For the fourth year in a row, Backyard Sports Cares hosted a group of kids from Mt. Vernon’s NewFlex Youth Program at Brant Lake Camp for a weekend of fun camp experiences and activities. It was another fabulous camp experience for the NewFlex Youth Program kids who participated in lots of activities and made new friends. Doug Barshop, from Backyard Sports, and his three kids, Jackson, Lilly and Samson, joined in the weekend fun. The mix of new friends and old made for a camp experience that most won’t forget.
The bus from Mt Vernon arrived early Friday afternoon and the group proceeded to the waterfront where three pontoon boats were waiting to give the kids a ride on beautiful Brant Lake in Warren County, NY. The weather couldn’t have been more spectacular for a boat ride, after which, campers had lunch by the lake front where they got acquainted. It didn’t take long to make new friends. After lunch, campers broke into groups for the first activity with the girls hitting the soccer pitch and the boys split between basketball and tennis. After the activities everyone was ready to cool off with a swim in the lake.
After dinner, the group gathered in the Junior Club House where coach Nesta led a group game of “who said oats” and a rhyme contest. In a boys against girls challenge, the boys were out numbered and put up a good fight, but the ladies won both events. After some pizza, it was time for lights out on day one of camp.
Saturday was a picturesque day in the Adirondacks, with a cool, chilly start and sunshine that warmed the rest of the day. In the morning and early afternoon, the campers rotated activities that included more tennis, basketball and soccer in addition to street hockey, kickball, and beach volleyball. The campers got to enjoy some free time throughout the day, where many of the kids could be found playing Gaga at the gaga pit – a favorite every year. Others shot some hoops, played ping pong or relaxed outside talking with friends.
After a late afternoon swim and some free time, the campers made their way back to the waterfront for a cookout dinner and evening bonfire. At the cookout, the kids got an unexpected treat of being served hamburgers and hotdogs by Uncle Merl Norcross, a Brant Lake camper for 68 years. It’s safe to say that everyone worked up a big appetite from the afternoon activities as all hamburgers, hotdogs and potato chips were eaten. It was then time for our traditional Saturday night bonfire. Watching the kids interact with each other. These experiences are what makes the camp experience for these kids so special.
Sunday was departure day. After loading the buses with bags, pictures were taken and campers said farewell. A magical weekend at Brant Lake came to a close. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Danny
