Beverley Cardo made her first visit to the Bald Head Island Croquet Club in North Carolina to lead the inaugural Bev’s Boot Camp program from March 31 to April 2. The program is part of her presidential initiative to increase competitive American Six Wicket play among women.
The event was held on Bald Head Island’s three new courts, with Cardo on hand to represent the USCA at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The courts are already playing quite well, even though they have not yet completed a full growing season. The weather showed the courts to advantage: the grass was green with new growth, the sun was shining, and the winds were moderate.
Bev’s Boot Camp is a three-day training and mentoring program designed to address both the physical skills players need to advance and the mental aspects of the game. The program helped build attendees’ confidence as competitive 6-wicket players. The seven participants received 15 hours of instruction over three days. Topics included skill development, consistency in performance, gameplay, strategy, and engaging the mind fully during play.
Attendees felt the mix of topics was well-balanced and presented at an effective pace. Several participants said they gained a better understanding of why and how to practice 6-wicket skills, with individual techniques linked into sequences applicable to gameplay. Cardo also provided handouts summarizing the sessions, which many participants found especially helpful for reviewing and reinforcing what had been taught.
Elaine Smith, Susie Parker, Jeanmarie Dellosso, Pat Johnston, Bev Cardo, Eileen Soo, Julie Livingston, Patti Malpass, Betty Robinson (left to right)