Registration has opened for the inaugural Elevate Youth sports camp in Fort St. John, offering an exciting opportunity for families in the North Peace region. As summer approaches, parents often seek engaging activities to keep their children active and entertained. The Elevate Youth multi-sport camp is set to take place throughout July and August, providing a fresh and dynamic option that aims to cultivate physical skills and foster social connections among young participants.
Dustin Barry, a dedicated physical education teacher at North Peace Secondary School (NPSS), is the driving force behind this initiative. He has been involved in sports and educational activities for a decade and has always envisioned creating a program that benefits the local community. “The idea to bring Elevate Youth to Fort St. John had been on my mind for years,” Barry shared. “We finally decided to make it happen this year.”
Barry’s passion for sports began during his childhood on Vancouver Island, where he engaged in a variety of activities such as soccer, rugby, and lacrosse. His personal journey has shaped his commitment to using sports as a tool for empowerment. “I grew up in foster care, and my teams became my family,” he reflects. “Having that support was crucial during tough times, and I want to create a similar environment for the kids in our community.”
The Elevate Youth camps, while not a registered non-profit, are designed with a strong community focus. Barry indicates that they plan to make donations and give back to Fort St. John, emphasizing the program’s heart and intentions. This multi-sport camp is not just about play; it aims to instill confidence in youth, particularly those who may feel unsure of themselves. Barry notes, “We get students in our classes whose confidence levels are low. A multi-sport experience can significantly help them grow.”
The variety of sports offered during the camp is designed to appeal to diverse interests. Activities will include basketball, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, and team handball, with plans to introduce even more casual sports like pickleball and disc golf. “We want to ensure that kids are not only engaged but also learn sports they can enjoy throughout their lives, rather than just competitive options,” Barry explains.
Eligible participants for the Elevate Youth camp are children aged nine to 14, although Barry is flexible with age ranges, showing openness to accommodate younger or older siblings who might want to join. The registration fee is set at $250, but additional discounts are available for families enrolling multiple children or registering for multiple weeks.
The Elevate Youth sports camps are set to run over four weeks: from July 14 to July 18, July 21 to July 25, July 28 to August 1, and August 11 to August 15. All sessions will take place at North Peace Secondary School, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing ample opportunity for physical activity and skill development in a structured environment.
Barry seeks to create a welcoming atmosphere where campers can feel connected and supported. He understands the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in youth sports, and his vision for the Elevate Youth camp is to build a community of kids who encourage one another through sports. With such a strong focus on personal growth and fostering relationships, it’s clear that the camp will not only provide physical activity but also play a vital role in the social development of its participants.
Parents interested in registering their children can find more details on the Elevate Youth Facebook page, where the community can follow the camp’s updates and engage with organizers. The response to the camp thus far has been promising, reflecting a need and enthusiasm for accessible youth sports in the area.
As communities continue to emerge from the challenges posed by recent years, opportunities like the Elevate Youth camp are more critical than ever. They encourage not just physical health, but emotional resilience and interpersonal skills. By participating in varied athletic experiences, children are likely to gain substantial life skills while having fun in a structured yet enjoyable environment.
Dustin Barry’s initiative embodies how thoughtful leadership can ignite positive change within a community. By focusing on youth development through sports, the Elevate Youth camp can serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance summer programming for children.
As registration opens, Fort St. John families are encouraged to take advantage of this unique multi-sport camp. In an age where screen time often overshadows physical play, the Elevate Youth camp represents a step toward rekindling kids’ love for sports and, more significantly, for connecting with their peers in an active and healthy way.
In conclusion, the Elevate Youth sports camp is more than just a summer activity. It’s a platform for growth, self-discovery, and community engagement. As the camp prepares for its debut, it promises to foster a supportive environment where children can thrive through sport. Families in Fort St. John should seize this opportunity to elevate their children’s summer experience! The benefits are boundless, and the memories created will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
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