Farley Gives Back Through Summer Camp
7/18/2018 10:33:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics, Features
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Sophomore Lauren Farley took a month-long break from gymnastics this summer to serve as a role model for kids at a Kanakuk summer camp in Branson, Missouri.
The University of Michigan women's gymnast had attended the Christian-based sports camp for five years when she was younger but had to stop going because of her gymnastics time commitments. She always knew she wanted to go back and serve as a counselor.
"I remember how awesome the counselors were," said Farley. "I looked up to them and wanted to be just like them. I thought it would be such a neat opportunity to try and give back and pour everything into these girls just like those counselors poured into me."
Farley spent a week-and-a-half training to be a counselor and then was put in charge of a group of 11 10-year-old girls along with one other counselor for the two-week camp. The kids enjoyed activities like archery, tubing and even some tumbling, which Farley was asked to lead, of course.
Growing up, Farley had great experiences at the camps. Her favorite part was when the camp divided into two "tribes" and competed against each other. She fondly recalls being the jump rope and hopscotch champion.
For Farley, being a counselor was a special experience. She was not only able to serve as a mentor for the campers, but she also worked alongside other college students from around the country.
"During the staff training we were setting up the camp and made potentially a lifelong friend while we were pulling weeds," said Farley. "One night we sat in a circle for hours, talking to each other about things that were hard and real."
As much as the camp made an impression on Farley, she made an equal or bigger impression on the campers.
"On the last day, as the kids were getting ready to go back to their parents, we took a moment to pray for them," said Farley. "When I finished my prayer and looked up every single girl was crying because they had to go. It was so sweet. I loved them a lot."
Farley has a history of giving back to the community, as referenced in this feature last year. She spent her freshman year at Michigan making weekly visits to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and wants to find other places in Ann Arbor where she can give back.
Student-athletes know that they are role models on and off the field and Farley continues to do her part.
"I started going to a church in Ann Arbor and there were two little girls there who come to gymnastics meets a lot," said Farley. "When they found out who I was, they were so excited. It was so fun for me, too, because I love kids."
Now that the camp is over, Farley is back in Ann Arbor training for her sophomore season. The month-long break gave her an opportunity to recover from her freshman season and refresh her mind. If anything, the camps just fueled her competitive spirit.
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