Sports Camp Traditions

Since 1982, we have established many wonderful traditions. At ESF, every day in camp is an opportunity to create memories that span generations. This may be why so many of our Alumni (former campers and "Team" members) are still very involved. Some are famous, some less so, but all of them still love ESF because it's a special place where they spent their summers. Here are just a few of our Sports Camp Traditions:

Pep Rallies With help from Day Camp and Senior Camp, Sports Campers "get pumped up" to play in the World League Games with a camp-wide Pep Rally...complete with the camp Mascot!

Camp Mascot
Each camp has its own unique Mascot that represents the spirit of the camp site.
The Mascot is the highlight of each Pep Rally, helping campers to get "pumped up" for the World League Games. In 1996, The Lawrenceville Sports Camp began this tradition with the creation of Big Red.

Team Captains
Every Friday, coaches from each team nominate a captain who will help the coach meet and welcome new campers to the team during the next week. Campers are chosen to be captains based on sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership qualities. Captains must arrive at camp no later than 8:45 AM to meet with their coaches and prepare to welcome new campers. Captains must wear their sports camp T-shirts on Monday mornings.

Friday Tournaments
Each Friday at Sports Camp, teams compete in themed tournaments. Each division plays for the championship of the designated sport of the week. From the World Cup to the Stanley Cup, each team strives to play like champions!

"The Ceremony" Every Friday at Sports Camp, after the skills have been taught and the games played, Sports Campers come together for "The Ceremony." At The Ceremony, campers are honored for their hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Campers are awarded pins for displaying these characteristics. Last day campers are also honored and given their Sports Camp Pennant signed by their teammates and coaches to take home and treasure forever. At the conclusion of The Ceremony, a special award called The Coaches Award, is presented to the camper who possesses all of the Sports Camp values.

The Pennant
The Pennant is considered the "yearbook" of camp and is signed by all the campers teammates and counselors. The Pennant serves as a symbol that will recall many memories that a child will treasure forever.

The Gratitude Rock The newest ESF tradition, the ESF Gratitude Rock is given each day to someone who has performed a random act of kindness. Each group passes their Rock along to someone each day at Morning Assembly. While the Rock always stays at camp, whomever is chosen receives a "you rock" card from the presenter, which then can be taken home as a reminder of their random act of kindness.

Family Fling
Team Members, campers, and their families come together for an incredible evening of fun and farewells, as ESF hosts the "Family Fling" held one night during the last two weeks of camp. Highlights include a DJ blasting music through the airwaves, campers and their families dancing with Team Members, refreshments galore, and an unforgettable recap of the summer with the traditional "Memories Slide Show"...an ESF favorite.

The Honors Banner
The Honors Banner is the place where campers display the awards that they have earned throughout the years. It is a way of gathering camp memories so they will last for a lifetime.

The Coaches Award
This is the ultimate personal award that a Sports Camper can achieve. In order to be eligible, campers must participate in Sports Camp for at least four weeks and earn four or more awards during the course of their session. It is given to campers who are leaders, never lose their cool, always give 100%, are dedicated to improvement, are devoted to their Team, consistently support their teammates, and are "good sports." In victory and defeat, these campers demonstrate the qualities of the ultimate ESF Sports Camper.

Captain
This prestigious pin is awarded to campers who demonstrate the ability to confidently lead their Team into competition. Campers who win this award also receive a "Captain's Jersey" to wear throughout the following week.

Hustle
Campers are awarded this pin for always giving 100%. During drills, skills contests, or league games, these campers are consistently self-motivated and put forth their best effort.

Sportsmanship
Campers are awarded this pin for being "good sports" in both victory and defeat. It is given to campers who respect others and stay positive under all circumstances.

Improvement
Campers are awarded this pin for demonstrating significant improvement in athletic ability, effort, sportsmanship, and/or overall disposition. Campers can either be awarded this pin for improvement made throughout the week or throughout the whole summer.

Dedication
Campers are awarded this pin for demonstrating their endless devotion to the success of their Team. This award is given to campers who consistently encourage their teammates, play their best, and go the extra mile for their Team.

Teamwork
This pin goes to the campers whose number one goal is to support their Team. Being positive, upbeat, and making sure that every member of the Team is involved will earn a camper this honor.

MVP
Campers are awarded this pin for never losing their cool and for coming through in "the clutch." Under pressure, these campers rise to the occasion when their Team is counting on them the most.