Because so much is often given to children these days, it is refreshing to see or hear about a child who has worked to pay his or her own way.
Collin Green's recent efforts to earn money to pay for a football camp he wanted to attend is a great example.
Collin, 12, son of Jeff and Sara Green, California, mowed approximately eight lawns per week this summer to raise money to pay for the cost of the Elite Football Academy, a four-day camp in St. Louis that he ultimately attended July 15-18.
"I raised enough money to pay for the camp, and had plenty left over to spare," Collin said with a grin.
"I think the harder he works for something, the more Collin will appreciate it," Jeff said. "But at times, I have to remind myself he is just a kid, and let him be a kid."
Collin and his father researched area youth football camps before deciding on the Elite Academy, a position-specific training camp staffed by expert coaches, many who are current or former college and professional players.
"We wanted to find the best camp, without having to fly to the state of California," Jeff said. "He didn't quite mow enough lawns to pay for that!"
"The Elite Football Camp is one of the most prestigious football training camps for youth in the midwest," Jeff said. "Former MIzzou Tiger Matt Biermann founded the camp and there are coaches at the camp who are Mizzou alumni and NFL players."
Collin said his desire to attend football camp was fueled by his desire to get better and "to help my team get better."
He weightlifted at CHS on Monday and Wednesday mornings this summer. "I had to do it to get stronger."
Collin also attended the annual CMS Football Camp for grades 7-8 July 29-31.
Up to this point, Collin has played football with the California Youth Football Club as running back, corner back and quarterback. He will play on the California Middle School seventh grade football team this school year.
"I'm looking forward to being a Pinto," he said with a grin.
"He threw his first football when he was about four," Jeff said. "He's loved it ever since."