to be able to offer something for every child this summer, camp is a special way to help impact a child’s life in a positive way and allows them to have positive experiences, learn something new, make lasting relationships and as a bonus, have less screen time.
By: Christopher O’Herren, a Champlain College student who is completing an internship with the Y.
We are proud to be able to offer something for every child this summer, camp is a special way to help impact a child’s life in a positive way and allows them to have positive experiences, learn something new, make lasting relationships and as a bonus, have less screen time. Studies have shown that decreasing screen time and being active are two solid ways to create healthy habits in children they will carry through their life. Unfortunately, there are children in our community who are unable to gain the benefits camp provides. It’s part of our mission to level the playing field and provide assistance to give every child equal opportunity to build healthy habits. We couldn’t do it without the support of our donors. They are the true heroes! Their kindness and support makes our work possible. If you would like to be one of our heroes and make a positive impact in a child’s life please consider making a donation to Send a Kid to Camp at the link provided. Thank you for everything you do to keep our community strong!