When Frankie and her mom, Ashley, arrived for Just for Fun Camp at the Picklebarn in Mankato, the 5-year-old bounded to the entrance, opened the door all by herself, and stepped onto the colorful courts.
“She seems like a little social butterfly,” said Sidney Elofson, who owns and operates the Picklebarn with her husband, Mitch Elofson.
Frankie had come ready to play. With kindergarten just days away, she told her mom she had another reason to be there.
“I have to practice making friends.”
Before camp began, Ashley gave her daughter a hug and told her, “Have the best day ever, OK?”
A few minutes later, the two exchanged a thumbs-up and a smile, their signal that everything was going well.
For families like theirs, a week of camp can mean much more than learning a new sport.
That is why Mankato Clinic has partnered with the Picklebarn to create a youth scholarship program that will help more local children participate in its camps. A $2,500 gift from Mankato Clinic will fund scholarships for pickleball, tennis, and Just for Fun camps each year for the next 10 years.
Frankie is the first recipient.
A place to play, learn, and belong
For Frankie’s first experience at the Picklebarn, Ashley chose the Just for Fun Camp as a chance for her daughter to try something new. The weeklong day camp for children ages 5 to 12 combines pickleball and other racquet sports with outdoor games, crafts, and trips to the playground.
Campers start their mornings moving, with side steps, bear crawls, and other warmups. Soon, the pop of pickleballs hitting paddles mixes with the sound of children laughing across the courts.
“Our Just for Fun Camps introduce children to pickleball and racquet sports,” Mitch said. “More importantly, the kids work on physical, social, and emotional growth and have fun with friends.”
Frankie arrived with a pink water bottle, a pink backpack packed with lunch and snacks, and plenty of determination. Once she stepped onto the court, she focused on learning something new.
“We want to give kids an opportunity to learn pickleball and tennis and to fall in love with it like we did,” Sidney said. “And to make friends along the way.”
For Ashley, opportunities like that matter.
A fresh start for their family
Ashley and her daughters, Frankie and 1-year-old Legacy, moved to Mankato this summer as their family begins a new chapter.
Ashley is in recovery and focused on creating stability, connection, and opportunity for her daughters. Church, school, and a safe community are important parts of the life she is building.
Ashley, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, was raised largely by her grandmother. Now that she is raising children of her own, she has a deeper appreciation for the ways her grandmother tried to protect and care for her.
“I try really hard to do everything differently with Frankie,” Ashley said. “I’m trying to be the mom that she needs. The mom that I needed. She definitely motivates me.”
She wants Frankie and Legacy to grow up feeling connected to their community and able to take part in the same experiences as other children.
“I don’t want her to miss out on opportunities that other kids are having because I’m rebuilding my life,” Ashley said.
Ashley describes Frankie as confident, strong, and resilient.
“Through all her struggles, she doesn’t stay upset or down,” Ashley said.
Frankie has already tried taekwondo, and as she gets older, soccer or hockey might be next. For now, she is a Picklebarn camper, preparing for kindergarten, and practicing something she decided was important before she even walked through the door: making new friends.
“I’m so grateful,” Ashley said.
Creating opportunities for local kids
The Picklebarn scholarship is one way Mankato Clinic is helping local children take part in experiences that can build confidence, create connections, and introduce them to something they may come to love.
“All children should have the opportunity to discover new passions, make friends, and gain experiences that lead to a bright future,” said Dr. Katie Smentek, Mankato Clinic pediatrician. “We are proud to partner with the Picklebarn to support kids, families, and healthy activities in our community.”
Before Mom left, there was one more hug and a few quiet words of encouragement. Then it was time for this little social butterfly to spread her wings.
Learn more about the Picklebarn and its youth camps at picklbarnmn.com.