Okay, so my kid’s dead set on trying out for the high school basketball team this summer. Figured I’d put together a checklist after seeing how messy things got last year for other families. Wanna share how I tackled this.
Step 1: Digging Up Camp Info
First thing, I grabbed my coffee and hopped online. Searched our school district’s athletics page like crazy. Nothing yet. Ugh. Called the high school office – dude there told me dates probably drop late spring, but to check back weekly. Wrote down “CHECK SCHOOL SITE EVERY MONDAY” in big letters on my kitchen whiteboard.
Step 2: The Physical Nightmare
Last year, everyone scrambled for docs last-minute. Not us this time! Made Doc appointment three months early. Still needed to hound ’em:
- Called clinic twice to confirm they do “sports physicals specifically for school camps”
- Asked for TWO copies of the form – one for us, one for school
- Put that paper in a bright red folder labeled “DO NOT TOUCH” immediately
Kid rolled his eyes, but hey, no panic later.
Step 3: Gear Shakedown
Pulled out last season’s stuff. Disaster. Moldy water bottle, ripped practice jersey, shoes with holes. Took us an hour just cleaning out the gym bag. Made a pile:
- Things to replace now (ankle braces, that nasty bottle)
- Things to buy closer to camp (new kicks, extra socks)
- Things to scavenge (still usable arm sleeves, that one clean towel)
Step 4: Unofficial Conditioning
Kid thought he could just show up cold. Nope. Found free local park workouts every Saturday morning. Tagged along once – pure torture. Just basic drills like suicides and box jumps had us both gasping. Got him doing bodyweight stuff at home Tuesdays/Thursdays now. Hid the PlayStation controllers until he does ’em.
The “Oh Crap” Moment
Almost screwed up big time. Didn’t realize some camps need proof of residency paperwork. Overheard another mom at the grocery store stressing about it. Ran home, dug through files for utility bills like a maniac. Added “RESIDENCY PROOF” to checklist in all caps with three exclamation points.
So yeah, that’s my mess so far. Camp dates finally dropped yesterday – July 7th start. Checklist’s taped to the fridge: physical forms, gear receipts, residency docs, even a reminder to bake extra snacks because that kid eats like a bear after drills. Feel like a project manager, but hey, beats last year’s chaos!