The Power of Sports

WRITTEN BY ERIC FISHER

The power of sports is unrivaled. Sport, at its root, is a physical activity in which skill and competition are involved. But sports are much more than that — they serve as motivation and inspiration for kids to become a part of something bigger than themselves. Whether kids find a sense of belonging in a team, a camp or in a school, sports give them that sense of belonging. Finding the right sport for each individual can be a challenge at times for kids and their families.

As a current elementary principal and sports camp owner, as well as a former teacher, coach, athletic director and collegiate student-athlete, I have always found that sense of belonging in sports. At Bozeman Sports Camp, we strive to help our campers find a sense of belonging at the camp and in the mindset of sport. Campers are introduced to a multitude of sports and get to experience them in an organized and instructional setting. They learn skills to become confident in a sport and then play in a competitive setting with an emphasis on sportsmanship and development. Ultimately, campers decide whether or not to pursue that sport further on their own if they felt a sense of belonging and joy.

One recent camper, who, as a second grader, got introduced to tennis for the first time at Bozeman Sports Camp fell in love with the sport. This camper first showed no interest in tennis, but through participation, skill development and a chance to compete, his interest went from like to loving the sport enough to ask his family to all buy tennis rackets and play the sport together as a family.

Sports not only provide a sense of belonging, they bring people together. They can motivate, inspire and unite. At Bozeman Sports Camp, kids are able to do all of these things through introduction, competition and relationship building that turn into friendships. Whether campers grow up to be collegiate or high school athletes, involved in sports as a manager or other supportive role or a fan in the stands cheering on their friends and classmates, the hope is that they grow up enjoying sports and appreciating the power that sports have to bring joy to their life.

Eric Fisher is the Owner of Bozeman Sports Camp.