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In conclusion of the Golf and Tennis Academy’s second year running their amazing sports summer camp in Casa de Campo, here we have a message to all of you from Marisa Farrell Arteaga, founder of the GTA Sports Camp.
The following collection of photos were taking during the GTA Sports Camp, from June 28th to July 12th :It’s getting better all the time – by Marisa Farrell Arteaga
How do I feel concluding the 2nd year of GTA@CASADECAMPO? Just like the Beatles song, “It’s getting better all the time…” Our second year was, in every aspect bigger, better and greater than last year. Besides the obvious reasons of why our second year would be better than the first; (experience, more knowledge, better preparedness, etc,) there were some key elements that contributed to GTA’s success. First and foremost is Casa de Campo’s commitment to the GTA Sports Camp and its vision. Without the support of the administration of Casa de Campo and its owners, this vision would have never gotten off the ground. Spearheading this vision was Peter Bonnell [Casa de Campo’s chief marketing officer], who, with his incredible “can do” mentality, gave us the courage and tools to make this dream come true. Thank you Peter for your support and unwavering commitment to GTA. Secondly, the incredibly talented and professional personnel that we have been so blessed to be surrounded with. GTA’s coaches, counselors, staff, etc. have been essential to our success. Our top notch professional instructors, Eric Lillibridge, Josh Kirk, Maria Mora, Emilio, Miguel and Fran (the latter three being pro’s at the La Terraza Tennis Club), who directed GTA’s Sports Programs, were amazing. So were Kaira Castillo and her entire team of counselors. Also, Carolina Uribe in the events department; her organizing made it all possible. Lastly is the location. Casa de Campo is truly a paradise and the hub for The Sporting Life. Where better for young athletes to train and improve their sport skills, than on the beautiful grounds of Casa de Campo? 2014 GTA highlights included:
- Our excursion to Macao Surf Camp. Our day trip started with a fun bus drive to Macao Beach. Once there and completely in awe of the beautiful surroundings, campers were given a 30 minute instruction on how to surf. EVERYONE was able to ride a wave… it was awesome. To top off the day, Rafaelito from Macao Surf Club had organized a delicious lunch on the beach consisting of fried fish, chicken, tostones, french fries, rice with coco (absolutely delicious) and salad.
- Amazing Race (scavenger hunt) – this was one of GTA campers’ most entertaining nights. A list of creative & fun challenges were presented to the teams with a limit of 30 minutes to complete. Amongst the challenges were: a photo of the team members and the chef in the kitchen, a video of a stranger singing to a team member, a photo of an animal with a team member…. BOTH TEAMS came in before the time allotted and all challenges were completed!
- Community Service Program: GTA has a weekly community service program. On the first week we visited the Fundación MIR and on the second week we visited the Hogar del Niño. All GTA campers were very impressed with the two foundations and the great outreach programs they offer.
- The Wild Ranch Canopy Adventure: a great introduction for all the campers, with team building activities, ranging from zip lining, a Tarzan swing, horseback riding, kayaking and mountain biking.
- On the last day of camp, GTA’s Top Skilled Soccer Program had a friendly scrimmage against the La Romana co-ed soccer team.
Volunteering at the Fundación MIR
GTA Campers had the opportunity to experience a variety of restaurants at Casa de Campo. Campers got to experience Chinois, La Piazzetta, La Casita, La Cana and The Beach Club by Le Cirque. On our last evening, campers gathered at the Beach Club by Le Cirque on Minitas Beach and enjoyed a great dining experience followed by a private movie in one of the bungalows.
We had an international group of campers this year, from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Italy, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and from various parts of the U.S., including California, New York, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, and Miami. GTA Sports Camp dates for the summer of 2015 are July 11th through August 1st. GTA’s future plans include adding sailing, and an “adventure camp”. In the adventure camp, the kids will do mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and other activities instead of one specific sport. The potential at Casa de Campo is endless!
