By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer
HELENA –
Some adjustments had to be made, but rainy weather did not stop the Helena Huskies Summer Baseball Camp from taking place at Helena High School on June 11 and 12.
Despite the conditions, more than 60 kids still came out to work on their baseball skills, a number that pleased head varsity coach PJ Guy.
“It’s a full load out there, it’s a lot of fun,” Guy said.
Despite being on summer break, the high school players showed up in numbers to help out, investing in the next generation of Helena baseball.
“I think my current players have as much fun as the kids do,” Guy said. “It’s kind of the last thing we do for the school year, although school is out. It’s kind of like the finale of our year. The weather was really bad so we ended up having to cut it down to just two days which didn’t damper it too much. Still, I thought it went really well and it seemed like all the kids had a great time.”
Like other youth sports camps in the area, the high school players are not worried about getting better themselves. Rather, they are occupied teaching the kids and helping them develop a better understanding of specific skills.
“When we get a chance to see our current players serve our youth and get out there, some of it makes them uncomfortable because they’re not used to being around young kids,” Guy said. “We do let them run some drills and try to teach it. It puts them in a situation where it helps them grow their communication skills.”
Having the opportunity to work with the community’s youth allows the high school players to accomplish one of the program’s biggest goals–serving others.
“We take a lot of pride in our program, being a family and also giving back and serving,” Guy said. “During the school year, during the baseball season, we always really thrive to serve one another, be great teammates and have a brotherhood.”
The camp is one of Guy’s favorite things the program does each year, as it allows him to connect with future players and start forming a bond with them well before their high school career begins.
“I can remember when they (current players) were that age and my former players from the past would be the ones talking to and instructing them,” Guy said. “The biggest goal for us is we want to connect the dots with our youth parents and players. We want them to know that we want to do this together and do it the right way. Just take pride in wearing a Helena jersey, which is the most important thing.”
Becoming familiar with youth players and their parents allows Guy to develop connections with future players, something he believes is beneficial for the future of the program.
“There’s no doubt,” Guy said. “There are five or six 12-year-olds that I can flat out tell you this was their sixth camp to come to. You build relationships with them and you get to know their parents too.”
Guy and the Huskies care greatly about their performance, but are equally focused on making an impact. Hosting the camp each year allows them to do so.
