Summer Sports Clinic: Building Skills Through Play in Great Falls 

This summer, AWARE’s Therapeutic Recreation team launched the first-ever Summer Sports Clinic in Great Falls, a five-week experience created to introduce kids to movement, sportsmanship, and emotional resilience through play. 

Why It Started 

The idea came from a desire to help kids enjoy movement while learning real-world lessons. Led by Paul Bjoren, Occupational Therapist, Sports Program Coordinator, and Brandon Wild, Assistant Sports Program Coordinator, this program was designed to give the participants a place to try something new and work through challenges in a safe environment. 

“I wanted kids to know it’s okay to get frustrated and it’s okay not to win. What matters is showing up, giving it your best, and learning to try again.” – Brandon 

What the Clinic Looked Like 

This summer, each week brought a new sport that encouraged kids to build skills, work together, and practice perseverance. We kicked things off with 10 kids eager to play kickball, followed by a rainy but spirited game of frisbee golf with 11 participants who didn’t let the weather dampen their fun. Bocce offered a quieter week. Pickleball was a highlight, with 12 students from kindergarten through sixth grade learning not just the game, but also healthy ways to manage big emotions in a structured setting. The season wrapped up with bowling, where 20 kids filled the lanes with laughter, closing out summer on a high note. 

Each sport brought its own challenges, and each week gave kids a new chance to practice resilience, emotional regulation, and social connection. 

Looking Ahead 

The Sports Program team hopes this is just the beginning. The vision is to expand the Summer Sports Clinic into other communities served by AWARE’s School-Based Mental Health and FACT programs. 

Brandon emphasizes that the clinic goes far beyond physical activity. For him, it’s about creating opportunities for participants to build confidence and develop coping skills that will last well beyond the season. 

Stay Tuned! 

More exciting programming is on the way as the Therapeutic Recreation team continues to explore creative ways to support children’s emotional, mental, and physical health through play. We can’t wait to share what’s next.