TRW & BPSC Partner to Keep Children Active During Winter Break

Kyle Knox
Gila River Indian News

During the last few weeks of the year, students are out of school for winter break. While the time away from school is nice, sometimes youth can find themselves bored at home. Thankfully, this winter break, the Tribal Recreation and Wellness (TRW) Brown Performance Strength & Conditioning (BPSC) partnered for a three-day multisports camp for youth.

For three days, Dec. 27 to 29, youth of all ages participated in three camps focused on various sports, conditioning, agility, athleticism, and endurance at the District 3 Multipurpose Building Gymnasium.

“In 2022 we offered a variety of new sports clinics and camps so wanted to keep youth active during their winter break,” said Angel Orque, TRW Recreation Manager. “We understand that everyone, not just youth aren’t as active this time of year, so it was important to keep everyone active by utilizing our partnership with BPSC and the different sports they’ve introduced to the Community.”

This multiday, multisport camp was a first for TRW. Orque shared that upon sharing the flyer, they filled out the registration within the first two days with youth from GRIC. The draw was an “eye-opening” opportunity and accomplishment for TRW staff.

“The demand is there from the Community and our youth have shown a great interest in learning new sports and building upon these camps,” said Orque.

The first day focused on flag football, the second provided basketball training, and the third emphasized physical activity through various endurance and coordination activities applicable to any sport. Each day over 30 youth attended each camp, many returning for all three days.

As in the past, Arizona Rattlers quarterback Drew Powell joined on the first day to provide some instruction and motivation during the flag football camp.

“The camp was all about keeping children active while having fun, especially during this time while they’re on break,” said Maurice Brown of BPSC. “We’ve seen so much growth in the children, during our time here, so it’s been great to see their enthusiasm around learning new sports and allowing us to coach them and provide them the best guidance and mentorship we can.”

Maurice and his brother Ryan are the co-founders of BPSC and thanked the Community for allowing them to work with the youth. Both commend TRW for being innovative in working with youth throughout 2022.

Lanessa Felix’s attended the second and third-day camps. Felix was happy that her son, Jordan, was allowed to participate. “We live off the Community in Casa Grande so it was a great way for my son to stay active and interact with other Native youth here.” In addition, her son is an avid basketball player, so he was excited to work on his basketball skills.

Like Felix, Marlissa Morris’ son attended the camps and past flag football camps. Her son Caleb is an experienced baseball player but enjoyed learning flag football and basketball at the camp.

“My son is an only child, so the camps are great for him to get to know other youth in the Community,” said Morris. “He’s also prediabetic so it’s very important that he’s regularly active so these camps are a great for him and the others here today and I appreciate what TRW is doing for the kids.”