‘Tis the season for summer camps, weddings and reunions. While weddings are (hopefully) less a sporting event these activities are about creating great experiences, friendships and memories. In some cases it’s about savoring and keeping them alive too.
Reuniting with my 1989-1996 Nelson netball team last week was marvelous and with apologies to the other diners on the patio, a laugh-out-loud time was had. All with young babies and toddlers at the time the team took on a few teen players brave enough to play with us 30-something-year-old mums. Eighteen years later we hear about the impact we had on those young ladies. Despite all the locker room stories on career, marriage, and scary child rearing the younger players eventually went on to have happy lives and families too. Such is mentorship. Learning how each player and their families have grown into their lives since our short but precious time playing together was truly heartening. In fact, it became obvious to me that if the value of team sports ever came in to question you wouldn’t have far to go to get an answer. Every one of those women I’m sure would attest to the contribution that friendship, health and development made in their lives. Playing through the trials, tribulations and injuries, teamwork develops unmatched amity and is so worth celebrating together — even if only from time to time.
The same might be said of summer camp experiences. The first overnight away from home or trying something new and perhaps a little unnerving creates a heightened experience that becomes a favourite and lasting memory. This lifetime gift of community sport and recreation is right on your doorstep. Take advantage of it while you can.
The Glacier Gymnastics Club has camps weekly until August 29. You will swing, bounce and tumble your way through a gym filled with trampolines (big and small), rings, ropes, balance beams and lots more! The super fun camp leaders will teach you lots of new skills as well as help you with old ones (although no gymnastics experience is necessary). Look forward to highlights such as giant fort building, Mission Impossible, Hide ‘n’ Seek in the Dark, Circus Arts and much more! This is a great way to burn off some of that summer energy, learn new tricks and meet lots of new friends! No gymnastics experience necessary. Junior Campers (ages four to six) will play games, learn tricks and make new friends while exploring our weekly themes. Senior Campers (ages 6 – 12) will learn new skills while improving old skills on all events. Camps run weekly - information and registration is available online at glaciergymnastics.com or by phoning our office at 250-352-2227.
Get your summer skate on with the Nelson Figure Skating Club. There are three great summer camps for kids for first timers and seasoned veterans. The new “CanSkate: Keep on Trucking” is a one-week learn to skate program for ages 4 and up taking place August 19 to 23, 9:15 to 10 a.m. It includes more continuous movement for faster development and is great for first timers or for those wanting needing to reinforce basic fundamentals. All skaters must wear hockey helmets.
Junior Academy & Starskate: Summer Blast-off” is a three-week build-your-own package featuring group instruction and open ice along with off-ice training to teach body awareness, develop flexibility and increase fitness. Yoga, dance and flexibilty training will ensure a fun and beneficial half-day experience, from August 6 to 23 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the NDCC arena.
For complete info and registration info visit nelsonfigureskatingclub.ca or call 250-352-6510.