Three Weeks of Summer Camp Fun!

We are thrilled to share the highlights from Squash on Track's unforgettable summer camp! Over the past three weeks, our campers embarked on a journey of exploration, learning, and fun, thanks to your generous support. 

Here’s a week-by-week recap of our exciting activities—contributions from Steven Friedland and David Sicong.

Week 1: Adventure and Discovery

Our first week of camp was all about adventure and hands-on learning. We kicked off with a refreshing hike at Pulgas Ridge where the campers connected with nature and began their exciting journey. While on the hike, our campers did an amazing job tackling the steep hills, maintaining a positive attitude throughout. Plus, everyone was giving those who were struggling such supportive reinforcements, and those students were then treated to cheers and applause for never giving up when we all reached the top of the trail.  Later that day, the students were treated to a presentation about all the different form of energy. Armed with newfound knowledge, they dove into a kinetic energy experiment, creating windmills that spun with the wind's power.

Day 2 saw our campers exploring the wonders of science and nature at CuriOdyssey, where they marveled at the interactive and hands-on exhibits and learned about the natural world. The camps were also treated to a discussion with one the park’s zoo keepers in the bird exhibit.The highlight according to the campers was seeing the raccoons, which the campers affectionately named it “Pedro”. The excitement continued at the Moffett Air Base Museum on Day 3, where the rich history of aviation came to life. The campers were given a tour of the museum from a former flight instructor about the history of Moffett and all the aviation programs that took place during the time that Moffett was an active military base.

Day 4 took us to the Peninsula Humane Society, where the young explorers dissected owl pellets, unraveling the mystery of what these nocturnal creatures feast upon. Before the campers could indulge in exploring the owl pellets, they were treated to a tour of the building. The week concluded with Fitness Friday, a day dedicated to physical activities that reinforced the importance of staying active and healthy.

Week 2: Creativity and Community Engagement

The second week of camp was a blend of creativity and community service. The campers were treated with an adventure to the movie theaters on Monday because of their effort from the previous week. Later that day, the campers spent the afternoon playing squash and exercising to burn those calories from all the popcorn and sweets they ate at the movies. On the second day of camp, we began with a visit to the Hiller Aviation Museum, where campers were treated to the history of flight and aviation from America and Europe, followed by an engaging art session led by Cathy. Campers painted maps of their favorite outdoor spaces, real or imagined, using vibrant watercolors that showcased their creativity.

Midweek, we hosted a friendly scrimmage with students from the Santa Barbara School of Squash (SBSOS), fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie. Our community outreach efforts shone through as campers participated in a cleanup project at EPACS school, demonstrating the power of giving back.

Our week wrapped up with a day of sun and sand at Poplar Beachwhich was quite popular—where the campers relished the beauty of the coast and indulged in beach games. The ever-popular Friday Fitness Fun capped off a week filled with laughter and teamwork.

Week 3: Exploration and Enrichment

Week 3 recap from David Sicong, summer camp volunteer!

This was the third and final week of camp. Despite the challenge of looking after ten kids for six hours a day, we made it! 

The week began with a scenic hike on a shady trail in the Thornewood Preserve, where the campers enjoyed the fresh air and breathtaking views. Some of the kids found the hike challenging due to their backpacks, but they all pushed through and finished strong. This was exactly the kind of experience they needed to build resilience. 

In the afternoon, the campers prepared self-introductions for the next day's trip. We guided them through brainstorming key points, and each camper practiced speaking in front of the group. This was followed by a presentation on sustainability from Roshni Pal—a former Squash Zone junior and SOT tutor—who shared data on global warming and sparked discussions on how we can make a difference. We ended the day with squash practice and an intense physical training session that left everyone sweaty but invigorated.

On Day 2, we visited Salesforce Tower, thanks to volunteer Andy Guo. As the tallest building in San Francisco, it's a rare privilege to visit, and we felt fortunate to explore the company. The fast elevator ride and stunning 360-degree views from the sixty-first floor left us all in awe. Andy and his colleagues treated us to coffee, snacks, and a tour of their workspaces, including a game room where the kids enjoyed air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, pinball, and arcade games. This trip was an eye-opener for the kids, and I hope it inspired them to dream big.

Day 3 was a day of relaxation at Poplar Beachwe told you it was popular!—in Half Moon Bay. We played baseball, built sandcastles, and paddled in the water, enjoying the calming breeze and waves. Day 4, we visited the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, where the kids got up close with animals and engaged with interactive exhibits on electricity and magnetism. The afternoon was spent in a friendly tournament against campers from Squash Zone. The competition was intense, pushing our campers to give their best, and everyone felt the thrill and pressure of the games.

Friday marked the end of camp with a reflection session. Each camper shared their favorite moments: some loved the squash games, others cherished the Salesforce Tower visit, and many enjoyed the beaches and CuriOdyssey. Richard, our camp leader, expressed his joy in seeing the kids engaged and enjoying the camp activities. 

With the camp concluding, we cleaned up and said our goodbyes, looking forward to seeing each other again next semester.

Gratitude Corner

We must extend our immense gratitude to the incredible volunteers and staff who made our summer camp a success. 

Special thanks to Richard Elliot, Steven Friedland, Kelvin Pan Ko, David Sicong, Cathy Gregory, Rianne Lui, Roshni Pal, Riva Bhagwati, and Elaine Friedland for their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work. Their efforts ensured that our campers had an enriching and memorable experience. 

We also want to give a special shoutout to Andy Guo for graciously hosting us at Salesforce Tower, providing our campers with an unforgettable opportunity.

Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to Richard Heal, who generously underwrote the camp costs with a very generous donation. His support was instrumental in making this camp possible.

Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment!

Looking Ahead…

While we are sad that summer is coming to an end, we are excited to look forward to a fresh school year with our Squash on Track cohort! We can’t wait to welcome them back in the club later this month and be back to regular programs.