Beyond the Backhand

HOW PICKLEBALL CAMP BUILT CONFIDENCE & COMMUNITY

Author: Hosea Randria, Sports Pastor

From July 28th to 31st, our church gym was filled with energy, laughter, and the sound of paddles and pickleballs as 24 kids joined us for a four-day pickleball camp. What started with a mix of excitement and hesitation quickly turned into a week of joy and growth, thanks to the dedication of our nine incredible volunteers and the leadership of Coach Susan, a new friend we made from Chicken N Pickle.

By the end of camp, every single child walked away a winner. Half of the kids earned medals, but all received certificates of completion and brand-new paddles to take home. More importantly, each child left with more than just improved pickleball skills—they discovered a love for the game and built friendships that continue even after camp ended.

What touched us most was watching the transformation. Kids who weren’t so sure at first were smiling and competing with confidence by the last day. The teamwork, encouragement, and fun atmosphere helped every camper thrive.