Last weekend we made our second visit to Hillside. We had 7 groups of kids for 45 minutes each. It was just enough time to squeeze in introductions, practice serves & returns, play out points, and hand out treats. It’s a learning experience for the kids, but also for us at Pickle With Purpose. We learned that breaking the session up into 10 minute blocks and rotating kids on and off the courts quickly holds the kids’ attention and makes the clinics more engaging. We also learned the kids love competing not only with each other, but they especially loved the opportunity to compete against us PWP volunteers - thanks for joining us Elle! They also loved cheering on their staff as they joined in. It’s amazing to observe the camaraderie pickleball can build in a short 45 minute session, much like how we see pickleball building community at our local parks.
Hillside is a mental health facility for kids. Each time we go we catch a glimpse of the tools that are being used to help them and this time we had a chance to walk around the campus. The kids are learning to name their feelings and share them with the group. They use art, gardening, and recreation as forms of therapy. We’re excited that through our clinics and equipment donations that pickleball can be used as another form of recreational therapy for these kids. Many of our followers know Aron’s story and how pickleball saved his life, and how pickleball came into my (Amber’s) life at a time when I needed community. When we share our stories it resonates with so many others who also have similar stories. Our hope is that by hosting clinics we can impact others lives in the same way. We appreciate our followers, volunteers, and donors for helping make the mission of Pickle With Purpose a reality!
