Excitement abounds at youth football camp

It has been said that attitude reflects leadership. If that's true, Carson Oakland, the third-year head coach of the Polson Pirates, is building something special.

Last Tuesday through Thursday, the Pirate football field right next to the high school was jam-packed with boys and girls from kindergarten all the way up to grade seven, excited to take on drills and play games.

The camp is run by Oakland, his staff, players and even a few Montana Grizzlies who came up to join in on the fun, including PHS alum Braunson Henriksen. 

For Oakland it’s all about getting kids and their families to fall in love with the game of football in a fun, safe and competitive environment.

While the camp is all about aiding the next generation of Pirate football players, the three-day experience also benefits the current team going into their next season.

“We try and bring in all our high school players to help,” said Oakland. “You see they’re leaving just as excited as the young kids and it’s because of servant leadership.” 

For Oakland this contributes to a multitude of things like chemistry and team building but it also goes back to one of his biggest goals of helping mold young men who have a positive impact on the community.

If culture is the name of the game, the vibe at the camp can only be described as positive.

Players and coaches alike often met even the smallest kindergartener on their level offering tons of high fives, coaching and encouragement.

“We always tell kids that they can control two things: your attitude and you can control your effort,” said Oakland.

With kids hitting tires and diving for footballs while running back to cheers and high fives from fellow campers and coaches alike, it seems the message is getting through loud and clear.

    Polson Junior Brody Bulette and Polson alum and University of Montana Grizzly Braunson Henriksen show a drill to campers. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
  

    Campers got their chance to get physical learning hitting form on the tackle wheel with cheers from fellow campers and coaches. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
  

Polson coach Ira Brown gets on the level of campers to describe a drill. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)