Author: Brian Kooperman
Sunday, July 31
We had another phenomenal Sunday here at BSC. It comes with a heavy heart saying it was out last Sunday here in Bridgton. The boys got to sleep in until ten this morning and once they were up Dunkin’ Donuts was available for breakfast. After breakfast the campers competed in a special edition of BSL. Each team was partnered with another team to play extra big games with more intensity than ever. After lunch the campers participated in a scavenger hunt that was equal parts challenging and hilarious. Some of the challenges included: return an item from the lost and found to its owner, find someone who is left handed and make a special handshake with your team. It was a fun afternoon activity and it was exciting to see the boys get into it. In the evening there was a cookie decorating contest with sugar cookies, frosting and sprinkles. We saw some very creative cookies and afterwards the boys got to eat their creations. Tomorrow is back to an early wake up and a regular schedule. Go BSC!
Saturday, July 30
We had a fantastic day at camp! Morning majors were well executed with tremendous camper effort. The baseball majors participated in a home run derby and later in their practice engaged in a heated scrimmage. Hockey players competed in what we call “Small Game Saturday.” This includes activation drills, battle drills and three on three games. The basketball boys ran through all of their basics from ball handling to boxing out and then finished their session by practicing free throws under pressure. Lacrosse boys started with stick work and then moved into two on two ground ball drills. Soccer major was focused mainly on technique today. The boys paid close attention to their positioning as they worked on trying to move the ball faster. In the afternoon we had intercamp games with Camp Wildwood that were very exciting. The boys from Wildwood came to Bridgton to compete in 13U flag football and basketball. Although we suffered a close defeat in flag football the boys pulled together an incredible win in basketball. Later in the evening the campers had a movie night. The rookies watched “The Goonies” while the Pros watched “Meet the Parents.” There was plenty of laughter heard going down the hill as the boys went back to the dorms to go to bed. Tomorrow is Lazy Bones Sunday and everyone is excited to sleep in. Go BSC!
Friday, July 29
It was another beautiful day at Bridgton Sports Camp. Lacrosse majors are beginning to implement more contact into their practices as they get into prime scrimmaging shape. Baseball played a round of ‘the gauntlet’ and had a scrimmage. Basketball was fully focused on communication running through three on three games and finishing with a full speed five on five. During soccer the boys worked on power and finesse drills. Out on the ice the campers did edgework and battle drills. Down at the waterfront three campers got up on the wake surf for the first time which was exhilarating for everyone. During choose up a veteran baseball counselor led a hitting clinic to help the boys work on their swing. The most exciting event of the day was the senior rafting trip. The boys got up bright and early and took a charter bus up to Kennebec River in northern Maine. In the morning the seniors rafted through intense rapids and later in the afternoon the boys ate a lunch of grilled chicken, baked beans and pasta salad. It was a great day for all three divisions and we can’t wait for what the weekend has in store.
Thursday, July 28
It was a great day today at Bridgton Sports Camp. Basketball majors worked on defense in three on three mini games. The hockey boys have been competing in a new league called Bridgton Hockey League (BHL). During this competition the players face off against other teams in their age division. In lacrosse the guys practiced passing and shooting on the move. The baseball boys did their usual running and throwing drills before competing in a scrimmage. Soccer players focused on defense and making moves on the ball. For dinner the campers enjoyed steak, mashed potatoes and peas. In the evening the pro campers had a social with our sister camp Kents Hill. The group of campers danced in the gym and had snacks. It was awesome seeing the whole group have fun. Tomorrow is the senior rafting trip with Kents Hill and we are expecting it to be another exciting day. Go BSC!
Wednesday, July 27
Another phenomenal day at Bridgton Sports Camp. The morning majors went well. In lacrosse the boys split into offense and defense groups working on positioning and scoring. Out on the ice the boys did battle drills all day working on body contact and later in the day they did reaction drills. In basketball the majors ran through three on three games focusing on intensity. During baseball the boys played a scrimmage. Soccer majors continued small area competitions. In the evening we had our first campfire which is always highly anticipated. The boys are each given a piece of wood where they are asked to write a couple goals. If they achieve their goals at the closing campfire they will throw their piece of wood into the fire. During this campfire we had counselors and campers read their own definitions of the BSC values: friendship, loyalty, teamwork, kindness and sportsmanship. Discussing these values with the campers is a helpful way to frame their goal setting. As the fire burnt out the campers talked amongst themselves and enjoyed s’mores. It was a great ending to the day. Go BSC!
Tuesday, July 26
The weather was gorgeous today at Bridgton Sports Camp! For breakfast the boys enjoyed scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes. Following the meal we had majors. Baseball players started with dynamic stretching before covering all of the basics from throwing to hitting. On the ice our hockey majors played mini games before participating in shooting stations. Lacrosse players continued locking in their stick skills and then played box lacrosse. Basketball majors began with ball handling and later transitioned their basics into a full scrimmage. The soccer boys ran through combination drills and then worked on making plays with minimal area. All across the board our staff has been very impressed with the effort and athleticism that our campers demonstrate each day. In the evening campers continued competing in BSL. Each week we rank the cleanliness of the camper’s rooms on a ten point scale. The winners each week get to go into Bridgton for ice cream. Today we took the winner for each age division and it was a blast. It is very fun to reward the boys for prioritizing maintaining a clean living space and we hope this behavior follows them all home. After a very active day the guys are all tired and excited for tomorrow. Go BSC!
Monday, July 25
It was a fantastic day at Bridgton Sports Camp. The majors took place in the morning and went swimmingly. Hockey players worked on puck control, edge work and making moves against defenders. Soccer majors focused on defensive positioning as well as passing. In basketball the campers prioritized communication while they ran through some basic drills such as ball handling and lay ups. Baseball players engaged in the “gauntlet” before doing some conditioning. In lacrosse the boys continued their ground ball work and also completed several passing drills. During choose up today we had a second workshop focused solely on increasing vertical jump height lead by a counselor who is a collegiate football player. There was also a ball handling clinic put on by a collegiate basketball counselor. It is awesome to see the campers staying focused on their athletics late in the day. The boys know that when they take that extra time and dig deep to find some motivation that they improve in their sport marginally. In the evening we had a carnival performance put on by an impressive duo in the chapel. Juggling, unicycling, and plate spinning was just the beginning. Campers and counselors were called as volunteers to help complete complicated tricks. The laughter and cheers echoed throughout campus. It was the perfect end to a picturesque day here at camp. We are excited to keep having fun throughout the week. Go BSC!
Sunday, July 24
It has been an amazing weekend here at Bridgton Sports Camp! Saturday started with regular majors. In soccer the campers worked on transition defense as well as one on one and two on two game scenarios. Basketball majors worked on integrating camp offense into several competition drills. On the ice hockey players ran through shooting stations and worked on tipping the puck. During lacrosse the boys practiced pass-up pick-up situations. Lastly in baseball the boys did a bases relay and played a game of wiffleball. Saturday afternoon consisted of a free skate, a slip n slide, and a free swim. Each of the three rotations rotated through these activities. Sunday is always special because we let the boys sleep in and provide Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. We call this day lazy bones sunday. Not only is Sunday special because of the donuts but it is also the day the campers get their phones back to contact their families and friends. In the afternoon the campers loaded into buses and traveled to Kents Hill for their once-a-summer social event. Kents Hill is BSC’s sister camp and it is always a great experience to watch all of the campers interact and form friendships. The coming week is looking a bit cooler than last week which is much needed to maintain energy and intensity into the late afternoon. Tomorrow we will jump right back into our regular schedule. Go BSC!
Friday, July 22
It was a great day at BSC. In the morning majors took place as usual. Baseball played a game of ‘the Gauntlet.’ In basketball the boys reviewed more film before going live in a scrimmage. On the ice our hockey majors had a guest coach teaching a power skating workshop. During soccer major the boys ran through some combination drills. Lacrosse players continued practicing their stick skills and then played a series of mini games such as ‘ultimate frisbee lacrosse.’ As the day continued the staggering temperatures set back in. At lunch we put together a rock paper scissors tournament with a very special prize. When a camper from the rookie division defeated the pro division leader we announced that the boys would be going into downtown Bridgton to watch a movie at the theater. The rookies watched “Paws of Fury” while the pros and seniors watched “Thor Love and Thunder.” It was a great way to switch up the afternoon while letting the boys cool off in the theater. After the movies we had free play in the gym, on the fields, and at the outdoor courts. Every week the campers look forward to Pizza Friday and it was an excellent way to end a special day. With a round of BSL following dinner the boys got plenty of athletics and entertainment in their schedule today. Go BSC!
Thursday, July 21
It was an exciting day at Bridgton Sports Camp! In the morning majors took place as usual and ran smoothly. In each of the majors the campers are continuing to focus on the basics of offense and defense before transitioning into live games early next week. With highs of ninety degrees in the morning and an afternoon full of scattered thunderstorms it is safe to say the weather was very chaotic today in Bridgton. Despite the obstacles presented by the rain we put together several activities to keep the campers engaged and active in the afternoon. The first activity was a free skate out on the ice rink. The hockey players get plenty of ice time but it is always fun to watch all of the campers get to try out the rink. The second activity was an escape room in the Humanities Center. The campers were put in various groups and given a series of puzzles that grew increasingly more challenging. The first group to finish the puzzles received a candy prize. Naturally, this incentive created fierce competition. Our third activity was a free swim down at the waterfront. We were able to get each division down to the lake for an hour despite the hectic weather. A cool off period down at the lake was much needed after the tremendously hot temperatures over the last few days. Tomorrow majors will continue and we aren’t expecting any weather complications. Go BSC!