Youth Bridge Camp 2010: The Legacy Continues

By Mary Lattan

Passing on the legacy of bridge to our young people was one of the many goals accomplished July 3-8 at the second annual Youth Bridge Camp. The six-day residential event was held at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville IL, home to Unit 223 in District 8. Many thanks to the ACBL Educational Foundation for providing a grant, as well as  Unit 223, District 8 and a number of individuals for donating to make Youth Bridge Camp 2010 possible.

Campers and staff from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin -- representing five ACBL districts -- came together and had a blast learning bridge and using the many recreational facilities of Lake Williamson.  In addition, five more bridge players from the St. Louis,  Edwardsville IL and Springfield IL areas commuted for a day or two to volunteer their time as teachers and table coaches. The parent of a second-year camper volunteered his time to take pictures over three days.

Each day offered four hours of bridge lessons and play with three instructional levels and a nightly sectional tournament. Three and a half hours of recreational fun including 90 minutes at the lakefront were enjoyed each day by everyone. Surprise evening activities included a build-your-own sundae night, game and snack night, a hayride combined with roasting marshmallows to make s'mores and a pizza party on the last night. Plaques were awarded to the top three pairs in the championship tournament. 

So many of the campers exhibited sportsman-like qualities, but one stood out from the rest and was awarded the sportsmanship plaque for exemplifying all-round sportsman-like behavior.

Three sets of grandparents were responsible for sending four grandchildren to Youth Bridge Camp. Now these grandchildren can play with their grandparents! A number of parents reported that on their return home, their campers wanted to play bridge immediately!

“The kids were fun and enjoyable to work with.”  – Staff members

“I wish I could stay a few more days,” and “Heck yeah, I'm coming back!”  – Campers.

The coordinator of Youth Bridge Camp is a baby boomer who has been learning bridge the past few years.  She does not want to see this generation of young people waiting till they are near retirement to learn bridge!

More and more folks are realizing that bridge is not only a card game that is FUN, it is a game which builds critical thinking, math and social skills, as well as sportsmanship.  The counselors, teachers, table coaches, volunteers and coordinators involved with Youth Bridge Camp 2010 as well as those who donated funds believe that our youth are worth the investment of their time, talent and treasure in passing on the legacy of bridge.