Tennis camp reaches 20th year

For 20 years Pat and Shari Ryan have been holding the Community Bible Church's annual tennis camp in June. Over that time, Ryan estimates he and his wife have taught about 500 kids three things; the basic strokes and rules of tennis as well as about Jesus; who is is, his importance and what he represents. The Ryan's held their 20th camp last week at the tennis courts at Ernie Sheldon Park, and like most years, had a group of about 25 kids who were eager to learn about tennis and learn about Jesus, and no one is more eager to teach them then the Ryan's, as Pat, a former tennis pro at Broadstone Racquet Club, handles a bulk of the tennis instruction, along with the help of about 10 teen staff, and Shari, as she handles a bulk of the bible teaching of Jesus. The Ryan's had no idea 20 years ago when they started the camp that they'd still be doing it 20 years later, but they've enjoyed every minute of the endeavor. "The kids are getting active and learning a sport they can play the rest of their lives," Pat Ryan said. "We also teach good sportsmanship and the importance of encouraging each other. My goal has always been that these kids are better at tennis after the camp then they were before the camp. "All these kids, when they leave here, will understand who Jesus is and understand how to know him. Some already do and some won't want to and that's fine, but we at least know everyone one of them know him and characteristics of him; they will know that he loves us and cares for us and that he's perfect and that's why we need to deal with the problems we have in order to be with him." Ryan, 74, also said the camp helps and his wife, Shari, stay young. "We love kids and all these kids who have come through this camp are like grandkids to us," Ryan said. "That keeps us going." The Ryan's also enjoy having the teen staff to help out. "All of our coaches are teenagers and it's nice to see them grow by teaching and leading," Ryan said. "They're our team and the younger kids look up to them and love having them help them." Shari looks forward to this camp every year. She does much of what her husband calls "the behind the scenes work" to make the camp happens. Every year Shari takes a secular movie and by studying the characters, puts a religious twist on it, something that she loves doing the most. This year's movie she chose was "The Secret Life of Pets." "This camp fulfills so much of how God has made me," Shari said. "I love tennis; I love children and I love Jesus and this camp combines all of that. It's me. It's who I am. "The most fun part is the creative process in taking a secular movie and bringing spiritual meaning to it. Is most pleasure I get." The Ryan's said they will continue to hold the camp until they're physically unable to do it. "We don't plan on stopping," Ryan said. "They idea is we'll do it as long as we're able. It's hard to get other people who have their busy lives to pass it on, but that's what we'd like to do when we're not able to do it anymore."