By Yanet Luna, Vitals contributor

Who knew all that summer play could get kids ready for the upcoming school year? 

Regular physical activity can improve children’s academic performance, attention, memory and mental health, while reducing symptoms of depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Programs that encourage physical activity, social connection and confidence-building can play an important role in helping young people thrive – especially as kids return to school.  

This summer, 300 youth across Northern California gained access to those opportunities through the Level Up All Sports Camp, supported by a $300,000 community investment from Sutter Health. Building on more than a decade of investment in Boys & Girls Clubs programs, the eight-week program was made possible through a collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy and Boys & Girls Club of Placer County. It provided youth at seven club locations with access to organized sports and activities designed to help them build confidence, make friends and develop healthy habits as they grow.  

 

Throughout the camp, participants rotated through flag football, soccer, basketball and volleyball programming while developing teamwork, leadership and resilience skills. Sutter rehabilitation and physical therapy clinicians attended camp sites as well, leading warm-up stretches, sharing wellness tips and engaging directly with youth participants throughout the program.    

“Every kid deserves the chance to play. Sports aren’t just about learning how to shoot a basketball, kick a soccer ball or win a game. They teach kids how to be part of a team, how to lead, how to get back up when something doesn’t go their way and how good it feels to move their bodies and have fun,” said Sutter Health’s Vice President of External Affairs Keri Thomas. “We also know that too many kids leave sports around middle school, often at the very age when that connection, confidence and sense of belonging can matter most. That’s why Sutter Health is proud to work with Boys & Girls Clubs to create Level Up All Sports Camp, a program where you don’t have to be the best athlete or even think of yourself as an athlete to belong. Every kid should have a chance to get in the game.

”The summer program culminated Aug. 23 at a celebration event hosted at Sutter Health Park, where participants, families, community partners and Sutter volunteers came together to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the camp’s young participants. 

Investing in Youth Wellness 

As a not-for-profit health system, Sutter Health invests in community-based programs that address factors influencing health and well-being beyond the walls of its care centers. By working with  trusted local organizations, Sutter helps expand access to programs and resources that support healthier communities. 

“Our goal is to create opportunities for young people to learn, grow and stay engaged in a positive environment. Thanks to Sutter Health’s support, we’re able to offer these camps at no cost to families, making it possible for more kids to participate, stay active and benefit from experiences that help them build confidence and healthy habits,” said Randy Tooker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Placer County. 

“Programs like Level Up can spark interests that stay with young people long after the summer ends. For some, it may inspire them to join a sports team in middle school or high school. For others, it’s simply an opportunity to stay active, try something new and build confidence. Sometimes we don’t fully realize the impact these experiences have, but they can help shape a child’s interests, habits and sense of what’s possible,” said Mark Dewitt, area director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tracy.