Christian camp Fun and Freedom continues to grow with faith, sports

A vision that grew from a love for God and sports is continuing to grow each year.

Fun and Freedom, a Christian-based nonprofit, held its annual four-day camp, which wraps up Friday in Springdale. . In its first year in 2009, the camp had 54 campers. This year, the count grew to 153 campers and 150 counselors. The camp has averaged 100 campers each year, said Penny Houston, camp administrator and one of the board of directors.

“This year was the earliest and quickest kids registered for the camp. We have had a waitlist the last couple years,” Houston said.

A camp was not held for the first time in 11 years because of covid in 2020. Houston said the absence of the camp made for more excitement the following year.

There are 12 squads split up by six girls and six boys. The teams participate in various sports activities each day, such as basketball, volleyball, golf, pickleball, handball and more.

The nonprofit was founded by the late Deeni Riddle in 2003 out of her desire to provide a Christian youth sports organization that combined her love of children, sports and God.

Riddle served as the physical education teacher at Allegheny Valley School District for 30 years and coached the high school girls basketball team and collegiate women’s basketball teams.

She learned from college athletes that they felt too much pressure trying to win and play, said Lorie Sakala, sports director and another board member.

“Fun and Freedom was developed to give kids a chance to have the fun and freedom to enjoy their sports,” she said.

An idea to hold a day camp was prompted when camp director Ian McCutcheon pitched the idea after attending a camp in Boswell. His parents, David and Jeannine, would help him in bringing the vision to life. He said it was cool to see something he created continue to evolve over the years.

“It invests in the kids and helps the community,” McCutcheon said.

The board of directors described the annual camp as a community affair with neighbors and friends offering help, including providing spaces at their homes for Bible studies.

“It is exciting to see God’s work and campers coming through the camp to become leaders,” Sakala said.

Lynn Rodden, one of the camp nurses, offered space in her garage for a study to be held. She has helped the nonprofit since 2009.

“It’s a lot of fun to hear laughter and seeing the kids. Everyone is happy to see them. It’s a great community event,” Rodden said.

Joshua Hull, a Bible study teacher, works at Riverside Community Church, where the McCutcheons recruited him for help.

“The kids are incredible. I learn so much,” he said. “To the see the excitement and passion to be involved is cool.”

Many of the counselors started out as campers before assuming their leadership roles.

Ethan Winkler is a senior counselor at the camp. The 16-year-old remembers being involved with Fun and Freedom since he was 4. He participated in its basketball camp and caught wind of the day camp through it.

He said becoming a counselor has allowed him to put himself in the kids’ shoes, understanding how hard it must have been keeping track of him when he was their age.

He enjoys being able to make a difference in the kids’ days. They most likely were looking to get out of the house and have some fun, Winkler said.

“I love seeing the kids happy and making their day,” he said.

Morgan Fitzgerald has been a senior coach the past two years. The 18-year-old said the best part about camp is being able to relive being a kid again.

“It is a lot of fun, and I enjoy being in younger kids’ lives and seeing I can have a big impact on their lives,” Fitzgerald said.

Returning campers enjoy the positive and fun atmosphere the camp provides.

Nico Bonidie, 12, of Ellwood City said he learned he was a lot more athletic than he thought.

Camille Swink, 12, of Springdale said the camp inspired her to pursue playing basketball because it allowed her to find out that she was good at it. She encourages anyone who has not tried out the camp to sign up next year.

“Kids don’t know what they’re missing out on,” she said.