Swax Lax Lacrosse

Lacrosse camps and clinics in NJ for beginners and intermediate players

  • About
  • Testimonials
    • Submit a Testimonial
  • Coaches
    • Training Videos
  • Blog
  • Parent Info
    • Return to Play
      • Waiver/Release
    • Scholarships
    • What to Bring
    • Health & Safety
    • FAQs
    • Policies
    • Swax Lax Training Balls
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Donation Requests
  • For Boys
    • Clinics for Boys
      • Boys Clinic Agenda
    • Camps for Boys
      • Boys Camp Agenda
      • Boys Camp Locations
    • Programs for Boys by Season
  • For Girls
    • Clinics for Girls
      • Girls Clinic Agenda
    • Camps for Girls
      • Girls Camp Agenda
      • Girls Camp Locations
    • Programs by Season for Girls
  • Register Now

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLINIC

16 Jun

Posted by Laura Gump

Rainy Day Adventures

Rainy day activities at Sum It Up for GirlsWhat 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, either because they’re wet and uncomfortable, or because they’re cooped up inside and possibly bored out of their minds. For parents of young players, they fear that the rain will be a big turn-off to lacrosse. In a way, parents have it the worst, because they can’t see what’s going on during the day, but they often assume the worst. As a camp director, I’ve learned the key to a successful “bad weather day” is to provide parents with clear communication about possible cancellations, credits, make-up dates, and schedule changes.

Human Bingo for GirlsCoaches Save the Day (or Week!)

The coaches, in my experience, are the key to “saving” the day (or the week) by turning the dreary weather into a rainy day adventure for the kids. At Sum It Up, we tell the coaches that their body language and energy level sets the tone for the campers from the first moment of the day. If the coaches act depressed and gloomy at check-in, the children will follow their lead and quickly become mopey and whiney. If staff are enthusiastic and describe in detail that they love playing in the rain or a specific indoor game, the kids get fired up about their rainy day adventure.

Turns out that the campers had a ball despite not seeing the sun at Sum It Up for five straight days. In fact, some of our veteran campers told us it was their “favorite week ever.” On the girls’ side, the campers performed a massive Talent Show (“Frozen” was definitely the soundtrack of the 2014 summer!); did a host of relays; learned a lot of new ways to braid hair; and competed in team challenges from “coach trivia” to building and racing a homemade car.

Rainy day activity for boys - water slideThe boys, who were at Tatlock Field in Summit, made cool Native American crafts in the locker room; created a homemade Slip and Slide on the grass; and learned why big boys don’t mind being dirty and (and a little smelly) when practicing skills and drills.

Note to self: don’t freak out next summer if the forecast calls for rain.

About The Author

Laura Gump's the director of Swax Lax Lacrosse. She's also the head coach of the Kent Place Middle School Lacrosse team. Swax Lax Lacrosse is an organization that encourages girls in K-5th grade and boys in K-3rd grade to be more self-confident through the sport of lacrosse.

Previous Post: 6 Reasons Why Younger Boys Don’t Wear Equipment at Camp
Next Post: The Magic of Girl Power and Boy Power

Search

Get a Training Ball Today

Swax Lax soft lacrosse training balls

Camp Partners With

AFC Urgent Care Short Hills NJ 973-671-5350

Get Social – Follow Us Here for the Latest Updates

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube

Recent Posts

  • No Camp On Monday, June 20, 2022
  • Lacrosse Lingo
  • Fun Egg Hunt Lacrosse Drill to Practice This Spring

We Love Happy Campers – And Their Parents!

“I can honestly say the coaches are what make this program wonderful. They truly share Laura’s (Gump) vision. It is just wonderful and we look forward to many more years of Sum it Up to come.”
-Diana M. (Summit, NJ)
More Testimonials
Back to Top

© 2022 Swax Lax Lacrosse • (908) 514-7284 • 55 Union Place #222 Summit, NJ 07901 • Site Design by Emily White Designs