CONNECTING YOUTH TO THE ROOTS OF LACROSSE

The camp focused on teaching youth about the meaning of the game and the significance of the wooden stick. Participants learned how the game has evolved over time and how plastic sticks have become the norm in some leagues. Throughout the week, they also heard inspiring stories about where the game can take you when you work hard both in the classroom and on the field or in the box: from high school and prep school to college and even professional lacrosse.

Each youth in attendance was gifted a wooden lacrosse stick along with plastic field heads and mesh kits from Evan Cree at Traditional Lacrosse.

Several guest speakers joined throughout the week to share their experiences and knowledge of the game:

Kiowere Rourke spoke about his playing career and how the game has shaped his life. As a master stringer, he also helped the youth string their sticks during the week.

Karatoten Lazore shared how lacrosse helped him get his life back on the right path and what the game means to him.

Ky Tarbell spoke about his playing and coaching career and shared what coaches look for during team tryouts. He also ran drills with the youth in the gym. Ky brought along an old stick that Mike Benedict had given him when he was young, just like the youth attending the camp. He also brought in a pair of Ottawa Rebel gloves signed by Mike Benedict during his time playing for them. Ky shared that he and his brother, Kason Tarbell of the Georgia Swarm (NLL), both wear the number 15 because of Mike’s influence.

Thanaokatha Elijah and Kyren Lazore spoke about the opportunities the game can provide, including playing in high school, prep school, and college, while also teaching important life lessons.  

Wayne Baker shared stories from his playing career, including his time living and playing in British Columbia. He brought a photo album from those years, which the youth enjoyed looking through. Wayne recruited Mike Benedict to play in BC for his North Shore Indians Sr. A team in the summer of 1996, a summer Mike still recalls as one of the best of his career.

Johnson Jimerson spoke about the respect and deeper meaning of the game. He also talked about the medicine game and how it was played in the old days. Johnson led the youth in a smudge and finished with a mock medicine game in the gym.

A huge niawenkó:wa to all of the presenters, organizers and attendees. Thank you to Three Feathers Internet Cafe, Cheyy’s Place, and Papa’s Cuisine for providing delicious breakfasts, lunches, and drinks throughout the week. Nia:wen as well to the St. Regis Mohawk School for allowing the group to use their facility during the school break.