Missouri Southern’s kinesiology department held the 28th annual Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy from June 3-6 in MSSU’s Young Gym and Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.
A yearly event established in 1996, the Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy (CLSA) focuses on activities like pickleball, archery, and canoeing that children ages 7-12 may participate in with family and friends throughout their lives. Campers also take field trips during the week. This year, trips to the bowling alley, Kellogg Lake, and to Rangeline Golf were on the itinerary.
“Campers are exposed to new activities that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said Dr. Andrea Cullers, chair of the kinesiology department. “We have campers whose parents attended CLSA, which is quite special.”
Kinesiology students, faculty, and staff all coordinated the event. During the spring semester, students interested in getting involved take a course called “Administration of Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy” where they learn how to develop and run a successful camp. They also find sponsorships, organize volunteers, design the event shirts, and other responsibilities. During camp, they were counselors and instructors for the activities. CSLA provides students, especially K-12 physical education and sports and recreation management majors, with immersive learning experiences. This camp will translate to their future careers.
“This camp is a great place to start working with kids of varying ages,” said senior Katie Candrl, a K-12 physical education major. “I am thankful to have the opportunity to lead activities multiple times because it helps me feel more confident and ready to have my own classes.”
New activities were added this year: Disc golf and a water safety session were offered to the older and younger groups, respectively. Campers also tie-dyed their own camp t-shirts, fulfilling a request from previous campers.
“The energy and eagerness of the campers is what I look forward to every year,” said Stephanee Schiding, master instructor of kinesiology and director of this year’s CLSA. “Watching our students lead and grow throughout the week is always rewarding. Our goal is to give campers not only skills that will last a lifetime but memories as well.”
