And that's a (Summer) wrap. Much like my writing, AKA is not perfect but we are always learning and seeking to improve. Thank you for your support, your feedback, and Active participation. Yours, CS

After the rollercoaster thrills and spills of summer, all I can say is: Wow.  Absolutely incredible.  I truly feel that way and hope you are left with a similar feeling of satisfyingly earned exhaustion.

As things wind down after the storm of summer has come through, I’m always left with a quiet gratitude.  Without question, every year new lessons are learned, areas in need of improvement are highlighted, and AKA is challenged to step up its game, just like these campers do every day they show up and step into something new.  The most seems to be learned as they are challenged to expand their self-growth and navigate their social surroundings.  You can witness in real time the broadening of their social development, the deepening of their engagement, and the creation of an inquisitive and affirmative environment.  There’s a building of energy, a shift occurs, and then all of a sudden, they are just vibing and thriving.  Remarkable.

And although it may seem impossible, even I am feeling recouped and reenergized.  You may be wondering, “But how is that possible, Chris?  After hosting/herding/corralling/child-caring/field-tripping/pacifying over 6,000 campers over 13 weeks…”

The answer is experience, preparation, and positive attitudes.  No, we’re never perfect.  Always learning.  But I for one am ecstatic about it.  But not nearly as elated as I am to see what the future continues to hold for AKA programs.

In gratitude and reflection on all that has been taught and learned this summer, through triumph and discomfort, resilience and comradery, for all we stood witness to and shared together, I hope you take this momentum into the new school year and THRIVE.

Top 10 for Kids to Thrive this School Year

1. Build routine.  An easy way to start the day out right is by making the bed first thing in the morning (nod to Admiral William McRaven).  Simple, but effective.  Kids who build good habits become adults who’ve built good habits.  Establishing productive routines early, big and small, helps create fuller futures for those who put in the effort.

2. Run. Run, Really Fast. We all have different skills and talents. Some kids just know they are fast runners, but some of us are not as sure how fast we can go. When it comes to pushing yourself, my advice to you is just simply push. Run your fastest, but also find your cruising speed. Jump really high and allow yourself to take up space. And always challenge yourself to just give it a try. You may find you feel more confident when you show bursts of speed, leap to bounding heights, and really put in the hard work! And at the end of a strong day’s work, slowing down is just as important. (Yes, even kids can and should close their eyes and take time to meditate or simply breathe throughout each day).

3. Video Games & Social Media. Let’s be honest, the genie is out of the bottle on this one. Electronics made some notable appearances this summer and caused some distractions, but overall, sports and games dominated the day. You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again – set limits and create structure. However, because electronics are in our lives to stay, also learn to embrace the innovative tools technology can provide and encourage creativity-based usage by encouraging positive and responsible engagement.

4. Read what you enjoy. Reading time at AKA in the summer is like taking a nap at a rock concert. Good luck. But the importance of reading during school months (and napping) is significant. No matter what time of year it is, the most important part is to do your best and read what you enjoy. There’s a good chance you’ll sit through lots of classes on subjects you may not really be interested in, so be sure to take time to nurture continued learning of those that you do.

5. Watch the Sugar Trap. I won’t pretend for a second that I know what it’s like to try to get kids to eat nutritious meals three times a day, seven days a week, all year long, because I don’t.  But my gut tells me it is incredibly challenging and frustrating.  What I do know, is that like electronics, kids are craving junk food and sugar at an alarming rate.  It may be helpful to get reacquainted with the recommended amount of sugar to help be more cognizant of what’s actually in our food selections. Nicole and the kids had a super fun time making healthy snacks throughout the summer with our AKA Nutrition Weeks.  (Seriously – they really enjoyed it.)  Don’t force it, feed it.  Help make healthy eating fun by making it a positive experience.

The American Heart Association recommends children and teens consume less than 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day.

6. Play as many sports as you can, for as long as you can… and make as many friends as you can out of teammates and opponents alike along the way!

7. No Fear reminder (2020 blog link). What did the pandemic teach us? I’ll get back to you when I’ve figured it out, because really we’re all still processing and dealing with its colossal repercussions.  But there is one simple lesson I think we should all embrace and teach, and that is NO FEAR!  Get out there and surprise yourself.

8. Ask for Help. Let me be clear kids (and parents)… never be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.  It’s always valuable to work on being a better communicator.  You may not always get the response you expect or an immediate answer to your inquiry from coaches, teachers or parents, but don’t let that deter your confidence.  The smartest people in the room know what they do because they asked someone a question.  And remember that we all need help sometimes, so ask a trusted adult when you need it.

9. Be Responsible. For yourself and your belongings (field trip). One of my main pitches throughout the summer before field trip departures, to campers and staffers alike, was to BE RESPONSIBLE – for yourself, for your belongings, and for your fellow AKA friends.

10. Please and Thank you. Manners. They were actually the inspirational idea for this very post, so here they are coming in for the close. I firmly believe that, like making your bed first thing in the morning, kids are under encouraged to display appropriate manners (I said it too at the beginning of the year). Let’s bring back the simple act of saying please and thank you and see how far we can keep kindness passing on.

Thank you to my Directors and Staff, our field trip vendors, sponsors and donors, thank you parents and thank you kids!  Work hard, play everyday, exercise kindness, and have an awesome school year!

Coach Chris