In this Transformation Tuesday special, Field Champion Danielle shares how she is inspired by the programs and youth:

I recently ran Pure Game’s 8-week program at Canyon Acres. Though a small group, we were able to play many games, including soccer, and we worked through the character education material.

Though it rained on the last day, we were able to play inside. I was forced to be creative and use my imagination to come up with engaging games for the kids. As a Field Champion, we are always focused on teaching, inspiring and supporting the youth but we tend to forget to continuously learn, to be inspired and to be supported by others too.

Many of the kids had a tough time playing inside as they prefer to use their endless amounts of energy on the soccer field. Though they had fun playing “I love my neighbor” charades and a relay race game, they struggled a bit on being creative and using their imagination. I decided to change the lesson for the day to be about creativity: why it’s important to be creative and why it’s important to use our imagination and think outside the box.

What made this day so special was that not only was I teaching the kids about creativity, the program taught me about creativity too! I always end programs by asking the kids to share what they learned and enjoyed. It was amazing to hear how much fun they had and how much they learned. It was also a time for me to thank them and share what I learned.

After the program, I was able to take some time to myself and really look back at all I have been taught and inspired by the Pure Game team and the youth we serve. One of the most important things I have been inspired by is the amount of optimism the kids at Canyon Acres show each and everyday. No matter their past, their struggles or their losses, they always seem to find hope. They show up with big smiles and always care for everyone around them.

I hear often how much I inspire the kids but I have to say the kids are the ones who inspire me!

- Danielle, Pure Game Field Champion

To read more about Pure Game’s program at Canyon Acres, click here.