As I mentioned in a previous post, this week Sk8terdude was one of the "teachers" at the Pee-Wee Ramp Camp (for new skaters ages 4-7) at S.P.I.R.I.T. in Ridgefield. Too young to be hired for real, he was offered the opportunity to be a volunteer helper. I have to admit, I was a little worried that after a short time he might decide to stop helping and just go skate. But it turns out he more than rose to the occasion.
On day one, Sk8terdude came home after the three hour camp and announced that he started the day by showing new kids the park, then worked one-on-one with a boy who had a little more experience than the others. He told us that at the end of the session he gave the boy a sticker for working so hard and he announced that "all the kids left with smiles on their faces." He was very proud to come home wearing his new staff shirt:
When we arrived this afternoon to pick him up after the third (and final) day of Pee-Wee Camp, we heard nothing but rave reviews of his performance. Apparently he showed a real gift for knowing which kids needed help at any given time and he remained focused and engaged with them the entire time. The camp gave Sk8terdude a ribbon that said "Special Helper" to thank him for his hard work and he helped distribute the ribbons and certificates to each of the campers.
They wrapped up the program with the traditional water balloon fight. Soaking wet and smiling from ear to ear, Sk8terdude left for the day. He'll return next week as a camper in the regular program, proud to know that he helped a new group of kids learn to skate.
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