Author: Brian Kooperman

A Bittersweet Farewell to Summer 2024 at Bridgton Sports Camp

As the summer of 2024 draws to a close, I find myself taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we shared at BSC. I took a day or two to soak in the last few days, trying to embrace every moment of this unforgettable experience. It’s amazing how fast the weeks fly by when you’re surrounded by laughter, friendship, and fun.

Over the past week, we’ve been so busy with activities and the exciting color war moments that I haven’t had a chance to write about. Our campers finished their majors strong, achieving personal goals and milestones in hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and basketball. From nailing their first slap shot on the ice to scoring their first goal on the field, each camper has grown immensely during this summer. Their dedication and hard work paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Our intercamp games were a highlight, showcasing not just talent but also sportsmanship and teamwork. The kiddos played with heart and spirit, developing not only their skills as athletes but also their character as teammates.

Special events added a touch of magic to our last week. Casino night transformed the Wolverine’s Den into a lively gaming hall, with campers dressing up a little fancier than usual. It was an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition, as they played games alongside friends and counselors.

The waterfront was a hub of activity, with campers enjoying games on the lake, free swims, and wakeboarding. The sunny days were perfect for splashing around and soaking up the last rays of summer.

Our last campfire was a high-point moment. As the flames flickered, we sang camp songs and shared hugs, exchanging happy tears over the goals we accomplished. For many, it was their first time away from home, and they did an outstanding job!

On the final day, we celebrated with a banquet. The campers dressed to impress, capturing memories in their cute outfits. They were excited to take photos that will forever remind them of the best summer ever.

We also shared a slideshow of our three weeks, a beautiful recap of the countless smiles and unforgettable moments we experienced. These memories will live on, waiting to be relieved next summer.

As we say goodbye to this incredible summer, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it possible: our dedicated counselors, amazing campers, supportive admins, and our wonderful director, Koop, and his wife, Dani. Each summer at Bridgton is unique, but it only gets better every year.

I’m especially proud of the kiddos who overcame homesickness and embraced camp life for the first time. Watching them grow in confidence and independence has been truly rewarding.

As summer fades away, I’ll be uploading photos and videos on social media to keep the memories alive until we meet again for another amazing season in 2025. Until then, hold onto these memories and the friendships that will last a lifetime.

Here’s to an unforgettable summer and the exciting adventures that await us next year!
Love, Brenda 🙂

The past few days at Bridgton Sports Camp have been nothing short of amazing. We marked a historic moment with our very first-ever intercamp lacrosse game! The excitement was off the charts, with both kiddos and coaches buzzing with anticipation. Our team played brilliantly, clinching the victory. The rookies pitched in as water boys, and Coach Tommy received a surprise victory bucket shower (video coming soon on Instagram).

With the sun shining brightly, we celebrated our win with some tubing at the waterfront. The campers had a blast, enjoying the perfect weather and the cool, refreshing water.

Adding to the excitement, we had a special guest: Swaggy P (Peter Lenes, a former American ice hockey player) joined us for hockey majors. The practice was incredible, with kids learning new drills and refining their skills under his expert guidance.

The fun didn’t stop there! Koop surprised everyone with an ice cream truck, and the campers delighted in choosing their favorite treats. Later in the day, our seniors embarked on their much-anticipated water rafting trip, ready for an adventure on the rapids.

We also had a fantastic day at Funtown Splashtown, an amusement park and water park combo. Despite the cloudy weather, the kids’ spirits were high as they rode every slide and enjoyed every attraction. Their smiles were priceless, and we topped off the day with snacks and pizza for dinner.

Our days have been packed with activities and excitement, but there’s still plenty of fun to come. Every single day is a new opportunity to enjoy BSC and make lasting memories. Stay tuned for more adventures!

Weekend at Bridgton Sports Camp: Growth, Fun, and Friendships!

This weekend BSC was packed with excitement and memorable moments. Our campers have been dedicated to their majors, improving their skills and growing daily.

In basketball, they focused on shooting accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while hockey players honed their stickhandling and skating techniques. Lacrosse enthusiasts worked on cradling and passing drills, soccer players improved their dribbling and shooting, and baseball players perfected their batting and fielding skills. It’s amazing to see their progress and dedication.

The competitive spirit was high as we had our first hockey intercamp game with our professional division, and we won! Our campers also triumphed in street hockey at Camp Wigwam, bringing another victory.

The waterfront was a hub of activity, with campers enjoying free swimming, tubing, and fishing under perfect weather conditions. The sunny, warm days made it ideal for spending time at the lake.

We balanced all the action with some relaxation, enjoying a delightful pizza night and a cozy movie night. It was the perfect way for the kiddos to unwind and take a break from their busy schedules.

Our first campfire was a big success! Campers loved making s’mores and participated in a special tradition. At the beginning of camp, they wrote a goal for the summer on a stick. If they accomplished their goal at the end of camp, they tossed the stick into the fire, celebrating their achievements.

The highlight of the weekend was the carnival with our sister camp, Kent’s Hill. The girls came over to BSC, and everyone had an amazing time with cotton candy, snow cones, and carnival games. The joy and laughter were contagious, and the campers had a blast.

Check out the carnival photos to see all the smiles and fun moments we shared. Here’s to another fantastic week at Bridgton Sports Camp!

First Days at Bridgton Sports Camp: Building Skills and Friendships!

The first days at Bridgton Sports Camp have been nothing short of incredible. The air is vibrant with excitement as the kiddos engage in a summer brimming with fun, sports, and new friendships.

One of the highlights has been the BSL combine, where the kid’s athletic skills are tested for the upcoming draft. For the new parents, BSL stands for Bridgton Sports League, a championship that holds great significance here at BSC. The kids gave it their all, showcasing their talents and setting the stage for an intense and thrilling season.

The swim test was another key event, and everyone did exceptionally well. It’s a good thing, too, as the hot days have made free swims a much-needed and enjoyable activity. Watching the kids splash and cool off in the water has been a joy.

The full schedule for majors is now in swing, and it’s been fantastic to see so many kids passionately engaged in their sports. Basketball and lacrosse, in particular, have seen a surge in participation, with an impressive display of talent and dedication from the campers. The level of skill and enthusiasm is truly remarkable.

While the kiddos eagerly await intercamp games, there’s already been a lot of action in our leagues. The BBA (basketball league) and the newly introduced BSHL (street hockey league) have been filled with spirited competition and teamwork, adding to the vibrant atmosphere at camp.

What stands out most about this session is the way the kids are making new friends and supporting each other. It’s heartwarming to see them help their roommates with homesickness, care for one another, and bond during minors and other activities. No one is left behind, and camp is quickly becoming a close-knit family.

These first days have set the tone for an unforgettable summer, where skills are honed, friendships are forged, and every camper feels like they belong. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the session brings!

We just wrapped up an incredible session with our campers over the weekend. The last day was amazing, filled with joy, laughter, and bittersweet emotions. Our final campfire was especially emotional, as we reflected on all the accomplishments and memories made during our three weeks together. It was an unforgettable summer, and we already miss the kiddos!

But as one chapter closes, another begins. Yesterday marked the arrival day for our new group of campers, and the energy at Bridgton Sports Camp is electric. The counselors are thrilled to get to know the new campers, who arrived with smiles and excitement. We had a fantastic day with drop-offs, bus arrivals, and welcoming international campers from Spain.

The evening went smoothly, with campers getting to know their roommates, exploring their divisions, and taking a tour around the campus. Free play before dinner was a hit, with kids bonding and making new friends.

We’re all pumped and ready for this last push of the summer, eager to create more amazing memories and have another incredible session. Let’s make the most of these final weeks and ensure this summer is one for the books!

Color War at BSC!

Yesterday marked our last day of the regular schedule and majors at Bridgton Sports Camp, and it was filled with energy and enthusiasm as we wrapped up our focused training sessions.

In basketball, campers worked on their shooting form and defensive drills. Hockey players honed their stickhandling and practiced breakaway techniques. Soccer enthusiasts focused on dribbling, passing drills, and teamwork strategies, while baseball players perfected their pitching and fielding skills. It was a day of intense practice and skill-building, and the campers gave it their all.

The energy kept going with BSL games and the BBA playoffs! The campers brought their A-game and showed their talents with so much spirit!

The highlight of the day was the announcement of the Color War teams! The camp buzzed with excitement as the green team, representing the Boston Celtics, and the red team, representing the Florida Panthers, were revealed. The anticipation for the next few days is real, with everyone eager to compete and support their teams.

The stage is set for an unforgettable Color War. The campers are ready, the teams are determined, and the excitement is through the roof. Which team will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!

This weekend at Bridgton Sports Camp was filled with action, fun, and memorable moments as we near the end of session one.

The kiddos kicked off the weekend with lacrosse practice, working on their passing accuracy, ground ball drills, and defensive strategies. Their impressive skills and teamwork set the stage for a fantastic weekend.

Waterfront activities were a hit, with campers enjoying kayaking and tubing under the bright sun. The excitement was contagious as they navigated the water and had a blast with friends.

Our hockey seniors won against the New Hampshire Nor’easters, showcasing their skill and determination on the rink. Not to be outdone, our soccer team won a match against Wigwam, with the kiddos enthusiastically cheering them on from the sidelines.

Avery B. took his minor in photography and social media to the next level by interviewing campers about their best tips for homesickness for kids coming in session two. His thoughtful photos are now available on Campanion for everyone to admire.

Sunday was a special treat with our last Lazy Bones Sunday of the session. Campers indulged in two delicious doughnuts and spent the sunny day enjoying slip and slides, creating joyful memories, and enjoying the perfect summer weather.

CIT Leo organized a cornhole tournament with the seniors, which turned out to be a huge success. In an exciting twist, Leo himself won the tournament.

As we look forward to our last days at camp before session one ends, the energy is amazing. We’re ready to make the most of every moment and create even more unforgettable memories!

Day 12 was packed with activities at Bridgton Sports Camp as we celebrated the 4th of July!

The morning kicked off with our usual majors. On the hockey rink, campers focused on their stickhandling skills and precision passing drills. Soccer enthusiasts worked on their dribbling, shooting, and defensive techniques, while baseball players practiced their pitching, hitting, and fielding skills. The energy was incredible, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead.

After lunch, we headed to the waterfront for some fun in the sun. The kids had a blast riding the boats, tubing across the lake, and fishing. The beautiful weather added to the joy, and the waterfront was filled with laughter and splashes.

As the evening approached, the excitement grew for our famous casino night! The kiddos dressed up a bit fancier than usual, adding a touch of glamour to the camp. They had to go through “security” (our counselors) before posing for photos that were uploaded to the Campanion website, capturing the start of a memorable night.

The Wolf’s Den was transformed into a lively casino, buzzing with energy. The kiddos eagerly tried out different games, from blackjack to roulette, and used their chips to win fantastic prizes. The unique and amazing outfits added to the festive atmosphere, making the night even more special.

As the night came to a close, the feeling of a perfect day was in the air. The 4th of July at BSC was a celebration filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, we’ll cherish the memories of this incredible day.

Yesterday was an unforgettable day for the kiddos as we embarked on an exciting trip to Funtown Splashtown! The campers were buzzing with anticipation as we arrived at the park, ready for a day filled with thrilling rides, delicious treats, and endless fun.

From the moment we stepped inside, the campers scattered to explore all the amazing attractions. The Excalibur roller coaster was a big hit, with its exhilarating drops and twists providing plenty of screams and laughter. Some braver campers dared to take on the Dragon’s Descent, experiencing the heart-pounding free fall that left them breathless and grinning from ear to ear.

The Thunder Falls log flume ride had everyone soaked and smiling in the water park, while the campers loved racing each other down the Mount Olympus water slides. The lazy river offered a perfect chance to relax and cool off in between the more adrenaline-pumping attractions.

Throughout the day, we took breaks to enjoy some ice cream and snacks, giving everyone a chance to recharge and share their favorite moments with friends. The cool treats were a perfect complement to the warm, sunny weather, making our adventure even more enjoyable.

As the sun began to set, we gathered for a delicious pizza dinner, sharing stories about the day’s adventures. Make sure to log into Campanion to see all the photos or our video on social media and don’t miss out on the fun!

Day 10 at Bridgton Sports Camp!

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day at Bridgton Sports Camp, and our campers took full advantage of the great weather.

We started the day with some waterside fun, and the kids loved tubing and fishing. Up in the fields, an intercamp soccer match was at its peak. Our campers played with incredible skills and determination, leading to a well-deserved victory.

Despite being rest hour, many campers came out to cheer on their friends. Their enthusiastic support was rewarded with a surprise treat… Ice cream for everyone! The campers loved the sweet reward, and it added to the day’s fun.

As evening approached, the pros enjoyed a social free skating event at the ice rink with Camp Mataponi. The day ended on a high note, with new friendships blooming and campers having a blast on the ice!

It was a fantastic day at camp, filled with joy, teamwork, and wonderful memories. We’re excited to see what adventures await us today at Funtown Splashtown!