The lesson for campers at Weeks Elementary on Wednesday? Just breathe.
“Breathing is everything. I want them to understand the power of their breath,” said Ann Szymaniak “I’m trying to teach them to breathe and allow their breath to calm them down.”
Szymaniak, the owner of The Dance Connection, is holding “Mindfulness with Miss Ann” sessions with Windsor elementary school campers this week. She visited Bell Elementary on Tuesday, Weeks Elementary on Wednesday, and will stop at Palmer Elementary on Thursday.
“Some of them come in open and ready to go. But, some say, ‘It’s too hard,’” said Symaniak. “The minute they hit a pose and find their balance, you see a light go off in their eyes. You see their confidence.”
Windsor Strong Academy campers continued to explore their community Wednesday, keeping in mind the them of respectfully disagreeing when there are differences and finding common ground.
Counselor Andrea White and teacher Cole Battaglini led a workshop about that subject. They shared the following tips:
- Look at the person, but don’t stare them down.
- Use a pleasant tone. Don’t yell.
- Show you understand how they feel.
- Tell them why you feel differently. Back up your feelings with facts and experiences.
- Give a reason.
- Listen to the other person.
- No name calling.
Football, Soccer, volleyball, and golf camps continued. Football campers learned passing routes, practiced running back drills such as ball security and vision, and reviewed blocking and tackling skills. The camp concludes on Thursday with a Punt, Pass, and Kick contest.
Volleyball players reviewed fundamental skills and learned about positioning. Camp concludes Thursday with a tournament.
Soccer campers worked on tactics and touches on Wednesday. Boys soccer coach Steve Miller is impressed by how his varsity players have worked with the younger campers.
“They’re doing a phenomenal job. They’re leading the stations. They’re leading their teams,” said Miller. “They’re showing good leadership skills. They’re making sure everyone is getting a touch on the ball and that no one is left out. They’re being great role models.”
Soccer camp ends Thursday with a World Cup-style tournament.
Despite the rain Wednesday morning, golfers continued their development, focusing on pitching and putting. Thursday’s golf camp will feature a captain-and-crew tournament.