Harry’s Story: From Football Fields to New Friendships at Fusion Camps
Harry, an energetic and enthusiastic 8-year-old, is a returning participant at Active Fusion’s holiday camps based in South Yorkshire. Known for his love of sports and adventure, Harry thrives in active environments where he can explore new games and build friendships. Outside of camp, he stays active with regular football practice and outdoor play with his brother, but Fusion Camps provide him with a unique opportunity to expand his horizons, learn new skills and enjoy a sense of community. His positive attitude, curiosity and passion for fun make Harry a standout camp attendee, eager to embrace each day with excitement.
Fusion Camp Background
Fusion Camps, run by Active Fusion, aim to provide children across South Yorkshire with a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment during the school holidays. The camps focus on promoting physical activity, fostering friendships, and encouraging the development of new skills, all while providing a balanced lunch to support children’s overall well-being. At Ivanhoe camp, a range of fun activities such as football, cricket, yoga, benchball, tag rugby, nerf gun games, and an inflatable obstacle course were offered. The camp was led by coaches Daisy and Adam, with support from other staff members.
Returning For Fun
Harry had previously attended Fusion Camps at De Warren and loved his experience so much that he decided to return for two weeks at the Ivanhoe location. When asked why he was eager to come back, Harry said he enjoyed how welcoming the coaches were and cherished the opportunity to spend time with his friends. His enthusiasm for camp life is clear: Harry thrives on the fun games, social interactions, and supportive environment that the camp provides.
Camp Highlights
Harry’s favourite part of Fusion Camps? “No maths!” he exclaimed, confessing that he’s not the biggest fan of mathematics. What truly captivated him, though, were the Nerf gun games, an activity he doesn’t have access to at home, making them all the more special. Beyond Nerf battles, Harry was excited to try new sports like tag rugby for the first time. He especially enjoyed yoga with Inner Sunshine, which helped calm him down at times when he was feeling frustrated. This mindfulness practice was an unexpected yet highly effective tool that helped Harry manage his emotions.
Navigating Emotions and Overcoming Challenges
Harry is known for his bright and enthusiastic personality. He is always willing to try new things and enjoys interacting with other kids. However, one of the challenges Harry faces is managing his strong emotions, especially when things don’t go his way during competitive games. At camp, Harry admitted to feeling frustrated when he thought others were cheating or when not winning games. However, thanks to the supportive environment created by the coaches, he was able to express his concerns, and Coach Daisy stepped in to resolve the issue quickly. This helped Harry feel heard and respected, contributing to his overall happiness at camp.
Despite moments of frustration, Harry says the camp made him feel “happy” because of the fun games and how much he enjoyed the company of the coaches. By the end of camp, Harry had not only learned new games but also valuable emotional skills like expressing his feelings and seeking help when needed.
Building Bonds
The positive relationships Harry developed with the coaches played a big part in his overall camp experience. Adam, an Active Fusion coach, made an impact on Harry, with his sense of humour making the camp even more enjoyable. The strong connection Harry formed with the staff contributed significantly to his sense of belonging and his desire to return to Fusion Camps.
Staff Observations
From the staff’s perspective, Harry was a pleasure to have at camp. He brought energy, kindness, and humour to the group, quickly becoming a prominent character among his peers. While his emotional intensity occasionally caused brief moments of frustration, Harry was always able to bounce back with a little guidance from the coaches. His love for sports, passion for play, and open-hearted personality made him stand out as a camper who brings joy to those around him.
Looking Ahead
Harry is already planning his next visit to Fusion Camps. When asked if he’d return, his answer was a resounding “Yes, definitely!” For Harry, camp not only offers a break from the boredom of home but also the chance to reconnect with old friends who he no longer sees at school. Harry continued to say, “Camps are super good because I don’t get bored easily because there’s multiple games. I get a chance to play new games whereas my friends on the streets don’t let me play their games sometimes. I have made new friends like Parker who doesn’t go to my school and coach Daisy.”
Fusion Camps provide Harry with an outlet for both fun and personal growth. Whether he’s learning new games, managing emotions, or forging new friendships, Harry has gained much more than just a few weeks of entertainment. With his bright outlook, strong social connections, and willingness to embrace new challenges, Harry’s time at Fusion Camps has set the stage for continued growth, both physically and emotionally.
Read more stories like Harry’s here or discover more about Fusion Camps here.