Every summer I take three weeks of my time and dedicated it to a Tennis Camp in northern Michigan. I have a great time with the kinda ranging from 8 – 16 years of age and teach them a thing or two. Although, this will be my 6th season working with the camp every year is truly different.

The kids who come through are always uniquely talented and often continue to do amazing things with their tennis careers. Our camp is unique it a way because we do not focus on the competition of the sport. We focus on the traditional “gentleman’s sport”. We award the high spirited campers, most improved, best motivators, and best sportsman like conduct. They are not your traditional awards so we have to get creative.

The campers are awarded with a unique tennis plaque, embellishment with a tennis design. We also send each and every camper home with a simple tennis trophy awarding them completion of the camp. Our campers love their tennis trophies and always carry them home with pride.

This week I was given the chance to be young again, and even better play soccer. As I enter into my first post-college summer I realized a void in my life; soccer. So, I jumped at the opportunity to work a local soccer camp all week long.

The girls ranged from ages nine to fourteen and were either first timers or exceptionally competitive. It brought back youth soccer memories and made me realize how important those years were.

While coaching at the camp I focused on being a leader and soccer confidant. They practice extremely hard, developed many new skills, and made me feel proud. I knew I couldn’t walk away after the week and not show them my appreciation.

I decided to purchase some individual soccer plaques with an engraving of an encouraging quote along with their names. I only hope they hold onto these plaques to remind them how important it is to have fun playing soccer and how it can shape you into an amazing person.