Greetings Park and Recreation Professionals,

What childhood memories contribute to your health and wellness today?

I often say I was raised by parks and rec — then joke sarcastically that my parents love that statement. This is no slight to my father. When I was young, he enrolled me in gymnastics, baseball (my brother's Little League team, pre-Title IX), basketball and swimming lessons, and made sure I had transportation to and from these activities — all offered through our town’s parks and recreation department.

As I got older, I was often the only girl at basketball camp or open gym. The support of caring adults — through opportunities and words of encouragement — kept me going.

I’ve benefited greatly from afterschool sports programs. Not only did I finance my college education through a basketball scholarship, I learned many lessons that help me today as an adult: teamwork, patience, accepting my uniqueness, how to talk sports, listening, learning and being coachable. And, of course, how to handle being the only female in a group of males (I’m often the sole woman on the golf course on a weekend morning!).

Afterschool activities gave me something to do until my dad was done with work. They helped me develop important skills I use today. This is my story of the positive impact of afterschool programs. There are tons of stories out there from others who benefited — and continue to benefit — from the work of people like you.

Last year, during a #girlsare campaign interview, I was asked: “If you could, what would you go back and tell your 10-year-old self?” My answer? “Be grateful!”

Thank you to the park and rec professionals who held programs afterschool and on weekends — even when my brother and I were the only ones there; to those who kept nets on the park basketball courts; to the community pool lifeguards who watched over our safety every summer day; to those who opened the gym every weekend; to my dad, who provided all the transportation.

These folks provided opportunities and experiences I’d have never had otherwise. Although I didn’t realize the significance then, I do now. I also know that parks and rec professionals like you and all who fight the good fight, ensuring equity and supporting the health and wellness of kids, families and communities—make a difference in shaping positive memories and a great future for all!

Heidi Ham
National AfterSchool Association
Vice President, Programs and Strategy