Tennis & Life Camp at Gustavus Adolphus College

Tennis and Life Camp at Gustavus Adolphus College

by Jenn Schultz

Near the end of July, Sanaa, Zorion, Jeremiah and Devon, four of our students from our East Side Boys & Girls Club, had the opportunity to attend Tennis & Life Camp at Gustavus Adolphus University in St. Peter, MN! Our ACES students have been fortunate to be a part of this program the last few summers; they get to take part in sports-related learning, where the social-emotional teachings align with our own mission.

While at camp, students stay in the Gustavus dorms and participate in off-court sessions that teach life and social-emotional skills such as goal setting, nutrition, sportsmanship, and positive competitive attitudes. They also spend time with their adult instructors during lunch and evening hours, building positive relationships and learning effective communication methods.

During camp hours, students are divided into skill groups based on their tennis ability and experience. Students are encouraged to praise each other, celebrate each others’ successes. and demonstrate support for one another.

Tennis and Life Camp is founded on the Three Crowns Program, which emphasizes attitude, effort, and sportsmanship. Their mission is to share tennis through positive feedback and simplified instruction. They aim to improve physical health through nutrition education and conditioning, enhance tennis mechanics through individualized help from professional instructors, promote critical thinking through skills-based teaching strategies, and develop internal strength through improvement of concentration, relaxation, confidence and fulfillment.

Our students love having the opportunity to attend a camp where they get to learn and grow within a sport they have limited exposure to while experiencing dorm life and building valuable life skills. We are thankful for this continued partnership with Gustavus Adolphus College and Tennis and Life Camp!