Friendships blossom and confidence blooms in Camp Lucy summer session ✌️
Goal setting is an incredibly powerful tool. When you accomplish previously set goals, it feels a little euphoric! In 2021, we launched a new program initiative called Camp Lucy. We implemented two pilot programs - one in October of 2021 and one in February of 2022, each just three days long. We experimented with curriculum, workshops, snacks and gear and in June 2022, we held our first full 10-day learn to row camp for middle-school girls. The first camp was so successful that we hosted a second full 10-day learn to row camp in July.
We have more to learn as we continue to implement Camp Lucy, but we’re elated that almost 45 young women have been introduced to rowing through Camp Lucy this year. In fact, 7 ‘Lucies’ have joined youth rowing programs in the Seattle area - 4 of which are already supported by scholarships within our Athlete Support & Retention Program.
The July Camp Lucy cohort consisted of 15 participants in grades 6-9, representing 9 different schools in the Seattle area, and were a mix of new to camp participants and returning campers.
Campers tried new games, participated in workshops, made new friends and gained some new skills.
Here are some of the camp highlights.
Campers enjoyed creating bracelets in the bead workshop, demonstrating their creativity and individuality.
When the water wasn’t cooperating for water rowing practice, campers headed to the local park for games. One of the most powerful aspects of Camp Lucy is the blossoming friendships that arose and coaches witnessed these taking place during informal times, like this picture during the walk over to the park. We’re so happy to see so many new friendships formed on and off the water.
One of the camp games played was a Tic Tac Toe relay, rowing themed, so that there were ports (red) and starboards (green). The goal of this game was to run to the circles and place a red or green piece of equipment inside the hoop to make a connected color line. Not only did athletes learn how to make quick decisions, but they also had to adapt on the spot and work as a team to ensure their color made the first line or blocked their opponent’s line.
Tic Tac Toe in action!
Capture the flag was a popular game at camp and participants loved the strategy and physicality of the game.
Tasha raises her arms in victory after her team won capture the flag!
Campers also experienced a bucket o’ water relay. The goal of this game was to fill up the bucket with water as quickly as possible, using the bags provided and by scooping the water from one area to dump it into the team’s bucket. However, the coaches kept moving the buckets, making the distance to travel with water in the plastic bag more and more challenging for the campers.
On one of the warmest summer days in Seattle, Camp Lucy coaches enjoyed a splash as they linked arms and jumped off the dock into the cool waters of Lake Union.
While we love hosting Camp Lucy for the feel good emotions it provides, we’re also committed to our goals for the program, and measure and evaluate the program based on those goals. We gather pre and post camp participant surveys and measure changes in levels of confidence, interest in sports, learning something new, smiling more, and feeling supported. We look for positive delta in the before and after data, and evaluate success based on some of these quantitative points. On a more qualitative note, we feel incredibly successful when we witness friendships blossoming and confidence blooming.
“I enjoy working as a team because we were not only able to address funny thing but serious thing too. I loved that I felt supported by coaches and teammates. I enjoyed rowing very much and I felt happy to be out on the water enjoying the beautiful Lake Union/Washington.”
What’s next for Camp?
Next, Camp Lucy will work with partner boathouses and regional community leaders to pilot Camp Lucy at more sites in 2023!
