This year, Boys and Girls Country of Houston partnered with the Waller County Sports Association (WCSA) to give our kids the opportunity to play little league baseball and softball. As a result, many of our kids are playing an organized sport for the first time. What a joy it is to see our children hitting and catching the ball and having a great time. Some of our kids have hit their first home run, and some of them have found a position they may play for many years to come. A few of them were even selected for the WCSA All- Star Team.
I have to admit there have been some hard lessons learned along the way. There have been errors, strikeouts and losses. Over the years I have heard people say, “Playing sports builds character.” While I do believe playing sports can teach children important lessons about leadership and hard work, I know that playing sports does reveal character. In sports, we see the players who blame others when times get tough, and we see those who rise to the occasion when faced with adversity. We all hope that our kids will be the latter.
We know without a doubt that every child at Boys and Girls Country is an All Star! Their all-star status goes far beyond a batting average or performance on the field. Every player has a fan club, a group of people who support and cheer them on regardless of wins and losses. One of my favorite quotes is from psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner who once said, “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.” At Boys and Girls Country, we are insanely crazy about the children we serve and their successes. But, more importantly, we tell our children their Heavenly Father is their Creator and very biggest fan. The psalmist in the Old Testament declared, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14 English Standard Version).
My prayer is that our kids will continue to have the confidence that we are in their corner, and we applaud their every effort, win or lose.
It has been another busy summer at Boys and Girls Country as our kids participate in on-campus enrichment programs and enjoy cottage vacations. Church youth camps are always a highlight as our kids continue their spiritual growth development. We had a large senior class this year – 13 All Stars have successfully entered our College and Career Program. Once again, you helped us make this happen, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.