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University of Miami Rec Sports Camp reaches out to peers at Loyola University New Orleans

Kids show support for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Mini Canes campers making the tie-dyed shirts in arts and crafts class for the Loyola campers.

Loyola campers wearing the Mini Canes tie-dyed shirts

Mini Canes camp group, the Dolphins (ages 9 years), made the quilt for the Loyola camp.

Counselors hold up the colorful quilt for the Loyola campers.

Hurricane Katrina created a trail of destruction throughout the Gulf Coast region of the United States, most notably in the city of New Orleans. New Orleans residents have been steadfast in their recovery, aided by compassionate volunteers and supporters around the country.

Miami is no stranger to the imminent danger and aftermath of hurricanes. As a result, the University of Miami’s Mini Canes Recreational Sports Camp recently banded together to contribute to the relief effort for Hurricane Katrina in a unique way. Impacted by the hardship of recovery, the Mini Canes sister sports camp, located at Loyola University, New Orleans, has remained in operation. Campers at the Mini Canes camp demonstrated their heartfelt generosity and kindness by crafting tie-dyed t-shirts for their peer campers in New Orleans. In addition to the t-shirts, the New Orleans campers also received necklaces and personalized cards created by the Mini Canes.

However, the generosity of the campers did not come to a close at end of the camp day. Parents also joined the effort, donating $354 for gift cards to send along with the children’s creations to the campers affected by Hurricane Katrina. These gift cards provided “a way to raise funds for a family’s basic needs, the needs that we tend to take for granted,” says Rhonda DuBord, camp director at the University of Miami.

The support project tied in with the mission of the eight-week summer camp, “Becoming a Better U,” aimed at building character in campers ages 6 to 12 while enlightening them to new experiences. “Sports are a wonderful vehicle for kids to learn how to be a part of a team and master new skills. The campers learn life skills which translate into becoming better citizens in their community, as well as rules of the game, sportsmanship and conflict resolution," says DuBord.

The Mini Canes had one last surprise for the Loyola campers: a handmade quilt. This quilt, decorated by campers, symbolizes the gifts of friendship and compassion. The Mini Canes composed small encouraging messages such as “U rock” and other phrases which creatively adorned quilt along with other decorations.