Vancouver Island Camp Tour, 2025

When I started One Sky Sports, it was with a vision: a world where the unifying power of sport transcends barriers- bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to build a more connected, empowered, and harmonious global community. Our mission is to inspire and uplift through sport, fostering inclusivity, equity, and mutual respect across the globe. Our motto, “Different jerseys, same sky.” is a reminder that even thought we may cheer for a different team, we are all connected under the same sky. It is also deeply personal—when I’m away from home, I tell Poppy we’re always looking up at the same sky.

Half Court Hoops was the flagship program that launched One Sky Sports. Designed for Grade 5-6 students, the program prioritizes rural, Indigenous, low-income, and all-girls schools/ communities. My goal was simple: bring high-quality basketball programming to youth who might not otherwise have access.

I wanted to start the school visits for a few reasons:

• Growing up in a small town in central Saskatchewan, I understand firsthand how impactful it is when an Olympian or elite athlete visits. I was lucky to attend camps that helped shape who I am, and I know that travel to remote communities isn’t always easy—or possible. 

• Through the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League (LSIBL), we identified a critical gap: many youth, especially girls, were missing out on opportunities to play organized basketball simply because they hadn’t had the chance to try. Our camps aim to build confidence and competence so the athletes feel comfortable joining LSIBL or similar leagues.

• Research shows that girls drop out of sports at a much higher rate during adolescence. We’re trying to change that—by making the experience fun, empowering, and inclusive.

• Though I love my leadership role with LSIBL, the moments I’m on the court—sharing knowledge, connecting with youth—are the ones I treasure most.

I was incredibly fortunate to cross paths with a few remarkable individuals who embraced my dream with open arms, nurtured the vision alongside me, and elevated the entire experience—making it a hundred times more meaningful, powerful, and unforgettable.

THE DREAM TEAM

I’m incredibly grateful to Jess and Scott Lake; friends, champions, and supporters of LSIBL. We were invited and trusted to visit these communities to share our love and passion for basketball  because of the relationships they have fostered. This tour would not have been possible without their support.

Another key person behind the scenes was Lauri Thompson (“Lo To”), the Director of Philanthropy for the All One Fund. Lauri brought so much energy and care to every detail of the tour. She met us at each stop with a van full of basketballs and left gear behind for each community- to ensure the momentum we created didn’t end when we left.

And then there’s Daniel “Ferg” Ferguson- assistant coach at the University of Lethbridge and a good friend. We bonded over our love of the game and mutual respect as athletes. Ferg is one of the most grounded, authentic people I know. His energy and connection with the kids made him the perfect travel partner. Plus, as a former local to the island, he was stoked to combine basketball, nature, and a little adventure.

Victoria

We kicked things off in Victoria. Sunday night was spent at the Lake’s home, where we were welcomed with incredible food, ocean views (and a seal sighting!), and driveway basketball games spanning many generations- from ages 9 to 88. There’s nothing quite like being welcomed into such a generous and genuine community.

Our first camp was held at CARSA on the University of Victoria campus with the Lil’Qelaxen girls team, coached by the incredible Kim Graves- UVic National Champion and school VP. The team’s energy and spirit were contagious. They felt safe, strong, and empowered- clearly a reflection of Kim’s leadership. One athlete even crossed me up and hit a pull-up jumper to beat me one-on-one. The group erupted with cheers and I loved it.

Their team jerseys—purple, butterfly-themed with tribal prints- are a symbol of transformation. One athlete explained they chose the butterfly because they, too, are growing and changing. They gifted Poppy one of their jerseys, and in a beautiful twist of fate, it was #7 (my jersey number that Poppy has also adopted).

Lauri picked up lunch and we made our way to St. Margaret School, which is an all-girls private school whose values and leadership team echoed care, connection, curiosity, and challenge. When speaking with the leadership team over lunch, they talked about the transformation they notice in girls when they come to the school, how empowered they become in who they are- how they walk with their shoulders back.

We ran two camps- Grades 5–6 and Grades 7–8. The girls were competitive and driven, yet great teammates. Like Poppy, they wanted to be great immediately, so we reminded them that mistakes are not only okay- they’re encouraged and essential to growth. We ended with a Q&A and were blown away by the depth of their questions. Later that week, we returned to lead a practice with their Senior Girls Basketball Team, diving into 3x3 concepts and strategies.

We celebrated that evening with epic Neapolitan pizza and watched the NCAA Men’s March Madness Finals.

Bayside, Twasout, and The Grind

On Tuesday, we joined Scott at his CrossFit gym- where Megan, one of the athletes, just cracked the Top 100 CrossFit athletes in her age group worldwide! We tackled a brutal workout: deadlifts, pull-ups, burpees... I train 3 hours a day for basketball, but this workout made it painful to sit or laugh for three days. Respect!

We regrouped over brunch, then headed to Bayside Middle School, where we reunited with Kim and met Tina, whose son I had coached at the National Indigenous Basketball Camp. We also ran two camps and a 3x3 tournament over lunch. One team was short, so I got to jump in and play!

That evening, we traveled to Twasout First Nation. Soccer is huge in the community, so we opened the camp with a soccer game to build engagement. One of the Lil’Qelaxen girls joined us and even brought her younger sister and cousin to participate—after learning new skills at UVic the day before. Seeing her share what she learned, with such joy, was one of the week’s biggest highlights.

We wrapped the night by stopping in at The Grind, a local basketball club, to get in a few late-night games of 3x3.

Alert Bay

On Wednesday, we flew with Pete the pilot in a float plane from Victoria to Alert Bay- an unforgettable experience. I sat in the co-pilot seat and we scanned the coast for whales, spotting seals sunbathing on the rocks. The landscape was unbelievable. I am rereading the novel, The Great Alone and there was a quote that summed up the scenery perfectly, “It was otherworldly somehow, magical in its vast expanse, an incomparable landscape.” The mix of ocean, lush forest, and mountains was incredible. 

In Alert Bay, we were welcomed by the locals and had fresh halibut for lunch. We visited the U’mista Cultural Centre, where Elder and master carver, Wayne gave us a tour filled with powerful lessons and stories. We learned about all the Indigenous tribes on the island and their traditions, art, and resilience.

Thursday morning started with a conditioning run up a steep hill behind our cabin, overlooking the ocean. Later, we visited Alert Bay School, where they had just 10–12 students in the school. After camp, the students sang us a welcome song—one boy even drummed while holding Kleenex in his nose from a camp-earned bloody nose. (He was okay—tough as nails!)

In the afternoon, we drove to T’lisa̱lagi’lakw School and worked with the Grade 5–6 classes. The kids had watched videos of Poppy and me beforehand and were a bit sad she wasn’t there. But they came to compete and learn. Many were soccer players, and their energy was off the charts.

We learned that several families were preparing for a two-week boat trip to catch Oolichan, a traditional oily fish. The oil is used for cooking, medicine, and trade. The locals leaders shared how nourishing and important it is. I was so curious and captivated by the stories and traditions being shared. Listening to the process of catching and preparing Oolichan and learning how it has been passed down through generations reminded me of how sport, in its own way, is also a form of cultural transmission. The care, patience, and pride they take in preserving this tradition was so moving—it’s these moments that leave a lasting imprint.

Tofino

We had a slow, beautiful start to the morning. Scott led us on a walk along the ocean, the salty air and rhythm of the waves setting the tone for the day. We wrapped up our stroll with a cozy breakfast at a local café- good food, warm company, and that unmistakable West Coast magic.

The afternoon was full of basketball. We hosted back-to-back camps with the U15 and U17 Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation teams at Wickaninnish Community School. During the second camp, a little girl- just 8 years old- tagged along with her two older brothers. She jumped into the drills with fearless intensity, holding her own against much older players. What stood out even more than her grit was the way the older athletes looked out for her. There was this beautiful, unspoken respect and protectiveness. It was a quiet reminder of how sport can nurture a sense of family.

The next morning, something special happened. A group of 6 or 7 girls from Ahousaht First Nation crossed the water by boat to join us for a session. Their community is only accessible by sea, and the fact that they made the trip speaks volumes about their love for the game. We started camp with a high-energy defensive drill- and they came out diving, sliding, and nearly tackling each other. The tone was set. There’s nothing quite like watching young athletes become comfortable in the gym- walls come down and laughter rises.

Over lunch, we hosted a community-wide youth camp in Tofino and had a fantastic turnout. A few of the athletes had tried out for the BC Provincial Team, so there was definitely some serious talent in the gym. The highlight? The coaches (yep, us!) lost one of the 3x3 games. Final score: 3–2. We’ll call it character building.

That afternoon, we hit the road to Ucluelet First Nation. Before our camps began, we were welcomed into the community and gifted a bit of its story. They shared the history behind their stunning gym- a space they said had been in the works for nearly 100 years. It was dreamed up and built for the youth, a true sanctuary where barriers fall away and possibility rises.

We ran two sessions: one with the "Itty Bitty Ballers"-the reigning Junior All-Native Champions-and another with their U17 athletes. The younger group was electric. Confident, quick, creative. They played with heart and were so connected as a team- it was clear why they’re champions. The older group brought a fierce focus and deep love for the game. The basketball culture here is strong, and I can't wait to follow their growth in the years ahead.

While we were coaching, Scott and Lauri spent time chatting with parents, coaches, and community champions on the sidelines. Scott, with his kind heart and thoughtful spirit, kept reflecting on how grateful he felt to be learning from each community. And I couldn’t agree more- we’re not just visitors; we’re students too. Every person we meet leaves a mark on us.

After camp wrapped up, I squeezed in a run along the beach before we hopped on beach cruisers. The tide was out, so we biked along the shoreline, weaving through shallow pools and discovering sea caves. It felt like a scene from a movie- one of those golden days that stays with you.

Sunday in Tofino

We had a full day off and decided to embrace the spirit of the coast with a surfing lesson. Our instructor, Hannah, greeted us with wetsuits, surfboards, and the biggest smile. She was a bundle of joy- completely in her element as she splashed into the waves with us.

After a few (hundred) failed attempts to stand up, she gently told me, “You’re too stiff- you’ve got to let go a bit. Flow with the ocean, not against it.” It hit me like a wave- such a powerful metaphor. In sport, in life, in everything: release the need to control.

I was amazed by how warm I stayed in that wetsuit, even in the chilly water. Hood, booties, gloves-the full get-up. And I needed it, because we were out there for two hours and my body was so tired by the end.

Vancouver

Before flying to Bella Bella, we had one magical day in Vancouver. We rented electric bikes and rode the full loop around Stanley Park. Ocean view around the entire park and we paused to admire the totem poles- a moment of reverence and reflection. We also spotted a humpback whale just off the coast.

We ended the day shooting hoops at Kits Court, overlooking the Pacific as the sun began to dip. The perfect day recharging for the last day of our trip.

Bella Bella

Throughout the tour, every time we mentioned Bella Bella as one of our stops, people would light up and say, "They LOVE basketball in Bella Bella." We quickly learned just how true that was. In Bella Bella and the Heiltsuk First Nation, basketball isn’t just a sport- it’s a heartbeat of the community.

We landed on Tuesday morning and were warmly welcomed by the incredible Faye Housty, the Men’s Wellness Team, and a few Youth Wellness Team members from the Heiltsuk Káxḷá Society. One of our first stops was the stunning Big House, opened in 2019- the first in the community in over 120 years. It was a profound experience to eat and gather in a space so rich with history, culture, and spirit. We learned that every piece of wood used to build it was harvested from their own territory, and when it opened, the Haida Nation gifted a totem pole that now stands proudly at the entrance as part of a Peace Treaty between the Nations. Faye prepared halibut for us, freshly caught from the local waters- it was delicious, and such a generous welcome.

We then spent the afternoon at the Bella Bella Community School, running three sessions with three classes and finishing the day with a clinic for the U13 and U15 teams. As promised- they can hoop! The energy, passion, and love for the game were infectious.

Later, we visited the Community Hall- a buzzing hub of activity that houses an incredible basketball court. The gym was packed with players of all ages, and you could feel the electricity in the air. As Ryan from the Men’s Wellness Team shared, “Basketball is part of culture in Bella Bella.” It truly is.

That night, we packed our bags and hopped onto a water taxi that carried us across the water to our hotel. The next morning, we walked up to Shearwater School—a one-room schoolhouse with just eight students. Though the school didn’t have a gym, there was a community hall across the schoolyard (with no baskets) and an outdoor court. Thankfully, the sun was shining. We got creative- running ball-handling drills and relay races inside, then moving to the outdoor court. For the younger students in Grade 2, we used hula hoops tied to the rims to make the baskets more accessible. It was a unique and joyful session- their enthusiasm during the shooting games lit up the whole playground.

After taking the water taxi back to Bella Bella, we hosted two more camps at the school and wrapped up with a focused practice for the Junior Boys Team. That evening, we returned once more to the Community Hall to compete and just play. These were the moments that reminded us why we do what we do- connection through sport.

On Thursday morning, before our flight back to Vancouver, Faye and the team took us on a boat tour to Kunsoot Wellness Centre on Denny Island. Words don’t do justice to the beauty and stillness of that place. It was sacred. We started a fire, and prepared for a spiritual bath. Faye guided us through each step, beginning with finding a Hemlock branch and speaking to the tree, telling it our intentions. She led me to the most powerful point- where the river meets the ocean. There, we dipped the branches, brushed them over our limbs and bodies while offering a prayer or message to the Creator, and then released them into the water’s current. We followed with a full plunge, immersing ourselves up to the base of our neck- where, we were told, we carry our emotions, and where the spirit leaves the body after we pass.

As I plunged into the cold water, I felt an overwhelming whoosh- a deep emotional release. It was a moment of gratitude, of cleansing, of peace.

IN CLOSING

In total, we ran 28 camps and connected with around 475 athletes.

To every coach, Elder, teacher, and community leader who took the time to connect with us- thank you. Your commitment to your communities and to the next generation is inspiring beyond words.

To the young athletes- thank you for trusting us, for sharing your stories, and for playing your hearts out. You reminded us of the joy, resilience, and unity that sport can bring.

And to every community we visited- G̱iáxsix̌a. Thank you for inviting us in, for sharing your culture, your land, and your love for basketball. You left a lasting impact on us, and we carry those moments forward with so much respect and appreciation.

Finally, G̱iáxsix̌a to our team, Jess & Scott, Lauri, and Ferg- what a journey. Thank you all so so much. Until next time.

In every community, the athletes gave us the highest compliment they could: they demanded we come back.

And we will.