My Lacrosse Camp in West Philly

My name is Chantal Farmer, I am a junior attending Bryn Athyn College. My goal for this summer (2019) is to run a series of weekend, fundamental lacrosse clinics in West Philadelphia. This year I hope to raise $6,000 in order to expand and sponsor more children. Specially, donations will provide acceptance of more children into the program and the equipment requirements, medical aid, nutrition needs, t-shirts, WHY LACROSSE? The inner-city neighborhoods of Philadelphia do not have access to lacrosse. I would like to provide kids with an opportunity they  might never have because lacrosse is a rather expensive sport that many public schools do not have the funds for. I believe lacrosse can change the lives of the inner-city kids just as it changed mine.  I grew up in the city I went to public school and a charter school that did not have a sport or even a playground because it was not within the school's budget. I grew up a very timid child and barely cared about my education. Although I was shy I did have a very active lifestyle with my family and I always wanted to have something to direct my energy.    When I moved out of the city and started at a new high school in a semi-suburban area, I started out just as I had left primary school.  My sophomore year of high school I was heading home and my sister asked if I wanted to go to a lacrosse open gym to see if I liked it.  I learned that I was a quick learner in lacrosse. I was able to direct my spare time to something product and fun without feeling stuck inside.  I was raised to never give up on myself and to work my hardest even if others around me did not and if it was challenging.  Over the period of my high school lacrosse experience I opened myself up became more extroverted found myself so happy and passionate about school.  This high school experience carried out into my college years. In February of 2017, my father was murdered, and I felt as if I would never be able to move past that moment and those feelings. I had been taking on a lot of work, class, and sports and did not think I would ever be able to catch up to where I had left off. I came back to school after spring break and lacrosse season was starting. I talked to my coach about how I was feeling, and she encouraged me to allow lacrosse to absorb all of my stress, it was my time in my day to not have to worry or think about everything I thought was wrong and overwhelming in life. My team and my friends had my back, and lacrosse has been a bridge that has carried me through many tough times. The Project  This program will give me the opportunity to give girls in my community the chance I was given. This non-profit summer camp will teach participants the basics for lacrosse including ball handling, attacking and defensive skills. Lacrosse is a growing sport which will benefit kids in more ways than just keeping them off the streets. It will increase the amount of  exercise these girls receive and promote general health. This lacrosse program also offers a place for parents to drop off their children and know they are in good safe hands. I have volunteers from the school system looking to help keep things organized and safe for everyone involved. Through making connections with hopes of starting this program I have parents and girls already taking interest in this new opportunity. The summer is about having fun outside with people you love. This will hopefully create bonds that these girls can continue to develop each summer. I plan to expand the program with each upcoming summer as interest grows. It will provide volunteer opportunities to the girls who have aged out of the program while continuing to increase their skill set. 2018 history The General Church in Bryn Athyn, Pa, via the New Church Service Grant Fund, has provided $3500 to make this project happen. Partner Organizations I will work with the help of the Bryn Athyn College community to develop all  the particulars of the camp, such as Denise Rosseler, the head women’s lacrosse coach.    I also have met with Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, head coach Bryn Athyn College women’s field hockey,  and received a step by step outline of what it takes to run a sports summer camp. Budget estimate is $5,000 - covers cost of equipment, insurance, promotion and coaching Again, thanks to the General Church and the New Church Service Grant Fund for the initial $3500 to make this project happen! Please consider helping me get there! Chantal