Registration for the summer youth ‘Hockey Challenge Camp’ camp

May 24, 2023

April O’Neil / [email protected]

A unique opportunity is coming to Livingston County for elementary and middle school age children who are interested in learning to play hockey.

The 2023 Hockey Challenge Camp, in partnership with local sponsors and donated ice time by the Kensington Valley Ice House and Hartland Sports Center & Bounce Gymnastics, provides children with unique medical and learning needs the opportunity to participate in skill development lessons with local hockey players. and coaches.

Hockey Challenge Camp, which takes place from 7 to 10 August, offers both on- and off-ice instruction to coaches and hockey buddies who volunteer to work with players on the ice and as peer mentors.

Sarah Dunkel-Jackson is a hockey coach and researcher at Michigan State University’s Autism & Disabilities (RADD) Lab. He told WHMI that Challenge Camp was designed to give every kid a chance to learn the game.

“Our players are anyone who has a unique learning or medical need. We have children with ADHD, autism, downs syndrome and physical disabilities, so the spectrum of needs is very wide. If a child finds it difficult to participate in a traditional team, we want to give them the opportunity to continue this sport and hone their skills so that one day they participate in a team or house league.

The 3-day Hockey Challenge Camp includes customized on-ice and off-ice instruction, snacks and lunch. At the end of the week on August 10, the players will participate in a game against other camp members at MSUs Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing.

Skate rental and equipment rental can also be family options if necessary. Dunkel-Jackson said camp coordinators do as much as possible to make sure every player is ready for practice.

It’s scary to think about starting a new sport or activity, especially if you’re not sure if your child will enjoy or experience immediate success. But it’s amazing to see a child learn new skills, make friendships, and do all the things that kids who may not have these unique learning needs get to do. Ice hockey should belong to everyone, and that’s what we intend to offer.

There is a link to the Hockey Challenge Camp Facebook page and the ARC Livingston website.

The event brochure also includes a list of sponsors and a QR code for registration.

Hockey Challenge Camp logo courtesy of Hystyx.