Youth Sports Camps Build Character

We do not all become professional sports players; however, every child can benefit from youth sport programs. There is a lot for us as parents to distil from our lives into usable lessons for our legacy in our children. We could debate the usefulness and effectiveness of the educational system, but what I want to address is not about academic education but applied knowledge or kinesthetic learning, which is the most effective at imprinting lasting memories.

Our toddlers and daycare-aged little ones have a brain that is in theta until the age of seven or eight years old. This makes all experiences similar to those of a dream or otherwise euphoric state, but also a heightened state of learning. Help exercise their imagination first. Playful training will be most effective in keeping them active, but muscle development also needs to wait until after eight.

Physical training, like studying, can be overdone. Our brains can be overtaxed, and we should exercise the right or creative side. Physical overtraining at my age or that of a child is not wise. We need rest and recovery time. Guided training from experienced coaches in youth sport programs will instil communication skills, spatial awareness, teamwork, conflict resolution, coordination, and fitness. All of those life-long benefits from professionally coached basketball drills for 8 year olds.

As adults, we know the value of long-term relationships. We learn by sharing lessons as teammates. Those memories support healthy lifelong friendships or business/employment partnerships. Holiday parties, birthday celebrations, competitions and award ceremonies deepen connections. Career paths without the need for interacting with others are few. Acquiring the skill of making healthy relationships early is life framing.

How do you feel about the recent trend to remote and hybrid work? This improved life/work balance is a positive result of lockdowns. People have freedom, save money and time commuting to/from work, and by being at home, the corporate administrative burden is reduced. Companies can realise infrastructure and labour savings, with improved production rate and quality from employees who are more satisfied with their work. That is a good “life-first” balance for both business life and personal lives.

Keeping fit is beyond being active, but being active is a start. A balance with fitness only makes future years easier, whether a pre-schooler or a pre-retiree. At the same time, I caution you about over-committing your child to too many sports or leagues. Participate and bond with them in other healthy activities like gardening around the home, scouting, yard games, hiking, or fishing to create various scenarios that inspire activity in the physical world.

The Australian Sports Commission offers funding to school sports departments. Grant funds are available through other government programs as well. It never hurts to check the requirements. They understand the long-term benefits gained by a healthy body complementing a healthy mind and reinvest in a healthier Australia. In my opinion, it is worth the time to gather the documentation and apply. For the sake of your children, the entire community of families, and their legacies as well. A rising tide of strong character traits will raise all homes.