On August 1, I had the opportunity to return to the Born To Shine summer camp, hosted by Project Shine and Vancouver Urban Ministries, to teach darts to children from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. This marked my second year being part of the camp, and once again, I was welcomed by a group of energetic and curious young learners.

Over 40 kids participated this year, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 5, along with several amazing teen volunteers. Their focus and enthusiasm made the experience especially meaningful. I brought my son along to help demonstrate, and I think it made a real difference. The kids could relate to him. Seeing someone close to their age confidently throw darts seemed to inspire them to pay closer attention and stay engaged throughout the session.

To deepen the experience, I introduced my B.E.E.F. reminder cards — a simple framework I created to connect darts technique with life lessons: Balance, Elbow Up, Eyes on Target, and Follow Through.

We talked about how “Balance” is not only important in throwing darts but also in everyday life — like learning to manage time between homework and play, or choosing between candy and healthy food. Darts became more than just a game. It became a way to reflect on personal growth, focus, and decision making.

Being part of this camp two years in a row has reminded me why I started iDartsLife. It’s not just about improving technique. It’s about creating moments of growth, connection, and confidence. I’m deeply thankful for this experience, and I hope the kids left with something more than just a fun memory — maybe a new sense of focus, a little more confidence, or simply the feeling that someone believed in them.

If darts can help even one child feel more grounded or more seen, then it’s all worth it.