Girl Power On my first day coaching lacrosse at an all-girls school many years ago, I remember being struck by the sight of a group of high school girls on their way to practice. The girls were skipping arm in arm, sticks in hand, singing a popular song at the top of their lungs. To me they looked incredibly goofy—but, more importantly, utterly at ease in their own skins, knowing there were no boys around for ... Read more
Rainy Day Adventures
What Happens When It Rains Every Day at Camp? The week of June 9th will forever go down in the annals of Sum It Up history as the week when it rained for five straight days. Rainy days at camp, especially if they are on the first day (or the whole first week) of the summer season, are a test for everyone—parents, coaches, and campers alike. Parents are distressed that their kids are going to have a crummy day, ... Read more
6 Reasons Why Younger Boys Don’t Wear Equipment at Sum It Up
One of the most frequently asked questions I get at Sum It Up is “Why don’t the younger boys wear equipment?” We have six reasons for this—I hope my explanations help. Lacrosse equipment is awkward and distracting. Go into your kitchen and put on a pair of oven mitts. Then put a colander over your head. Now try to tie your shoes. This is what a helmet and gloves feel like to a new player. Just trying to catch ... Read more
Dream Walk Scavenger Hunt
In a time long ago, an ancient people were a part of the land that we love and call America. Living here for thousands of years, their children became part of the great Indian civilizations of the Creek, Cherokee, Navaho, Iroquois and Sioux, among many others. Ball games like lacrosse were played by the Indian Nations for many centuries. Often they would play such games to settle arguments, instead of going to ... Read more