Trares
We’ve got a happy camper on our hands.
Over the past two weeks, Anthony has had an opportunity to dive into two of his great interests for the time being. We signed him up for a pair of different day camps.
First up was art camp — a chance for him to tap into his creativity. The camp was led by his former kindergarten teacher, who had helped him discover his own talents for drawing, coloring and more when he was in school.
The chance to get additional instruction from a favorite teacher was a bonus for him.
Every morning, Anthony would go into the camp building to work on a new project. He made glazed paper bowls, constructed artwork out of origami and folded paper and did self-led drawings on his own.
We knew he’d enjoy art camp; this is the third straight summer he’s taken part, and always come home with armfuls of artwork and a smile on his face.
But this week was a wild card. Anthony has grown to love soccer after playing youth soccer for the last two years. So when we saw an advertisement for a soccer camp being put on the Indy Eleven, Indianapolis’ professional team, we thought it sounded like a great opportunity.
He was excited to sign up and learn more from experienced coaches, even getting a chance to meet some Indy Eleven players.
But he was going into it alone. None of his other friends had signed up for this session.
His apprehension increased on the drive over to the fields the first morning. He didn’t know what to expect, and the questions came rapid fire: Will I have to play against the big kids? How will I know where to go? What kind of drills will I have? Will you be able to walk out with me?
I tried to soothe his worries as much as possible, but I understand his feelings. Going into a situation blind, without knowing what I was walking into, still gives me anxiety as an adult.
When we arrived, Anthony stayed close to my side. We signed in, I showed him where his lunchbox would be, and told him I’d stay until the camp started.
He stood out on the field in his fluorescent jersey and shorts, one of the smallest kids on the fields. The nervousness was there, I could tell. He was hesitant to get involved in the warm-up drills, as other, bigger kids bombed shots from far away. But he surprised me — after a minute or two, he took the initiative and started taking shots too. The more he participated with the other kids, the more confidence he gained.
When we picked Anthony up that afternoon, he said he had a good time, and each subsequent day got better. He played fun games like sharks and minnows and Pac-Man, almost winning a round of knockout. It was fun, he said.
Each day got a little better. He was running and kicking the ball with vigor with the other kids, even hanging out with a few his own age who had been placed in a group together. By the end of the day Thursday, he didn’t want to leave.
We were proud of him for sticking with something so out of his comfort zone, and for working hard at getting better at soccer, something he clearly loves right now.
Anthony’s camp sessions were a success. Now, though, with just a few weeks left before summer break ends, he had a request.
“Can I just lay around now?” he asked. I think he earned it.
Ryan Trares is a senior reporter and columnist for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
