Love All: At Reality Sports Tennis Camp, Faith, Forehands, and Community Take Center Court

Coach DeLapp teaching the fundamentals of tennis

It’s a warm July morning at Bonney Lake High School. The rhythmic sound of tennis balls bouncing off rackets echoes across the courts as a sea of young athletes, some as young as eight, chase down shots with determination and laughter. But there’s something more happening here, something deeper than cross-court drills and topspin tutorials.

Welcome to the Reality Sports Tennis Camp, where faith and forehands go hand-in-hand, and where the high school tennis coach isn't just developing the next varsity stars, he’s growing something far more enduring.

Coach Damon DeLapp, the architect behind this summer staple, stands near the net, calling out encouragement to a group of young players. It’s his 18th year leading the camp, and his enthusiasm hasn’t waned a bit. “Reality Sports Tennis started from a desire to have kids learn the incredible game of tennis and expose them to God,” DeLapp says. “That vision hasn’t changed.”

The format is simple: two age groups, 8-13 and 14-18, split by skill level, each receiving top-tier tennis instruction throughout the week. But beneath the surface, the camp operates on an “upsidedown” philosophy, teaching kids to approach sports, and life, through the lens of humility, service, and grace, modeled after the teachings of Jesus Christ.

It’s a philosophy that flips the script on what youth sports often emphasize, win at all costs, spotlight glory, individualism over team. At Reality Sports, competition is encouraged, but it’s framed through a deeper purpose. “We teach players to compete ‘upsidedown,’” DeLapp explains. “To treat teammates, opponents, and officials with respect, that’s a radical message in today’s sports culture.”

One glance around the court and it’s clear: the message resonates. High school team members are scattered throughout the camp, rallying with kids half their size, helping tie shoelaces, adjusting grips. Alumni, too, have returned, not as players, but as mentors. “Having previous campers come back as coaches is a blessing,” DeLapp says. “They want to give back and help the next generation fall in love with the sport.”

That love is infectious. One parent told DeLapp their child, new to tennis, “caught the bug” and now won’t stop practicing. For many kids who haven’t found their athletic home, this camp has become it.

And unlike most sports programs, Reality Sports Tennis Camp doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. It’s donation-based, completely accessible to families regardless of income. “It costs money to run, no doubt,” DeLapp admits. “But we believe access to quality training shouldn't depend on your financial situation. Some families give what they can. Others give more. It’s about community support and trust.”

The week culminates in “Playday Fridays,” a low-pressure but competitive event where campers face off against players of similar skill levels. It’s more than a scrimmage, it’s a celebration of growth. Then, in late July, there’s the optional inter-camp tournament, a highlight that brings together players from across the Puget Sound.

The impact is evident. “We had over 100 kids this year,” DeLapp says. “That first summer in 2007, we had maybe 15. Watching this grow, not just in size, but in depth, it’s incredible.”

Out on the courts, the energy is contagious. Laughter echoes between drills as kids sprint across the baseline, chasing balls and racing each other with smiles stretched wide. High school players are right there with them, offering high-fives, celebrating small wins, and creating moments the younger campers won’t soon forget. Alumni and adult coaches line the courts, offering guidance and encouragement, their presence a reminder that this camp is powered by people who believe in giving back. It’s not just a summer activity, it’s a community, built one rally at a time.

That’s what makes this camp special.

For families already counting down the days until next summer, registration opens after May 1st at realitysports.org. Spots fill quickly, and for good reason.

In a world where youth sports can often feel transactional, the Reality Sports Tennis Camp is a heartfelt rally, one rooted in community, built on faith, and always, always played with love.