It was an honor to work with the campers in recreation at Camp Constitution this year. I had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed being part of their experience.
One of my favorite activities was leading the volleyball tournament. As a starter on my high school’s undefeated, championship volleyball team on Long Island, and later a college player, I was excited to share my knowledge and love of the game with the campers.
When I arrived at camp, I noticed the volleyball court boundaries were not marked, so I made sure we painted court lines. The campers appreciated having a properly marked court—after all, how can you tell if the ball is in or out when there are no lines?
Beyond the competition, I spent time teaching players how to rotate correctly, communicate effectively, and work together as a team. The tournament was filled with close matches, enthusiastic participation, and plenty of excitement. Most importantly, the players demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, congratulating one another and shaking hands at the conclusion of the tournament.
It was especially rewarding to watch the campers’ skills and confidence grow throughout the week. Recreation activities included volleyball, wiffle ball, basketball, relay races, swimming, chess, and much more. Saphire Giminez and I worked together to provide a variety of fun and engaging activities, helping create a positive and memorable experience for everyone.
While Camp Constitution is known for teaching young people about our nation’s founding principles and the U.S. Constitution, recreation plays an important role as well. It gives campers the opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. Judging by the smiles, laughter, and enthusiasm seen throughout the week, the recreation program was a great success.
Thank you to the campers, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s camp such a memorable experience. I am already looking forward to next year!