Spreading Joy: Busy Bees get special visit from local soccer player, takes part in soccer camp
PHOTO PROVIDED Hayze Smith reads to children at Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard as part of his special gift to the youngsters.
PHOTO PROVIDED Busy Bees Natural Learning Center kids trade in their soccer dollar for a ball, donated by Hayze Smith.
PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, is Busy Bees Natural Learning Center owner Tonya Fisher, Hayze Smith and employee Laurie Styers.
Busy Bees practice their soccer skills with their new soccer balls. PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO PROVIDED Hayze Smith reads to children at Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard as part of his special gift to the youngsters.
PHOTO PROVIDED Busy Bees Natural Learning Center kids trade in their soccer dollar for a ball, donated by Hayze Smith.
PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, is Busy Bees Natural Learning Center owner Tonya Fisher, Hayze Smith and employee Laurie Styers.
Busy Bees practice their soccer skills with their new soccer balls. PHOTO PROVIDED
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BLANCHARD -- A familiar face returned to Busy Bees Natural Learning Center this week, trading cleats for cupcakes and soccer drills for storytime.
Hayze Smith, a Central Mountain soccer player and proud Beech Creek native, hosted a mini soccer camp at his former daycare, spreading joy and inspiration to a new generation of "little bees."
Now a dedicated athlete at Central Mountain, Hayze first began his journey right at Busy Bees in Blanchard, Pa. His visit wasn't just about soccer -- it was a full-fledged summer celebration.
"It was such a pleasure to have Hayze and Prella Smith here this morning," said Tonya Fisher, owner of Busy Bees. "Of course, we needed to turn it into a party. Yep, pizza, cupcakes, chips, Rice Krispie treats and juice boxes, all before 11 a.m. That's how we rule in the summer."
But beyond the treats and giggles, Hayze made sure each child left with something special: a "soccer dollar" to exchange for their very own soccer ball. The gesture was part of a larger message, connecting with the book he read aloud -- one he dedicated and donated to the center.
"The best part, the book. It was a cute story that the kids loved, and Hayze even dedicated it and donated it to our center," said Fisher.
For Hayze and his family, this visit meant more than just a fun day.
"Hayze wanted to do something with his passion for soccer within the community," said his mother, Prella. "Busy Bees has always been a special part of our lives, so it was only natural to give back to a place that always gives so much to the kids of our community."
With a soccer ball in hand and a smile on every face, it's clear Hayze's camp was a goal scored straight from the heart.