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). 

Why Sports & Physical Activity Are Important For Kids

Growing up as a kid in the 1980's my mom would routinely send us outside to play when we were crawling the walls.  Some of my best memories as both a child and an adult involve me coming home dirty, exhausted, and happy after challenging my body to a physical task.  This truly is about the satisfaction of joyful movement. 

According to a CBS News report "Kids and teens age 8 to 18 spend an average of more than seven hours a day looking at screens."  Health experts agree that too much screen time for anyone is detrimental to our health.  Perhaps a little more focus on sports and physical activity can help combat some of these bad habits.

Image Courtesy of True North Sports Camps

*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.

So, why you should introduce your kids to sports and physical activity at a young age?

Their Health Depends On It

The bottom line is that children need to be active every day to remain healthy and grow.  It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes each day of energetic play.  It will give them stronger muscles, joints, bones, and a healthier heart.

It Helps Them Deal With Stress

Exercise can help rid you of negative emotions thanks to endorphins, whether you're six or sixty.  It also teaches healthy coping mechanisms for someone facing stressful situations from a young age.

It Lets Them Figure Out What They Like (Or Even Love)

It takes time and effort to figure out which physical activities you like best.  Some people prefer team sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, or hockey, whereas others enjoy solitary ones like hiking, swimming, biking, dancing or gymnastics.  The sooner you introduce your child to a variety of options, the sooner they'll figure out which activities they love.  Let them have a say in which activities you sign them up for based on what they enjoy the most.  

Image Courtesy of True North Sports Camps

It Encourages Them To Build Good Habits Early

Children who establish good physical activities at a young age are more likely to carry them into adulthood.  Use this as an example for yourself as well.  Kids respond well when parents lead by example, so consider adding activities you can do together to your calendar.  This could be anything from a walk after dinner, a yoga DVD, to a weekly family bike ride.

It Teaches Them Calculated Risk Taking

Having children practice positive or calculated risk taking through physical activities involving sports and nature will improve their confidence and decision-making processes. 

It Gives Them Important Life Skills

Skills derived from sports can be transferred to other areas of your life.  Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D., a clinical child psychologist, told Parents Magazine, "Loving a sport will teach children vital life skills - discipline, motivation, commitment, and cooperation."

Image Courtesy of True North Sports

It Increases Their Social Interaction

As a kid, friendships at school change all the time.  Having other friendship outlets through sports and physical activity is healthy.  It will also give your children other outlets and people to hang out with should they go through a rough time with their classmates. 

It Improves Self-Esteem

Many studies support that sports and the work towards mastering a new activity can increase self-esteem and confidence. Activities like sports are said to, when introduced in positive and safe environments, allow children to view themselves and their potential in new and exciting ways.   

So, what are you waiting for!  Why not use the good weather as an opportunity for you and your family to explore different sports and physical activities?