Tennis and Robotics – A Summer of Learning, Discovery, and Play

This summer, Youth Tennis San Diego was proud to continue its partnership with the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department to bring a unique and enriching experience to youth in the City Heights community. Thanks to shared access to the education room and community tennis courts at Urban Village Recreation Center, dozens of local children were able to enjoy the gift of summer camp right in their own neighborhood—completely free of charge!

The YTSD Tennis and Robotics Summer Camp combined two seemingly different worlds that shared a common purpose: teaching perseverance, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Through a blend of STEM education and athletics, campers spent their days exploring new challenges both in the classroom and on the tennis court.

Each morning, students gathered in the education room alongside YTSD instructors Greg Hasterok and Dustin Nguyen to dive into the world of robotics. Using LEGO robotics kits, campers worked together to design, build, and program robots capable of completing a variety of tennis-inspired challenges. Their creations were tasked with missions such as traveling from the singles line to the doubles line, navigating obstacles, or pushing a tennis ball across the court.

For many participants, robotics opened the door to a whole new world of learning. Campers were introduced to coding concepts, engineering principles, and critical thinking skills in a fun and supportive environment. When a robot failed to complete its mission, students quickly learned that mistakes were not failures—they were opportunities to learn. Through trial and error, teamwork, and determination, they adjusted their programs, rebuilt their designs, and celebrated every success along the way.

In the afternoons, the focus shifted from coding to court time. The same patience, concentration, and resilience required in the robotics classroom became valuable tools on the tennis court. Campers practiced their strokes, footwork, and coordination through drills, games, and friendly competition. As they worked toward mastering a forehand or serving for the first time, they discovered that improvement in tennis, much like robotics, comes from practice, persistence, and a willingness to keep trying.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the camp was watching connections form among the participants. Children who may have only interacted briefly during tennis lessons were now spending hours collaborating, problem-solving, and encouraging one another in the classroom. Friendships grew stronger as students worked side-by-side to complete robotics challenges and then cheered each other on during tennis activities. Laughter filled the education room as robots successfully completed their missions, while excitement echoed across the courts as campers achieved personal milestones and celebrated one another's accomplishments.

Beyond the fun, the camp provided something even more meaningful: a safe, engaging, and educational environment where children could continue learning throughout the summer months. Families were able to access a high-quality program at no cost, giving local youth the opportunity to stay active, explore STEM education, and discover the lifelong sport of tennis.

At Youth Tennis San Diego, our mission is to support youth both on the courts and in the classroom. This summer's Tennis and Robotics Camp embodied that mission perfectly. By bringing together education, recreation, and community, the program empowered children to think creatively, stay active, build friendships, and gain confidence in their abilities.

We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department and all of our community supporters for helping make this opportunity possible. Together, we are creating pathways for learning, growth, and success—one robot, one tennis ball, and one child at a time.

💛 We Can’t Do This Without You

Every day, YTSD brings tennis, mentorship, and educational support to children who need it most, at no cost to their families. These programs aren’t just about sport. They’re about building confidence, character, and opportunity. But none of it is possible without the generosity of supporters like you.

🌟 Ways to Give and Make an Immediate Impact

• Site Sponsor – $10,000

  • Fully fund a YTSD program site for an entire year, impacting dozens of youth with consistent instruction, equipment, and academic support.

• Session Sponsor – $5,000

  • Sponsor a 10–12 week season of tennis and life skills training for 20 children in an under-resourced community.

• Scholarship Sponsor – $1,000

  • Give one child a full year of tennis coaching, tutoring, and equipment, opening doors to lasting transformation.

• General Sponsor – $1–$999

  • Every gift counts. Your donation helps provide the gear, books, and resources that make our mission real for every student.

    
    

🎾 Your Support Changes Lives

When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re investing in healthier kids, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

👉 Donate Now and help us continue serving the youth who need us most. Your support will be proudly recognized at our facility and on our website!