Solanco's Mini Mules field hockey camp teaches basics

    There's a new name but the principles remain the same. Solanco's annual field hockey camp has rebranded and is now known as Mini Mules.
    Previously called Little Sister Big Sister, the name change reflects the inclusivity of the camp and shows that boys are also welcome to attend.

    Several boys also took part in the first year of the Mini Mules' indoor program.
    In addition, the new name is in line with other nearby programs. For example, Octorara's camps are called "Budding Braves".
    "Also, I've always wanted to call it Mini Mules," Solanco varsity field hockey coach Whitney Hawkins said with a laugh.
    The Mini Mules summer camp was held at the high school last week.
    There were 44 participants between the ages of kindergarten through 9th grade, plus some girls who plan to tryout for the high school team but have not played field hockey before.
    "We're pretty much teaching them the basics of field hockey," said Hawkins.
    "When we had the winter league, it's a totally different ballgame, playing on a court rather than the grass. It's totally different. So we're focusing on teaching them the basics and getting them out, enjoying playing, and trying new things."
    The experience is also beneficial for the Mules' high school players, many of whom have worked previous summer camps as well as the first season of the indoor program.
    "I know coaching a team over the winter they really enjoyed it," Hawkins said. "It taught them a lot of leadership skills as well as patience and understanding. I think it helped with their communication between each other. If someone is struggling with something, they learn different ways to instruct it. If maybe the way I'm describing it isn't getting through to them, having a teammate who can relay it to them in a way they can understand is helpful. But they've definitely enjoyed being in charge."
    "Just to see the little kids and how they grow throughout the years is exciting," incoming senior Julianna Tice said. "Some of the kids I've had since I started on the high school team. It's just crazy to see how they've grown."
    The camp is one of Tice's favorite weeks of the summer
    "Seeing how much they enjoy coming each day and what they do," Tice said.
    Hawkins is continuing to try to build the program from the ground up. "We also are trying to start a youth program," Hawkins said. The L-L (Lancaster-Lebanon League) just started a youth program. There's another program that runs out of Next Level Field Hockey. We just weren't able to get any coaches to coach it. It's all volunteer. If we could get people to do that, then we'd be able to have a youth program during the fall so the kids get used to playing in the fall and see how games are structured."