The Ripken Summer Camp is a five-day overnight experience for youth nationwide.
Sponsored by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, the camp occurs every year and only about 200 youth are chosen to attend. This year, there were 202 youth from 21 states and Washington, D.C. that participated in the camp held in Aberdeen, Maryland. Representing all of Washington State and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, six youth from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation were chosen to be campers this year. Throughout this intense week, campers were able to be a part of baseball and softball skills and fitness drills, honing their talent in the sport and building teamwork, endurance, resilience, and leadership skills.
Arriving in Maryland on Monday, August 4th, the youth and their mentors had the time of their lives by not only playing baseball and softball, but doing a ropes course, a zipline, going swimming, and attending a minor league baseball game. During the latter, campers were able to witness firsthand the skills they learned at camp being utilized by professional athletes. Campers and mentors left Maryland on Friday, August 8th. Travel to and from the camp was courtesy of Southwest Airlines, who wanted to ensure the youth were able to realize this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Representatives from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation then attended the Badges for Baseball event and BBQ at the Colville Reservation on August 20th where they were able to reunite with the youth campers and their mentors. Thank you to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Southwest Airlines, and the many other youth supporters that made the camp possible for these kids!
