Summer Spotlight: Exploring, Creating, and Growing Across Cambridge OST, Part II

The summer program site visits continue! Greg Green recently visited the CYP Sports Camp, Outback Summer Camp, and Camp Rainbow to check out their programs and see all the fun Cambridge kids are having this summer!

Cambridge Youth Programs Sports Camp
This summer, CYP Sports Camp has gone global with a World Cup theme! Throughout the summer, campers have been divided into teams representing countries from around the world, competing in a variety of sports while learning lessons that extend far beyond the playing field. While the games are certainly exciting, the real victories come from the emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. Whether celebrating a win, learning from a loss, or encouraging teammates, campers are building the skills that make great athletes and even better community members.

The colorful World Cup displays and team spirit throughout the program make it clear that everyone is playing for something bigger than the final score.

Outback Summer Camp
My visit to Baldwin's Outback Summer Camp reminded me that sometimes the best learning happens when we become the student. I stopped by during one of their art blocks and was amazed by the variety of creative opportunities available to young people. From pottery and drawing to origami, every table invited campers to explore a different artistic skill. Naturally, I couldn't resist joining the origami class. What started as a simple goal of making a paper box quickly turned into one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my summer. (Who knew a paper box could have what felt like 500 steps?)

Fortunately, I had some incredible teachers. The young people patiently guided me through each fold, corrected my mistakes with kindness, and celebrated every small success along the way. By the end, I proudly completed my box while admiring the intricate creations they had mastered.

It was a wonderful reminder that OST spaces are filled with opportunities for everyone to learn. Sometimes the adults teach, and sometimes the young people do. Those moments of shared learning and mutual respect are what make these programs so special.
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DHSP Camp Rainbow
Sometimes the best part of a site visit is getting to jump right in! During my visit to DHSP Camp Rainbow, I had the opportunity to dust off my youth worker hat and lead a few classic group games with the campers. What started as a visit quickly turned into an afternoon full of movement, laughter, and friendly competition.

Together we played Rock, Paper, Scissors, Collect the Balls, and Line Tag, and let's just say... I definitely worked up a sweat trying to keep up! The campers brought incredible energy to every game, cheering each other on, staying active, and fully embracing the fun.

It was a great reminder that some of the most meaningful moments in OST don't require elaborate materials or complicated activities. Sometimes all it takes is an engaging game, a caring adult willing to jump in, and a group of young people ready to laugh, move, and play together.

Thank you to the Camp Rainbow staff for welcoming me into the fun and for creating a space where joy, movement, and connection are at the heart of every day.