Barefoot Buddies gets ready to host 5th annual volleyball camp for kids with special needs.
- May 4
- 2 min read
Special to Beneath the Surface News
(The following was written by Chiraz Mansouri, a mother of two children who attend Barefoot Buddies annual summer volleyball camp for children and teens with special needs.)
“I’m a parent of two athletes who participate in Barefoot Buddies Adaptive Volleyball Camp here in Stephenville.
“Barefoot Buddies is celebrating its 5th season this June, and what started as a simple act of kindness has become something incredibly meaningful for so many families like mine.
“This camp is the only free summer program in our area offering children and teens with special needs a consistent, inclusive activity once a week throughout June.
“As a parent, I can tell you, it’s so much more than volleyball.
“Through adaptive stations and the support of dedicated ‘buddies,’ these athletes build confidence, improve physical skills, and most importantly, form real connections with positive role models.
“It’s a place where they are seen, included and celebrated exactly as they are.
“And for families like mine, it’s priceless.
“We get to sit back and watch our kids thrive in an environment that doesn’t always exist for them elsewhere. That’s something truly special.
“This camp was founded by two local coaches, Kristin Dupre and John Linne, whose hearts for this community turned one idea into something that is now impacting dozens of families each year.
“And the most incredible part, it remains 100% free, powered entirely by donations and volunteers.
“With the camp growing every year, raising awareness is more important than ever, not just for participation, but to help sustain it through sponsors and community support.”
This year’s camp will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Click here to register.
For more information, call Kristin Dupre at 254-485-2471 or email krisdupre@hotmail.com.
Great to see programs like Barefoot Buddies creating inclusive spaces where kids can build confidence, skills, and friendships through sports. Supporting this with personal growth resources like Stratford Career Institute can also be valuable, as it offers flexible online courses that help individuals and families develop new skills at their own pace while balancing daily life and commitments.