260 join SSS-led summer camp

A participant in the Saipan Soccer School-facilitated summer camp dribbles the ball, while other kids join the basketball drills at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium of the TSL Sports Complex last Friday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

This year’s summer camp that Saipan Soccer School facilitated through the Child Care Development Fund of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs drew the most participants since the inception of the annual program in 2013.

“We have 260 children participating in the camp and this is the biggest we have in three years that we are running the program,” SSS staff and camp director Cristy Villaflor said.

The summer camp began last June 13 and will conclude with a sportsfest next week (Aug. 8 to 12) at the TSL Sports Complex. Participants are in the 6 to 15 age group and they are taught the basics of basketball, volleyball, futsal, and badminton.

“This week, we will introduce team building activities, such as movie day, obstacle course, and relay runs. Then in the sportsfest, we will have the four regular sports plus dodgeball, kickball, and running. Basically, all the activities in the camp and in the sportsfest encourage the kids to be active, socialize with other kids, and show sportsmanship and camaraderie while developing their skills in various sports,” Villaflor added.

Meanwhile, the annual summer program got good feedbacks from parents, participants, and volunteers.

“I learned a lot from the camp. My skills improved and I was able to meet new friends and enjoy their company. I will be back for next year’s camp because I wanted to learn more. I am looking forward to playing in a real game (soccer) and becoming a better player,” 10-year-old Angelbert Olaes said.

“I’ve been looking for this kind of program and this is the only one I could find on the island. This is helpful, not only to my son, Austin, but also to me because I am able to continue working while my kid is enjoying the summer, joining different activities,” said Grace Fuhrman.

Julia, whose son Christian is also a participant in the camp, said having the summer program allows her child to stay away from watching too much TV or playing in his Kindel.

“I will definitely enroll him again in next year’s program because he really enjoys playing sports with other kids,” Julia stated in the comment form provided by SSS.

“I am glad that we have this program because it provides my kids a lot of summer activities at no cost,” said Renea Raho, who had two children (Tristan and Jack) enrolled in the program.

Rodwealth Espana, one of the volunteers at the camp, said it’s nice to see kids enjoy every activity under the program and he is happy that he also gets to spend his free time reaching out to children.

“You can see from their faces the excitement every time you teach them new things. Though sometimes they are too noisy, once you talk to them and tell them to listen to you, they will keep quiet and follow your instructions,” said Espana, who has been working as a volunteer at the camp since 2013.