Basketball, Spring Soccer and Summer Camp
Let’s be Active!

Spring 2020 Newsletter

The 2020 Adapted Basketball Tournament

What would February be without Bustin’ Barriers annual adapted basketball tournament? Our two day basketball extravaganza last month kicked off an exciting slate of activities for 2020.

On February 19th and 20th, over 180 athletes representing eleven middle schools, high schools and community transition programs competed with spirit and camaraderie at Cleveland High School in Portland. Athletes ran, wheeled their way or used walkers to get down the court to pass the ball or make baskets for their teams. Excitement and high-fives all around.

It was great welcoming teams from Grant, Madison, Franklin and Cleveland High Schools, Mt. Tabor, Hosford, Jackson and Beaumont Middle Schools as well as community transition programs from Portland Public Schools and the Centennial School District. A number of schools took public transportation and one even walked to get to the games. (yay, Hosford!). All were aided by caring school staff members who also coached and supported their teams. A heartfelt thank you to the many Cleveland students who volunteered at the tournament providing set-up, check in, play by play commentary, refereeing and individual athlete support.

Many participating athletes and schools look forward to the tournament all year long. They see old friends, await rematches and enjoy strong team spirit. We’re grateful for games well played, sportsmanship, and exciting basketball!

Get Ready for Spring Soccer!

soccer-related games, skill development and scrimmages. Everyone participates at their level and receives the support of volunteers, who enjoy the game and the opportunity to develop relationships with players. Some of the soccer balls we use are adapted and all the  kids get to be physically active and develop skills. Parents are welcome to stay or may drop off their child with our trained staff and volunteers. The cost of the program is $40. To make the program accessible, scholarships are available - with information accessed on the registration form. Click here to register.

We look forward to seeing returning and new soccer players.  Spread the word and register soon!

Then Comes Summer Camp

Not long after the end of Spring Soccer, Bustin’ Barriers will begin its summer camp program. Camps, at multiple sites, will begin in July. We are currently finalizing sites and will make that information available via email, our website and social media. (Follow us on Facebook and Instagram). We’ll publish information by the beginning of April so you can register and your child can plan to enjoy all that camp offers, including our famous weekly talent shows. Volunteer applications with the camp schedule will also be available.

Why do you volunteer at Bustin' Barriers?
I love the environment and the connection. I grow along with the campers who attend Bustin’ Barriers. I really like working with kids and this place gives me experience I could never find anywhere else.

What have you learned from volunteering at Bustin' Barriers?
I’ve learned I’m not the one doing the teaching at camp. It’s the campers who are teaching me something I didn’t know or realize before coming to Bustin’ Barriers.

What’s your favorite activity at Bustin' Barriers?
Definitely going on the play structures with the kids is so much fun. But any activity done at camp is made to be so much fun.

What suggestions do you have for other volunteers?
Be open. Don’t arrive at Bustin’ Barriers thinking you know it all or you can do it all because it takes the team work of volunteers, staff and campers to make camp what it’s supposed to be. We are family here and no one is left out - no matter what.

What’s one of your favorite interests outside of Bustin' Barriers?
I love music! It’s my favorite thing at all times - whether listening, singing (I’m not the best at that) or sometimes writing music.

Thank You

In December, Bustin’ Barriers held its first annual Children’s Art Exhibit and Fundraiser at Murdoch Collections in Northwest Portland. Ceramic tiles painted by summer campers were on display and available for purchase. Large photos of activities offered at Bustin’ Barriers graced a gallery wall, highlighting, not only the fun but importantly, the many relationships that develop among participants, volunteers and coaches. In addition to safe physical activities, meaningful interaction is central to Bustin’ Barriers’ mission.

Perhaps you remember our volunteer profile of Mila, a coach who began her relationship with Bustin’ Barriers as a camper and is now one of our camp coaches. Mila has also become an advocate for individuals experiencing disability. During the exhibit, Mila spoke to an audience of guests. She shared what Bustin’ Barriers has meant to her - from her time as a camper to her role as a coach, and role model to younger campers. We’re so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next!

We want to thank all of you who came to our event and support our organization. We couldn’t offer our services without the support of the community. We’re very grateful for the generous sponsorship provided by Murdoch Collection, Fred Meyer, Trader Joes, PastrySmith, Oak Knoll Winery, Syncline Winery and Villa San-Juliette Winery. You made the event special. We’re also appreciative of our event team headed by Tom Seaman with valuable assistance from Marti and Scott Jacobs, Allyn Smith, photographer Otis Kohnstamm and our board members. We also want to thank individuals who donated to our matching fund challenge generously offered by The Collins Foundation.