Number of Participants: 17
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $2,366
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Baseball
School: Spencerport High School
Date: February 22, 2026
Location:
Spencerport High School
Spencerport Road, Spencerport
NY
About:
During February break, Spencerport Varsity Baseball chose a different path. Instead of traveling or hosting a traditional camp, the program made a staycation meaningful by prioritizing service at a local Challenger Camp—an experience that proved just as impactful for the volunteers as it was for the campers.
Head Coach Larry Frisa asked for volunteers, and the response spoke volumes about the team’s character. Every player who wasn’t committed to a winter sport showed up. Even members of the hockey team stopped in for an hour before heading to their own obligations, underscoring a shared commitment to giving back.
The opportunity came together through Jon Schwind, a local retired professional baseball player who runs Off The Grid Training and works closely with many area athletes. Schwind reached out to Coach Frisa, who then contacted Spencerport’s high school players. What began years ago as an idea has grown into a full-day event built around inclusion, fun, and connection.
The camp was hosted at Salmon Creek Country Club and brought together dozens of Challenger athletes, supporters, and sponsors. High school players from Spencerport, Hilton, and Greece Athena volunteered alongside their varsity coaches. College representatives from SUNY Brockport and RIT were also in attendance, and Spencerport’s travel baseball program joined in—creating a special moment where “Older Rangers” worked side by side with “Younger Rangers.”
Student-athletes were placed into groups and helped run stations throughout the day. They set baseballs on tees, played defense during a home run derby, assisted with drills, and—most importantly—cheered on every camper. Schwind organized each station with a strong emphasis on fun, interaction, and encouragement, ensuring the campers felt supported and celebrated.
The day featured baseball, food, prizes, and nonstop smiles. There was no cost for the campers, and volunteers were treated to a free meal—reinforcing the camp’s mission of accessibility and community.
The impact was immediate and lasting. While players signed up for one of two volunteer shifts, nearly all stayed for both. The experience reminded them that baseball is about more than strategy and competition—it’s about joy, friendship, and the power of bringing people together. New friendships were formed, laughter filled the facility, and the memories made were priceless.
Challenger Camp was a powerful reminder of what sports can be when service leads the way—and of the role student-athletes can play in creating moments that truly matter.
