Two former camp counselors are about to take over one of the oldest, biggest and most successful early childhood development programs on the South Shore: Hot Shots.

It was the summer of 2003 at the Scituate Rec Department. Kelly Clinton was helping a gaggle of little kids do arts and crafts, story times, and water games. Sam Chase’s job was equally challenging: trying to keep a bunch of pre-teens happy and under some modicum of control with field trips, sports, and other games. 

Kelly and Sam both loved being part of a program that helped kids enjoy their summer while building their skills and self-esteem along the way.

That shared love was the initial spark that eventually led to dating, marriage, a home in Marshfield, and two kids of their own. Now, the former summer camp counselors are about to become the new directors of Hot Shots, one of the South Shore’s most storied sports and arts programs that has graduated more than 5,000 kids over the last 30 years (Hot Shots started as an all-girls program, but now serves girls and boys ages 2-7).

PRE-REGISTER NOW FOR THE CREATIVITY CLUB TO HOLD YOUR SPACE! CLICK HERE.

The founder and director, John Wilpers of Marshfield, is retiring in the spring after three decades building the program. “I started Hot Shots in 1996 because the six-year-old kids at town soccer were intimidated and not having fun,” he said. “So, I replaced dribbling around cones and standing in lines with pillow fights, puppets, squirt guns, and parachutes, all to teach soccer.”

“Then I added 100% parent participation, story times, weekly bags of books, public speaking, art, music, dance, and strong middle- and high-school role models as coaches,” John says.

“We loved working with kids when we were younger,” says Kelly. “And now, with kids of our own, we see first-hand the impact a program like Hot Shots has on the development of a young child’s self-esteem, arts and athletic skills, parental bonds, and social skills.”

“We want to be part of continuing the unique services Hot Shots provides, ranging from soccer and dance to music and art,” says Sam. “On top of the athletic skills and self-esteem building, Hot Shots also builds kids’ love of reading with a story time at the end of every session, and a bag of five books to take home each week.”

“We especially love—and saw firsthand with our daughter Rosie—the self-confidence boost the weekly introductions gives each child. It takes courage, but eventually they love to use the microphone to tell 25-50 kids and their parents their favorite food, animal, and color, and, most importantly, what makes them special.”

Kelly and Sam look forward to forming a team of parents to run Hot Shots, bringing together a variety of talents and ideas on how to grow the program. They are looking for people with skills in fund-raising, early childhood development programming, photography, business development, and accounting. If you’d like to explore getting involved, reach out to Kelly and Sam at kellyannechase@gmail.com and samchasemusic@gmail.com. (You may have seen Sam’s name around as he’s a well-known singer, composer, and music instructor.)

Hot Shots is re-starting in Jan. with art, dance, music

While Wilpers was looking for his successors last summer, he put the program on pause for the fall. But he and the Chases will be back in action with the Creativity Club (art, dance, and music) this winter and then with the traditional soccer season in April.

Pre-register for the Creativity Club to guarantee you won’t get shut out! (Click here).