Zachary ’25 and Jonny ’25 learn that even seemingly small efforts can create positive change and lasting connections in local communities.
This summer, Jonny Scagel and I launched the Soccer Sprouts Camp, a project dedicated to the children of Hampton in a town known more for its vacationing teenagers and adults. Our goal was to create a safe and supportive environment where kids could learn soccer and develop the skills that come with the sport.
We started by reaching out to the New Hampshire Parks and Recreation Center, eventually securing a beach space for our camp. From there, we focused on spreading the word. With the help of state park officials at Hampton Beach, we advertised our camp through flyers on local activity boards and social media pages.
When the camp began, we were thrilled to see different children eager to participate. While we organized various drills, it was the scrimmages that truly captured their enthusiasm. Jonny and I witnessed not only the technical growth of the kids but, more importantly, a shift in their mindset. With each goal, their excitement and competitive spirit grew. It was rewarding to see the children embrace the aspects of soccer that we love the most.
Through this experience, we discovered the impact a strong community can have in forging lasting connections. Many of the children who joined us went on to bring even more participants. Beyond the camp, these kids formed friendships that extended beyond the camp. Witnessing how our simple project brought people together was both humbling and inspiring. I also learned the power of initiative, how taking that first step can lead to meaningful and lasting outcomes. This experience has motivated me to continue giving back to the Hampton community, knowing that even small efforts can create positive change.
