June Summer Camps

Summer camps have taken a whole new meaning for our family. It use to mean loading up the camp trailer and going off for a few days of camping. This summer it has meant making 2, 3, 4, or more trips to Preston to get the girls and Taite to the gym or the field for sports camps.

The camps started with Taite participating in the PHS boys basketball camp. Over the past year he has really shown an interest in basketball, especially now that we have a huge cement area he can play on at home. He was excited for camp this year, and had a great time. He worked hard at all of it, but his favorite part is trying to perfect his defense. He loves it at home when he steals the ball from who ever he is defending. As long as he enjoys it, we will keep encouraging.

Taite was the only one this year who took swim lessons. He loved the time he spent in the pool. He said if Preston had a swim team that is what he would choose to do. On his exit test for level 4 it said that he had shown great improvement and was ready for level 5 and a swim team. He was so excited when he read that. Unfortunately, we don't have a swim team in the area.

Olivia's June schedule was CrAzY, preparing for a hopeful spot on the high school team this fall. They had a team camp the start of June and then jamborees every weekend. She was able to play in all of the jamborees, except one because she had to go on the Stake Trek. It was fun to watch her progress. I think she has taken a huge leap in skill the past couple of months. She says it is because of the coaches. She said, "They have given me a boost of confidence."

On top of basketball, Olivia also started working out with the new girls' head coach for soccer. She is excited to try and earn a spot on the high school soccer team as well this fall. She has practices every day of the week, expect Friday. Plus, she has started weight training as well. She keeps very busy and works hard. However, there are days where she would just rather be home. Luckily, with her drive and ambition to play well those days don't occur too often.

Shaylee was able to not only particpate in the PHS girls' basketball camp, but she also got to attend the Utah Summer Games again this year. She loved the basketball camp, because she was with the older girls this year and felt more of a challenge. She would come out every day with a funny story to tell.

She traveled to the USG with her team from Ogden, the Wildcats. They were so excited, but I could tell she was quite nervous. Shaylee and I went together, with two other girls and their parents. They played so well. Shaylee was on fire the first game, never missing a shot. She worked hard under the basket, and when they shut her down there she went to the outside. I overheard the other coach tell his girls, "If you would shut down number 44 you would win this game." Well, they weren't shut down and they won that game plus three others to take the gold in the 7th grade division. Shaylee also won a silver medal in the 3-point and foul shot shootout competition that they hold. I learned a valuable lesson at the games. As we observed a parent from the other team display the most appalling sportsmanship I have ever seen, I determined in my mind that no matter what the score, I would take the high road and keep quiet. I hope if ever I start to question players, coaches, or refs, the ladies face will pop into my head as a reminder of what not to do!