Day four was a day chock-full of baseball. The boys went all out in base running drills, numerous catching drills, and two practice red versus blue games. I think they’re ready for the big game tomorrow.
After all the hard work up at the field, the campers were ready to let loose and have some fun, so the evening event was perfect timing. The birthday party for everyone was, as always, a huge hit. Not only was there a velcro wall and a bounce house with a slide, there was also a piñata for each team full of candy and snacks. Each boy also received a cupcake and a birthday present that included a water bottle, a fidget spinner, and either a glove, pair of cleats, warmup jacket, or backpack.
My favorite part of the whole thing was that one of our new campers had his actual birthday today. I think he had the most fun of anyone; he was up on the velcro wall every time I turned around, higher than anybody else and laughing his head off. It was definitely a birthday he will never forget.
One of the many reasons I love the birthday party is because I love to see the kids’ reactions. I love their faces when we ride up and the whole camp is decked out with balloons and streamers. I love their excitement over the bouncies and their gifts. It takes work to pull it all together, but one look at the boys makes it worth it. I think the whole week is like that; every time I start feeling tired or stressed out, I see one of the kids saying something hilarious or making a great play or just smiling and enjoying their time here. It’s easy to get caught up in all the things that have to be done in order for camp to happen, and those things are important, but it’s even more important to take a step back and really experience these boys. They’re the reason we’re all here anyway.
