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

20 Nov

Posted by Kevin Meany

Thanksgiving

Blessings

SIU-Girl-and-Coach-throwingYes, it’s that time of year again; time to scramble around shopping for the best deals we can find on gifts for the next holiday on the calendar.

Or we can reflect on some of the things we have been blessed with. My list is probably similar to the lists many of you have . . . a healthy and loving family . . . a warm, safe home . . . plenty (some might say too much) to eat . . . the opportunity to share these and other things with we people we care for. But I have something else I am thankful for as well. The great people I get to work with.

I really consider myself blessed to be able to work at some really great places with some really great people. As this is my Sum It Up blog I will focus on that group. Sharing a passion for the sport of lacrosse with them is actually only a part of it. But it is the part that brought us together.

Amazing Staff

SIU14-Boys-Blocking-GoalI am so impressed with the young men and women who I work with at Sum It Up. These kids range in age from 14 to 22 and come from some of the best lacrosse programs in our area; including Summit, Chatham, Ridge, Columbia, Madison, Bernards, Millburn, Mendham, Oak Knoll, Kent Place, Pingry, Delbarton, Seton Hall, St. Peter’s, and Morristown-Beard. I am not the only one who thinks this. A lot of college coaches and admissions directors think pretty highly about these folks too. Many of these kids are going to some of the best lacrosse programs and academic institutions in the country including: Air Force Academy, Northwestern, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Michigan, Holy Cross, Bucknell, Colgate, Hamilton, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Villanova, Denver, Boston College, Loyola, Union, Maryland, and Richmond. The fact that these young people are capable of playing at these levels is impressive but not nearly as impressive as the way they connect with our campers.

They Do It All—Including Pokemon!

Every day I am amazed at what I see these kids do. Their enthusiasm (not easy to maintain when it’s 90 degrees and 90% humidity) is remarkable. Their passion for lacrosse is obvious. But the really amazing thing about these kids is their compassion. Our coaches/counselors never fail to make a connection with the campers. It might have nothing to do with lacrosse. I saw one of our All-American lacrosse players spend 20 minutes playing Pokemon cards with a camper who was having a bad day and just couldn’t participate in the drills. Our staff is amazing, and I am very thankful to be able to work with them.

I know our counselors get something from the experience as well. It’s kind of nice to have a team/clan of youngsters follow you around and listen to you—most of the time. I get that, it’s good for the ego. But I can’t think of a better group of role models for our campers. Coach Lobo (who also has a camper) said it pretty well, “These counselors are the people you hope your children become.”

I am always amazed at how many of our staff return each year. I always expect them to get snatched up by some smart company looking to hire sharp interns. If any of you out there is hiring, you would be wise to interview some of our Sum It Up staff.

Happy Thanksgiving.

About The Author

Kevin Meany is the head boys coach at Swax Lax Lacrosse. He was a goalie for Providence College, and when he’s not coaching for Swax Lax Lacrosse, he coaches varsity and middle school lacrosse at the Morristown-Beard School in Morristown, NJ. He's also a valuable contributor to the Swax Lax team.

Previous Post: New Tricks, Old Dog — You Know the Story
Next Post: Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Balls are the Perfect Holiday Gift

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