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).