Travis Kelce’s Inaugural Football Camp is Memorable Day

Surprises, football, and water balloons make for a memorable day at Kelce’s First Annual Football Camp

Kansas City, MO: When Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce does something, he’s going to do it right and with style. So when Kelce hosted his first annual Elite Pro Skills Camp this past July one had to assume it was going to be first class all the way. That July morning 250 kids ranging from Grades 2-8 arrived at Heritage Football Complex in Olathe ready to learn from and hang with one of the best.

As Kansas City’s own DJ Lazer spun in the background, Kelce opened the camp by addressing the kids about the importance of having fun, but also to be diligent and pay attention to the little things. During the three hour camp the kids went through stations and drills with Kelce coaching every step of the way. The campers also used their water breaks as a chance for impromptu Q&A with their favorite Chief.

At the end of camp things took a more sincere turn as Kelce spoke about the importance of being coachable – not only in sports, but at home and school too, and how an education will allow for many opportunities in life. But after the thoughtful speech, Kelce reverted back into the big kid he is and revealed 500 water balloons and proceeded to engage all the campers in a huge water balloon fight.

The drenched and happy campers left with swag including drawstring backpacks and water bottles from Dicks Sporting Goods, a camp t-shirt, group photo with Kelce, and frozen custard from Andy’s. The kids got to be the inaugural taste testers of the new flavor debuting this fall – the 87 Concrete – with those sales benefitting Kelce’s 87 & Running Foundation. However, there was an even sweeter treat for ten unsuspecting campers…

Photos Courtesy of Mary Schulte.

Kelce’s foundation 87 & Running had provided scholarship registrations to 25 deserving kids from the Kansas City area. The attendees included boys from Operation Breakthrough, Children’s Mercy, and the local Boys & Girls Club. Huddling up ten of the Operation Breakthrough campers, Kelce dropped the bombshell news that he was about to take them on a shopping spree to Dick’s Sporting Goods for new gear for the school year.

Kelce and the kids met at the Dick’s in Leawood, and lunch was waiting on the hungry campers to fuel them for their spree. The kids were then unleashed and excitedly bounced around each section of the store trying to find the perfect outfit to impress the ever-stylish tight end. Taking time with each kid to measure shoe sizes and confirming what clothing items they were outgrowing at home, Kelce spent time making sure each child got exactly what they needed. And the boys couldn’t wait to show off their new gear.

At the end of the day, as if the smiles could get any bigger, Kelce gave each of them a signed football on their way out. Kelce’s style and graciousness was on full display throughout the entire day; a day the campers won’t soon forget.