Last Updated on September 2, 2024
Whether you’re a summer or winter athlete, there’s always something fun going on in your sport. Even in your off-season, there are activities designed to help you stay conditioned and connect with other athletes.
If you’re looking for some fun adventures in your sport, or you want to try something new, here are five fun adventures you can experience.
1. The Leadership Development Program for rowers in New Zealand
Rowing is a serious sport. If you’re passionate about developing yourself and your skills, and you’re between the ages of 15-19, you have to check out this 5-week Leadership Development Program.
This program, offered by Sparks Rowing, is described as “a five week, lifetime level opportunity for bold, experienced rowers to transform athletically and personally via the sport, the setting, and their cohort.” Former participants have called this program “the most educational and worthy experience of my life.”
This Leadership Development Program is designed to develop rowers not just physically, but mentally as well. Throughout the program, participants will train in various locations across New Zealand, including Queenstown and other scenic venues.
The program consists of various training activities, including informal races at international performance standards. During the training, participants will receive world champion level training to transform their relationship with the sport for their benefit.
The best part is that U.S. collegiate recruiters will be present, and you can get a better understanding of what you want and expect from a university community.
2. Various marathons
Do you love running marathons? If you enjoy a good marathon, you can start training at any time for various marathons across the United States or the entire world.
You’ll probably find at least a few marathons happening every month in the U.S., even in the winter. However, the winter marathons are more likely to be held in areas that don’t experience adverse weather like snowstorms.
To find a marathon near you, or scope out some new adventures, check out this list published by MarathonGuide.com. There aren’t many marathons scheduled for December, but there are a handful mostly in Florida, with one each in Texas and Washington state.
3. Brand name sports camps
Major sports brands like Nike host sports camps for kids in the summer and through fall. These camps are heavily funded, so there are plenty of sports to choose from. For example, Nike offers the following sports camps for youth:
- Skateboarding
- Snowboarding
- Baseball
- Softball
- Swimming
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Golf
- Football
- Field hockey
- Gymnastics
- Rugby
- Hockey
- And more
No matter where you live, you can find a fun sporting adventure nearby.
4. Athletes in Action Ultimate Training Camp
The Athletes in Action Ultimate Training Camp brings together a love of sports with the love of God. This is one of the only sports camps that builds a spiritual community alongside an athletic community.
There are camps for just about everyone, including youth and high school athletes, college athletes, and even entire teams. These programs help participants become strong leaders in their sport and in their personal lives.
5. Local community center sports teams
Don’t forget about your local community center sports teams. Playing recreationally can be rewarding when you don’t take yourself so seriously. You’ll play people from all walks of life, with various skill levels from absolute beginner to well-seasoned athletes.
Aside from having the opportunity to play your sport, recreational teams provide a special opportunity to develop your skills as a team player, not just related to the sport, but as a human being.
Recreational sports teams can be highly frustrating for experienced athletes, but look at it this way. Are you willing to help your teammates develop their skills? Give them some pointers? And support them no matter their skill level? Those are team player skills that will help you anywhere in life, whether you’re playing a sport or leading your team at work.
Choose your next athletic adventure
What adventure will you pursue? Will you fly around the world to attend a training camp or stick closer to home? Whatever you choose, remember to have fun. Unless you’re in a highly individualized sport, teamwork is the most important skill you could possibly develop.
