Yoyo Camp

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BUSINESS IS CLOSED

“Yo-yoing just makes people happy and we wanted to spread the joy,” explained the co-director of “Camp Yoyo,” Mattias Yotopoulos.”

“After some kids saw us in the park and started asking for tips, we knew there was interest in a yo-yo camp.” said Finn Callaghan, co-director.

The boys, both rising 8th graders who have been friends since elementary school, conceived of Camp Yo-Yo, posted it on a website called Activity Hero and started spreading the word through friends and family. They quickly filled up their first session in June with 10 enthusiastic boys.

To motivate the boys, Mattias and Finn taught the campers a different yo-yo challenge for each day, helped them practice and then tested their skills before free play activities such as ping pong games or swimming. These individualized ‘challenges’ allowed each boy to progress at his own pace.

“This camp is great because there’s no pressure,” remarked West, one of the campers. “It’s ok to try, make mistakes and fail. School can be stressful, but this camp is just fun- it’s a safe place to learn.”

And it’s not just the campers learning; the camp’s founders have also gained some valuable life lessons, according to Finn’s mom Christie Callaghan. “The boys provided yo-yos for all the campers, which ate into their profits,” she explained.

“Because they managed all the decisions, it was up to them to adjust the price of the camp and figure out how to make it all work.”