Soccer Week

Toe and "Little Wheels"

 LCYSA does an amazing soccer camp. Toe had such a great time. Three hours a day for four days (the camp runs five, but we pulled Toe Thursday and rested - he was exhausted!) Toe played games, learned skills, and ran, ran, ran. All of the younger kids warmed up together playing games led by the camp leader, Wheels (all of the counselors had camp names), and then the kids were divided into small groups. The smaller sessions had a balance of learning specific skills in a very structured environment and then had time to play games where they could get in in play right away.

Wednesday's water day was a great way to hit the middle of the week. The kids were having fun, but they were tired. The last 45 minutes, the counselors talked about expectations (outlining the dry zone, talking about safe practices with each other and the sprinklers),  handed out squeeze water bottles, filled with water, and let the kids run and squirt each other. The sprinklers came on as the kids ran out of water and everyone scrambled to either get more wet or to refill their bottles. It was chaos, and the kids had SO MUCH FUN.

A safe view from the "dry zone."

The camp was run by one family. "Camp Mom" had done all of the administrative prep and was on-hand to provide ice packs, snacks, and generally help campers who needed something. "Big Wheels" (the Dad) ran the camp for older kids. "Wheels," (eldest son - finishing college) ran the camp for the younger kids and "Little Wheels" and "Training Wheels" (sons in high school) worked as counselors for the younger kids. SUCH a nice family. They definitely provided the leadership for the rest of the counselors. For a one week session, I was surprised how well they learned the campers' names and personalities. They were all excellent with Toe. The other counselors were great, too, supportive and fun, but all of The Wheels really stood out.

Just about every photo I took of Toe includes a giant smile. He did it all with a smile. And when he checked out and just started spinning or wandered off, he was gently brought back to the task at hand. It was positive, relaxed environment that was perfect for day camp. Toe is already ready for next year.

A friend of Toe's from preschool also took the camp. They had some good times together.