Celebrating the Success of BGHC Canada’s 2024 Summer Camp: Empowering Young Women of Color in Hockey
Black Girl Hockey Club Canada (BGHC) is thrilled to share the incredible success of our 2024 Summer Camp, a transformative event that took place this year with 135 young women from across Canada and the United States. The weekend was filled with hockey, empowerment, and community, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.
This year, BGHC’s summer camp was historic in many ways, but perhaps most notably for the fact that all of our coaches were Black women, who led both on-ice and off-ice training. The lineup included professional players and hockey legends such as Saroya Tinker (former pro), Sophie Jaques (PWHL), Mikyla Grant-Mentis (PWHL), and Mariah Hinds (Austria). These inspiring women shared their passion, expertise, and life experiences with the next generation of hockey players, making a profound impact on everyone in attendance.
Camp Highlights: A Weekend Full of Learning and Fun
The camp was open to girls of all skill levels and was structured into four divisions: U18, U15, U10, and Learn to Play. For our Learn to Play division, BGHC outfitted 15-17 girls from head to toe in hockey gear, providing them with the opportunity to get on the ice and experience the sport for the very first time.
The camp wasn’t just about hockey—it was about building confidence, creating community, and celebrating Black women in sports. Here's a glimpse into some of the highlights of the weekend:
Friday Night at Rollerpony: We kicked off the weekend at Rollerpony, an indoor roller-skating rink where the girls enjoyed delicious Caribbean food, roller skating, and vibrant vibes. This laid-back, fun-filled evening set the perfect tone for the days to follow.
On-Ice Sessions: Saturday and Sunday were packed with action, as the girls hit the ice twice each day, working with our coaches on skills development, teamwork, and hockey fundamentals. The girls not only improved their on-ice abilities but also gained a sense of community and camaraderie.
Hair Care with Tangerine Hub: In addition to the hockey training, BGHC partnered with Tangerine Hub, a Black-owned hair care brand, for a special session focused on hair care and confidence. It was a powerful opportunity for the girls to connect, learn, and embrace their natural beauty.
Self-Defense with Cupid Sting: On Sunday, the girls participated in a self-defense session with Cupid Sting, where they learned valuable skills that will help them feel empowered both on and off the ice.
A Diverse Group of Participants from Across North America
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 BGHC Summer Camp was the diversity of the participants. We welcomed girls from across Canada and the United States, including places as far as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Virginia, and Florida. The camp truly became a gathering of young women of color from all corners of North America, united by their love for hockey and their desire to break barriers in the sport.
Gratitude to Canlan Ice Sports
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Canlan Ice Sports, who graciously hosted our camp and provided the ideal setting for all of our on-ice training sessions. Their partnership helped make this event possible and ensured that all the young girls had a safe, professional, and supportive environment to develop their skills.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Next Generation
As we look back on the success of the 2024 BGHC Summer Camp, we’re reminded of the impact of community and the importance of representation in sports. By bringing together so many inspiring Black women coaches, and offering this camp completely free of cost, BGHC was able to provide an empowering and supportive environment for young girls to thrive.
This year’s camp has set the bar high, but we’re already looking ahead to next year’s summer camp and beyond. Our commitment to creating opportunities for young women of color in hockey is unwavering, and we can’t wait to continue building this community in the years to come.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s camp a success, and congratulations to the amazing young women who attended. You are the future of hockey, and we’re proud to be part of your journey. Together, we will continue to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of leaders in the game.
Until next year, keep skating, keep growing, and keep shining!
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