The first-ever All Girls Hockey Camp, a collaboration between Lemon Wedge Marketing Group and Meg LeBlanc Fitness, was held this past week at Affinity Place, drawing 100 female athletes from U9 to U22 and marking a significant milestone for female hockey in the region.
The camp, which ran from Aug. 6 to 9, focused on holistic development, combining physical training, health and wellness education, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Melissa Deitz, of Lemon Wedge Marketing Group, said the inspiration for the camp came during a USA versus Canada hockey series in Regina. "The electric atmosphere at the event, filled with young girls, women, and their families, inspired us to consider making an all-girls camp a reality," she said.
Deitz and her business partner Robert Godfrey decided to make the idea a reality by teaming up with Meg LeBlanc Fitness. "We decided the three of us would do a joint venture and create a brand-new all-girls hockey camp," Deitz explained.
The camp swiftly gained traction, drawing significant interest from female entrepreneurs in the community. The collaborative effort of these local entrepreneurs, who shared a genuine enthusiasm for providing an exceptional experience for the girls, was a key factor in the camp's success explained Deitz.
OM Yoga Studios, Prairie Pathway Services, Encompass Fitness, and Extreme Volleyball were among the groups involved in the project, which featured a special Gold Medal Session and on-ice sessions led by three-time Gold Medal Team Canada hockey player Colleen Sostorics.
The response from participants and their families was overwhelmingly positive. “I think we had an absolutely fantastic week, we’ve had tons of very positive feedback from all the parents and the girls,” Deitz added.
For Deitz, the camp was also a personal project, as her daughter is a U15 player. “I’m pretty excited as a mom to be able to be part of this camp as well, and we couldn’t have done it without so many wonderful people,” she said.
Looking ahead, the organizers are already planning future camps with an ambitious vision. “We’re really just excited to bring an all-girls camp to Estevan. We have a vision of why can’t we be Western Canada’s most premier all-female hockey camp. We think we can do that,” Deitz said.
The camp also received strong support from the City of Estevan and Affinity Place. Wilson. “We’re just so excited to bring an opportunity for economic development in our community as well,” Deitz noted.
She concluded by expressing pride in the team's work, calling the experience a highlight of her career.
With plans to grow the camp each year, the All Girls Hockey Camp is set to become a staple in the region, offering young female athletes a place to excel both on and off the ice.