In its 12th year, Polar Bear Rugby Camp (PBRC) engaged a great group of coaches and players at for four days of learning, questioning and playing the game. The annual assembly occurred from July 11-14 on the beautiful campus of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and again featured top-level instruction and eager participants.
Close to 60 campers aged 14-22 years old reported to Vacationland, and they represented rugby teams from all over the U.S., Canada and Hong Kong.
“Every year we see big smiles on faces and they learn a lot to take back to their teams,” Camp director and head coach MaryBeth Mathews enthused. “The ability to meet and play rugby with so many different players interested in the same thing was a delight to many and really expanded their view of the game.”
Coaches who enrolled in Earnshaw’s instruction
Attendees submitted evaluations after camp and their highlights included: the number of and accessibility to camp coaches, the ability to get one-on-one skill work, well organized sessions, skill building put into fun games, scoring systems that taught a brand new skill or focus area, and of course the great food at Bowdoin College!
In addition to the outdoor sessions on the pitch, the attendees noted the relevance of Jenni Laferriere’s Strength, Conditioning and Nutrition session (@the_gainzter), a College Admission Essay Writing session with Karen Fong-Donahue (Rugger’s Edge), the game analysis video session, and the importance of Kate Nicholson‘s Mindfulness Hour to check in with ourselves and balance our physical, emotional and mental health.
“PBRC was welcoming and fun,” a high school junior commented. “It’s a great place to make connections with other girls and coaches, and to expand your knowledge and skills of the game. They really cater to your level of experience and you learn a lot!”
PBRC staff
Campers also loved the spontaneous interactions with Russell Earnshaw, RFU Level 4 Coach Educator and Mentor in the U.K., and his special group of coaches who joined him in a Coaching Immersion long weekend.
“I’m grateful for Polar Bear Rugby Camp for providing me the opportunity to grow in my coaching and for introducing me to a network of amazing coaches around the country to share ideas and resources with,” said attendee Ali Gennaro, head coach of University of New Hampshire Women’s Rugby. “I recommend Rusty’s course to anyone looking to push their game forward and make great connections within the women’s rugby coaching community.”
For more information on the Polar Bear Rugby Camp, its history, staff, and more:
– visit https://polarbearrugbycamp.com,
– check out @polarbearrugbycamp on Facebook or Instagram, or
– email polarbearrugbycamp@gmail.com.