Our Week At True North Sports Camp

I'd never considered myself 'sporty', and at this point I'd argue that my children tend to fall into the same category.  I enjoy some sports, movement, and being a part of a team, but when it comes to raw physical sports ability, errr….my talents lay elsewhere.

Last week my kids had the pleasure of attending True North Sports Camp*, and while neither of them are going to be joining an elite sports league any time soon, they got a lot out of the experience.

 As a kid, being someone who wasn't very good at sports, I was easily discouraged from enjoying many athletic activities because I didn't think I was good enough to play, even if it was just for fun.
A lot of this had to do with the way that traditional 1980's style gym class and recreation leagues approached physical activity and team sports - the kids who were great, excelled, got to be team captains, and were applauded for their goal/run/point gaining ability, while those who weren't so inclined were subjected to consistently being picked last or relegated to the bench most of the time.

This is why I was so inspired by True North Sports Camp and their approach to 'Play All Day' for everyone.  Their coaches encourage kids to work on improving their skills all while, most importantly, having fun.

Image Provided By True North Sports

*This is a sponsored blog post; however, all opinions and commentary are my own.

**This blog post was sponsored by True North Sports Camps, offering sports programs for kids aged 4-14 in Toronto,

 North York, Etobicoke, and Markham. Camps include multi-sport and single sport-oriented camps all summer long.

8 Reasons Why True North Sports Camp Is Great For All Kids

 (& Not Just The Athletes)

Teams Are Assigned, Not Chosen By Other Kids

At the beginning of the week my kids were assigned their teams and tasked with selecting a team name.  Since the theme for the week was Animal Kingdom, they naturally chose an animal themed name - The Eagle Sharks.  This means no cliques or picking friends to join your team and no one is selected last.

Three Cheers For All
Everyone is encouraged to cheer for everyone, whether they're on their team on not, whether it's a victory, a point, or mastering a skill. This is an important practice that everyone should learn (parents and kids alike).

Image Provided By True North Sports

Beyond Skills Drills
Basic skill building sessions are made more fun thanks to the creativity of the coaches.  A favourite skill session of Molly and Jack's to help build precision and help improve stick handling during hockey was a game called 'Weed Whacker" where kids knock over pylons with a soccer ball.

It's Not Just About Sports
Crafts, non-sports based games, and other fun activities are scattered throughout the day.  This allows kids to rest and recover so they have lots of energy for their next game.  My kids coach created a shark craft that both kids adored.

Image Provided By True North Sports

Sports Sessions Are Geared To Your Child's Level & Interest
If your child is a beginner they will be grouped with other kids who are beginners. Multi-sports camps allow kids to try out a bunch of sports to see what they like best. Kids that are particularly athletic or enjoy one particular sport, like baseball, can join camp for a specific sport to focus on their favourite.

Coaches Play Too
During a particularly hot and steamy afternoon the kids were able to sit back and take a break as they cheered on their coaches during a tournament style competition of races, a soccer game, and various skill competitions.  This is a perfect instance of leading by example in sportsmanship and fun.

Image Provided By True North Sports

Everyone Is Encouraged To Play With Everyone 

Coaches are quick to pick up on inclusiveness among kids, which can be challenging.  There were times when the coaches interceded to make sure that my daughter was included in games, even when other kids were reluctant to let kids outside of their friend group join in.

The Week Ends With A Slip & Slide
All week my kids looked forward to some cooling off with a slip and slide event to cap off the end of their week at True North Sports!

Little one bored at home?  There's still time to register them for a week at True North Sports Camp this summer!  Click Here to find out more about True North Sports Summer Camps as well as registration for Fall weekend and after school skill development clinics). 

Our Week at True North Sport Camp

On our first morning of drop off at True North Sports Camp I saw a glimmer of something rare in Molly - she was nervous.  She was shy, she was unsure of what I'd signed her up for, but she was happy that Jack was by her side.  Luckily, the staff was there to greet us outside and quick to introduce her to another girl in her group for camp that they thought she'd connect with - Molly felt at home when she discovered the girl had the exact same backpack as her.

As the least athletic member in a family full of rep and varsity soccer players, I was a little hesitant about how my kids would do with an entire week centred around sports, but by pick up Monday afternoon Molly was over the moon about how much fun she was having.  While Jack always holds his cards a little closer to his chest, but I could tell it was a fun day for both by his smile and how happily he went back each morning.

This blog post was sponsored* by True North Sports Camps, offering sports programs for kids aged 4-14 in Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Markham, and Whitby.  Camps include multi-sport and single sport oriented themes all summer long.

10 Things My Kids & I Learned at Their Week at True North Sports Multi-Sport Camp

Team Photo

1. Learning New Things Can Be Scary, But Fun
   My kids were always pleased that the coaches at True North Sports Camp told them what to expect the next day each afternoon before they left.  They knew which sports they liked were coming up and were able to prepare themselves for learning something completely new.
2. It Can Be As Much Fun to be a Cheerleader as it is to be a Champion
   Molly quickly learned that she was having as much fun cheering on other kids as she had when she was doing well at a particular sport.
3. Don't Underestimate the Power of Vitamin Nature
   Being outside all day is something we all should do more often.  Even on hot days my kids (even Jack who hates getting 'sweaty')  were having such a blast that they didn't complain once about the weather and we had some pretty hot days!
4. Picnic Power
   Molly mentioned so many times how much she loved sitting outside to eat and looking at the trees and nature around her.
   
   
   
   

   

   The Kids and Coach Gallow Enjoy a well earned snack selfie

5. A Good Night's Sleep
   I knew my kids were working hard by how well they slept the entire week they were at camp. I also knew how hard they were working each day because of Jack's  constant request for more lunch and more snacks. On many summer nights Jack will complain that he hates going to bed when it's still light outside.  Last week their heads barely hit their pillows before they were fast asleep.
6. It's About Community
   At the end of the day both kids would share stories about camaraderie, and about pouring water on their coaches, like they were MLB players who'd just won a championship game.  That enthusiasm lasted day after day.
   
   
   

   

   Ready, steady, play!

7. Try it, You'll Like It
   A few days into camp Molly started talking about how much she loved playing goal, whether it was for floor hockey or soccer. This is something we wouldn't have learned if it weren't for her week at multi-sports camp.
8. It's About Team Work
   Sports camp wasn't just all sports, all day.  Other fun activities included treasure hunts, magic, storytelling, and playing capture the chicken.  Both Molly and Jack loved working with the other kids and their coaches towards a common goal.
   
   
   

   

   Time for some water!

9. Celebrating Spirit
   Both kids love their bright green True North Sports shirts and proudly wore them for spirit day (and Molly wore hers pretty much every day of camp she loves it so much).  Molly has already told me that she wants to incorporate her shirt into both regular day wear and 'cozy' PJs.
10. The Leadership
    When we left at the end of the week, both kids made rounds to make sure they said goodbye to everyone.  When Molly went back for her second round of hugs I knew the team had really made an impact with her.  The positive coaches at True North made the week special for both Molly and Jack.

While it can be comforting to put your kids in a camp with kids they know, and activities they already enjoy, there's something to be said about expanding their horizons and letting them try something completely new.  If your kids are complaining that they're bored this summer, there are still select spaces left at a True North Sports Camp location near you!

*This is a sponsored blog post, however all opinions and commentary are my own.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

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Pink Summer - Tips for A Summer Day Camp Experience Your Kids Will Love

Time seems to speed up when the weather is nice.  As we all begin to clean up our yards, go for lengthy walks in the park, and tune up our bikes, it's also time to start thinking about summer camp and our kids.  My kids will be attending a variety of camps this summer, and like all parents we want to make sure that it's a fun and enriching experience.  It can be difficult to know where to get started, but these tips can help you and your children prepare for an amazing summer. This blog post was sponsored* by True North Sports Camps, offering sports programs for kids aged 4-14 in Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Markham, and Whitby.

11 Tips For A Summer Camp Experience Your Kids Will Love

Image Courtesy of True North Sports

Set Your Budget

It's best to determine your summer long budget for child care (and family vacations) before looking into camps.  Prices can vary, but don't forget weeks at pricier camps can be balanced out by other weeks with a local sitter or at camps that are less expensive.  Pricier camps often have discounted rates for weeks that include long weekends, which is a great way to cut costs on a camp that is considered a splurge.  Some camps will require deposits (or payment in full) upon registration, so be sure to include this in your budget process.  Remember camp hours vary, and although some camps offer extended hours this may come at an additional cost.

Let Them In On The Decision Making Process

Not sure what to talk about around the dinner table?  Connect with your kids on things they've always wanted to try, favourite extra-curricular activities, and camps their friends have been raving about, along with recommendations from other parents.  Use this information to research camps within your price range and let your kids a vote from your short-listed camps.

Include Their Friends

Another friendly face or two can help relieve any stress your child may be feeling about going to a new camp.  Most camps are quite accommodating and will even make sure your child is placed in a group with their friend or sibling, provided they are both in the same age group, if you just ask.

Figure Out the Logistics Ahead of Time

You can either search for camps close to your home, or your place of employment for easy drop off.  You can also talk to your employer about working some flexible hours or remotely some days if your child is attending a camp that is going to add significant time and effort to your parental commute.  You can also arrange car pooling with other parents to help share some of the driving.

Image Courtesy of True North Sports

Mix It Up Over The Summer

The expression variety is the spice of life comes to mind here.  Whether your child is a future varsity athlete, avid crafter, or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). wiz, consider camp as a fun way to allow them to expand their horizons.  While routine can be fantastic, a few days, or weeks trying something new can be a great, low commitment way for your children to discover a new passion, or rule out an activity they thought they'd love but don't.

Cross Your T's and Dot Your I's 

Parents, here's where you do your homework to make sure the camp meets appropriate local health and safety records.  Read testimony and reviews online, and talk to other parents to determine if the camp meets your standards.  Raise any concerns you have about the camp with the facility before registration.

Before The First Day

Connect with the camp to find out any supplies that will be necessary each day.  This could include:  packed lunches, water bottles, sun screen, a change of clothes, or swim suit for particular days of the program.  Don't forget to inform the camp about any special needs, food allergies, or any other 'need to know' information about your kiddo.  If your child will be required to put on their own sunscreen each day, make sure you teach them how to do so for proper coverage from the sun.

Image Courtesy of Mom Loves Best

The Week Before

Have your kid help you pick out special snacks and items for their lunches that will help them get excited about their time at camp. Something as simple as a nice lunch or a nice sun hat can help your child feel fantastic on their first day. Remember in summer months kids lunches may get warm, so use ice packs if necessary, or put some ice in their water bottle to help cool the rest of their food.

The First Day

Arrive a few minutes early to help your child get settled in.  Introduce yourself and your child to their instructor.  They may be nervous at first, but camp directors are trained to help your child feel welcome. Give them a chance to acclimatize to their new camp, this may take a while, and although it may be tempting to hover a while, they'll likely do better once you leave.

Offer A Treat

Going out for an ice cream after dinner, or having a picnic together after the first day of camp can be a fantastic way to connect with your child and find out how it's going.

Give Feedback

Camps can only improve their programs with the feedback from kids and parents.  Fill out online surveys about how things went and provide detailed comments.  If one of the counsellors go the extra mile for your kid, be sure to thank them, and let their boss know that they have a super star on their hands.  Positive feedback is just as important as the negative stuff!


*This is a sponsored blog post, however all opinions and commentary are my own.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

Follow Multiple Momstrosity on Twitter @Sarabethbug