Co-op Soccer Camp, Year 2

True to my word, I did organize another co-op soccer camp this summer despite being pregnant.  However, instead of doing two camps like last year, or expanding into other sports like I'd considered, this year I only planned one camp.  

Snack break

The main benefit of being the organizer is I was able to work the logistics to my advantage.  So, our Monday - Thursday camp hosted two different co-ed age groups simultaneously: a 5/6 group (so Thane could participate), and a 7/8 group (for Bryce).  There were two teams for each age group, and the different ages never crossed playing paths.  It worked out quite well.

I will admit I didn't enjoy the planning this year as much as I did last year.  I largely attribute that to being pregnant and uncomfortable and unmotivated.  I also didn't see as much interest as I'd expected, which makes me question whether I'm meeting a real need.  

However, I managed to get four amazing coaches, and this year I had a bunch of younger (9-12 year old) "assistants" who helped with coaching, babysitting (I also had two teenage baby sitters on-site to watch the younger children of coaches), setting up, running errands, and cleaning up.  They helped a ton!  And once camp started, it ran pretty seamlessly.  

Every day ended with a scrimmage, and that was generally the kids' favorite part.

Bryce and Thane had a great time.  Bryce just "loved playing the game" and being with friends.  Thane loved "winning!"

Even cousin Anna got to come down for one day!

The biggest downside was the heat, but even that wasn't too terrible (considering that the following week, when I'd originally planned to hold the camp, promised 90-100 degree temps every day!).  Yet, even without the overwhelmingly hot conditions, the kids were still wilting by the time we ended each day at 11 am.  I came home every day totally exhausted (but again, that's all pregnancy related).

I'm still debating whether or not I'll do another camp next year.  It's a solid maybe.