Hey, Sports Fans!

Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a beloved activity at summer camps around the world. Its popularity stems from its accessibility, fast-paced gameplay, and the fun it brings to campers of all ages. Whether played casually for leisure or competitively in tournaments, ping pong fosters camaraderie, improves hand-eye coordination, and provides endless entertainment.
One notable record setter in ping pong is Zhang Jike from China. Zhang Jike became the fifth male player in the history of table tennis to achieve a career grand slam by winning the gold medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and World Cup. His remarkable achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time.

Zhang Jike learned to play table tennis at a young age at a local academy in Qingdao, China. He received intensive training and coaching, typical of the Chinese education system, which emphasizes early talent identification and development. Through hard work and natural ability, Zhang rose to become one of the world's top players.

Known for his powerful forehand loops and aggressive playing style, Zhang Jike is admired for his speed, agility, and mental toughness on the table. He is also known for his charismatic personality and emotional reactions during matches, which have endeared him to fans worldwide.

In addition to his success in international competitions, Zhang has played a pivotal role in China's dominance of the sport of table tennis. He has been a key member of the Chinese national team, contributing to their victories in team events and helping to maintain China's position as the leading table tennis nation.

Despite facing challenges and injuries throughout his career, Zhang Jike's passion for the sport and dedication to excellence have made him a legendary figure in table tennis history. His achievements and contributions to the sport continue to inspire players and fans around the world. Thanks for reading, Camp Folks! And, as always, Happy Camping!


- John

Hey there, Gymnasts!

Let's take a moment to celebrate an amazing athlete who blazed a trail in the world of gymnastics—Simone Biles! You might have heard her name before, and for a good reason. Simone Biles is not just any gymnast—she's one of the best of all time!

Picture a young girl with big dreams, born in Ohio in 1997. Simone's journey wasn't easy. She and her siblings spent time in foster care until her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, swooped in to give them a loving home in Texas. Little did they know, they were nurturing the talent of a future gymnastics superstar!

Simone's gymnastics adventure began when she was just six years old and she went on a field trip to a gymnastics center. She was hooked! With determination and dedication, she trained hard and it paid off! By age 14, she was competing at elite levels, showcasing her skills on vaults, bars, beams, and floors. That was in 2011.

Five years later she absolutely dominated the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro! She took home gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor exercises, plus a bronze on the balance beam. Very impressive!

She went on to perform in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo where she won a silver and a bronze medal for Team USA, despite suffering from something gymnasts refer to as ‘the twisties’—a mental block which in which the victim loses control over their body!

Her list of achievements is endless—World Championships, National Titles, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom!

Gymnastics is a popular activity at many summer camps, giving campers a chance to flip, tumble, and soar through the air. So, as you pack your bags for camp this summer, think about the incredible journey of athletes like Simone Biles. Who knows? You might discover your own passion for gymnastics or another exciting activity waiting for you at camp!

Did you play any sports or try any new activities during your camp stay this summer season? Share your favorite camp memories with us in the comments below! Until next time, keep reaching for the stars, just like Simone Biles! And, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John

Hey there, Music Lovers!

Let's talk about Benny Benjamin, a drumming hero who made absolute music MAGIC! Benny was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 25, 1925. He was like a superhero of drums from a young age. Everyone called him ‘Papa Zita’, a playful nickname that stuck with him throughout his career.

Benny played the drums in a special band called The Funk Brothers—the secret weapon behind all the awesome music at Motown Records. Benny's drumming was so cool that even famous people like The Beatles loved it.

He learned to play the drums in a jazzy style back in the 1940s. Then, in 1958, Benny joined Motown Records as their very first studio drummer. Everyone at Motown loved Benny's drumming so much that they didn't want to make any music without him!

The Funk Brothers were like a dream team of musicians who played all kinds of instruments. They made pretty much all the music for the ENTIRE genre of Motown. Can you believe that?

Even though Benny passed away on April 20, 1969, his drumming legacy lives on. People still listen to his awesome beats and feel the joy he brought to the music world.

Did you play any instruments during your camp stay this summer season? Maybe you tried your hand at the drums like Benny Benjamin, or perhaps you discovered a passion for another instrument. Many summer camps offer music programs where campers can explore their musical talents, including percussion.

Music has the power to bring people together and create unforgettable memories, just like the rhythm Benny brought to countless Motown hits. As we celebrate the legacy of Benny Benjamin and his impact on percussion music, let's also remember the joy and creativity that music brings to our lives, whether at summer camp or beyond. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next drumming legend!

 

- John

Hey, Chess Players!

Natural born Chess player and legend in the making, Bobby Fischer was born on March 9, 1943. He quickly rose to prominence as a chess prodigy, winning his first of eight US Championships at the age of 14. His unparalleled talent and dedication to the game set him apart from his peers, leading him to become the eleventh World Chess Champion.

Fischer's most famous match came in 1972, when he faced Boris Spassky of the USSR in Reykjavík, Iceland. Dubbed the "Match of the Century," it was a showdown that captured the world's attention and symbolized the Cold War rivalry between the US and the USSR. Fischer's victory in that match solidified his status as the greatest chess player of his time.

Despite his remarkable success, Fischer's career was not without controversy. He famously refused to defend his title in 1975, leading to his forfeiture and the crowning of Anatoly Karpov as World Champion. Fischer's eccentric behavior and occasional erraticism only added to his mystique, making him a fascinating figure both on and off the chessboard.

 

Fischer's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He authored the influential book ‘My 60 Memorable Games,’ which remains essential reading for aspiring chess players. He also invented Fischer random chess, a variant of the game that adds an element of unpredictability to the starting position of the pieces.

As we send our children off to summer camp, it's worth reflecting on the lessons we can learn from Bobby Fischer's remarkable journey. Chess is a test of strategy, patience, and determination. Just as Fischer pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the chessboard, so too can our children challenge themselves to reach new heights in their own pursuits.

 

So, as your child embarks on their summer camp adventure, ask yourself: Did they discover any new games or activities that captured their imagination? Did they uncover hidden talents or passions that they never knew they had? Perhaps they are just discovering a fascination with the game of Chess!

Just as Fischer's love for chess propelled him to greatness, who knows what adventures await your young camper as they explore their developing skills as well as the world around them? Till next time, Folks. And, as always, thanks for reading!

 

- John

Hey, Campers!

Do you picture yourself standing on a skateboard at summer camp on a sunny afternoon, determined to pull off a trick you’ve been trying all week. With a deep breath, you push off, attempting a kickflip for what feels like the hundredth time. You pop the board into the air, time slows down, and anticipation builds with each rotation of your board. And then, finally, the satisfying click of the wheels meeting the ground and your feet on the board—a successful kickflip, achieved through persistence and determination!

Tony Hawk is more than just a name in the world of skateboarding; he's a record-setter, an innovator, and an icon. Check out a camp experience he had back in the 80’s! Thanks to this Facebook post he wrote a handful of years back about that time, I’m going to let him do his own talking:

 

“I spent the summer of 1985 in a small town outside of Stockhom at the Eurocana Summer Camp with Lance Mountain and Rodney Mullen. We were skate camp ‘instructors’ for 5 weeks, with a rotation of European skaters coming in and out. It was a formative time in skating and for me personally, as I was gaining confidence, creating new tricks (like stale fish & 720’s) and absorbing all of the new experiences.”

 

For Hawk, the summer of 1985 was more than just a footnote in his skating journey—it was a transformative experience that helped define his love for skateboarding and solidified his place in the sport’s history.

As he continues to inspire a new generation of skaters, Hawk's legacy serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little bit of punk rock spirit, anything is possible on and off the skateboard. Thanks for reading, Everyone. Happy Skateboarding and, as always, Happy Camping!

 

- John