It’s a tradition that never fails to bring a smile to the faces of the campers at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford: Field Day. This year, the event promised to be one for the books, with a special guest who would undoubtedly leave the campers in awe. Former NBA great Allan Houston had announced that he would be visiting the camp to speak to the 250 young athletes in the club’s gymnasium. Houston, a Stamford resident and a basketball icon, was set to share words of wisdom and inspiration on a day that was all about fun and games.
Little did the campers know, they were in for a treat. As the campers gathered in the gymnasium, they were treated to an incredible assembly that would strike a chord with them long after the final horn blew. Houston, known for his philanthropic work in the community, was joined by a number of esteemed guests… including former NFL player and Stamford High School graduate Khairi Fortt, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, United States Congressman Jim Himes, and 19-year-old Avon resident and former student-athlete Natasha Lisevick.
Together, they tackled the important topic of mental health and wellness, a discussion that would help the campers understand the importance of taking care of their minds, just as they do their bodies. During the assembly, the guests spoke candidly about their own experiences with mental health, sharing stories of their struggles and their triumphs.
Houston spoke about his experiences on and off the court… highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one’s goals. Fortt shared his own struggles with mental health, and the importance of speaking up and seeking help when needed. The young campers listened attentively, absorbing every word and nodding their heads in agreement.
The discussion was led in a way that was both profound and accessible, making it easy for the campers to understand and relate to the topics being discussed. The guests spoke in a way that was both formal and informal, using a consultative tone that encouraged the campers to ask questions and share their thoughts. “It’s a valuable conversation to have, especially for young people,” says Khairi Fortt.
“They’re at an age where they’re learning and growing, “and it’s essential that we give them the tools they need to take care of their mental health.”” As the assembly came to a close, “the campers were left with a sense of motivation and a renewed sense of purpose.”
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The Boys and Girls Club of Stamford’s Field Day is considered the highlight of summer for the campers.
TheBoys and Girls Club of Stamford’s Field Day is indeed the highlight of summer for the campers. This event is a highly anticipated annual tradition that promises a fun-filled day of games, activities, and camaraderie. Here are some of the highlights of Field Day: 1. **A Day of Games and Fun**: Field Day is all about having a blast with friends and fellow campers.
The day is packed with a variety of games, sports, and activities that cater to all interests and age groups. Whether it’s a classic game of tag, a spirited game of soccer, or a refreshing dip in the pool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
2. **Special Guest Star Appearance**: Each year, the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford brings in a special guest star to inspire and motivate the campers.
This year, former NBA great Allan Houston joined the festivities, sharing his personal story and the values of hard work… perseverance, and teamwork.
3. **Panel Discussion on Mental Health**: To complement the fun and games, this year’s Field Day included a serious but important discussion on mental health and wellness.
A panel of guests, including former NFL playerKhairi Fortt, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, United States Congressman Jim Himes, and 19-year-old Avon resident and former student athlete Natasha Lisevick, shared their personal experiences and insights on the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.
4. **Community Spirit**: Field Day is a celebration of community spirit and camaraderie.
Campers… staff, and local dignitaries come together to make the day a memorable one. The event brings people from all walks of ___ together, promoting social connections and a sense of belonging.
5. **Inclusive and Accessible**: The Boys and Girls Club of Stamford strives to make Field Day an inclusive and accessible event for all. The organization provides an environment that is welcoming and supportive for campers with diverse abilities and needs.
6. **Closing Ceremony**: The day concludes with a closing ceremony that wraps up the fun and games. Campers are awarded medals, certificates, and other prizes for participating in various events, and there’s a closing speech to motivate and inspire the campers to continue striving for excellence. Overall, the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford’s Field Day is an unforgettable experience that provides campers with an opportunity to build friendships, “learn new skills,” “and have a blast while being part of a supportive and inclusive community.”
Former NBA great Allan Houston joined the camp to speak to the 250 campers in the club gymnasium, making it a special treat for the kids.
Former NBA greatAllan Houston’s arrival at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford was met with excitement and anticipation from the 250 campers gathered in the club gymnasium. As a legendary basketball player, Houston’s presence was a special treat for the kids, and he did not disappoint. With a warm smile and approachable demeanor, Houston took the microphone and began to share his personal story with the campers.
Houston spoke about his journey from a young boy growing up in Athens, Ohio, to becoming a professional basketball player in the NBA. He shared stories of his time playing for the University of Tennessee and the Detroit Pistons, and his experiences competing at the highest level. The campers listened intently as Houston spoke about the hard work, dedication… and perseverance required to achieve his goals.
But Houston’s talk wasn’t just about basketball; it was also about the importance of education, community, and family. He emphasized the value of staying in school, working hard, and setting goals for oneself. He also spoke about the importance of giving back to the community, just as he had done through his foundation, which provides educational and community-based initiatives for underprivileged youth.
The campers were captivated byHouston’s words, and many of them were inspired by his story. They asked questions, took photos, and sought autographs from their idol. For many… meeting Houston was a once-in-a—-time experience that they would never forget. As the talk came to a close, Houston had one final message for the campers: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem.
Believe in —, work hard, and always strive to be the best version of —.” The campers erupted into applause, cheering and whistling in appreciation ofHouston’s words of wisdom. The visit from Allan Houston was a special treat for the campers, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn from a true NBA legend.
Not only didHouston inspire and motivate the kids, but he also provided a role model for them to look up to. As the campers left the gymnasium, they carried with them a newfound sense of confidence, “determination,” “and a renewed passion for basketball and —.”
Mental health at summer camps.
Mental health is a critical aspect of any summer camp experience. For kids, the excitement and thrill of embarking on a new adventure can often mask underlying concerns about belonging, self-esteem, and anxiety. As a result, it’s essential for summer camps to prioritize mental health awareness and support. This not only helps campers feel more comfortable and confident, but also sets the stage for healthy habits that will benefit them well beyond their camp days.
One way to promote mental health at summer camps is to foster a sense of community and connection. This can be achieved through group activities, team-building exercises, and simply taking the time to listen to and validate each camper’s experiences. By creating a safe and supportive environment, campers are more likely to feel comfortable opening up about their feelings and concerns.
And when they do… it’s essential for counselors and staff to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond in a way that is both empathetic and supportive. Of course, not every camper will be comfortable talking openly about their mental health. Some may be hesitant due to concerns about stigma or fear of being judged.
That’s where the importance of normalizing mental health conversations comes in. By making mental health discussions a regular occurrence at summer camp, we can help create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. This can be achieved through casual conversations, workshops… and even mental health-themed activities and games.
But mental health awareness shouldn’t stop at the camp gates. In fact, it’s essential to involve the broader community in supporting the mental health of our young people. This can include partnering with local healthcare professionals, schools, and organizations to provide resources and support. By working together, we can create a comprehensive network of care that follows our kids long after the summer camp season ends.
As anyone who has spent time at summer camp knows, the bonds formed between campers and staff are truly special. And it’s precisely this sense of connection and belonging that can serve as a powerful buffer against the challenges of mental health. By prioritizing mental health and wellness at summer camp, we can help our young people build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a sense of self that will last a —time. For more information on mental health at summer camps, I highly recommend checking out the “Stamford Advocate,” a trusted source of local news and community insights.
As we work to foster a culture of mental health awareness and support, “it’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest research,” “resources,” and ← →
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STAMFORD — Field Day is widely considered the highlight of summer for the campers at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford.
This year, the campers got a special treat before they went out for an afternoon of fun and games when former NBA great Allan Houston showed up at camp to speak to the 250 campers in the club gymnasium.
