No matter where you looked on Saturday in High River during the fifth annual Jr. Stamps Camp, presented by Rocky Mountain Equipment, the smiles were a mile wide.

Some 200 kids were having a blast running through a series of fun football drills on the field at Highwood High School. Another 40 were getting cheer-routine tutorials from the Outriders.

The parents clearly enjoyed seeing their kids have so much fun and many of the adults took the opportunity to shake hands or pose for a picture with president and general manager John Hufnagel and head coach Dave Dickenson.

But, as is often the case at Jr. Stamps Camp, which over the years has also been held in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Drumheller and Red Deer, the 32 rookie Stamps players on hand Saturday may have been having the biggest blast of all.

Running back Lache Seastrunk made a major impression by athletically vaulting over a standing Ralph the Dog.

At one of the stations, defensive back Osagie Odiase was encouraging the kids to celebrate a successful catch with a signature dance move and recording the moment with what he called his “Dab Cam.”

Meanwhile, defensive lineman Jared Brackens was loudly cheering on the youngsters, applauding their accomplishments and laughing heartily at their enthusiastic celebrations.

“I have a six-year-old,” explains Brackens, “so anytime I get to be around kids like this and have fun, it’s an awesome opportunity. We have a big opportunity as football players to make an impact on these kids and have some fun. It was a great day.”

The people of High River and the surrounding area were fantastic hosts, the weather was glorious and $25,000 was raised to benefit KidSport Calgary, an organization dedicated to making sure youngsters get a chance to play sports.

“It’s just utterly fabulous,” said Bryan Brandford, Highwood’s principal and also coach of the school’s football team, the Mustangs. “Our community is so thankful to the Stampeders for being out here today. Our kids having an opportunity to meet with professional athletes and have fun with them is just an unbelievable experience for them. I was on the sideline the whole time and I know many of the parents and they’re just thrilled to death that the Stampeders could come out here.”

Brandford’s Mustangs players manned the various stations along with the Stamps rookies.

“I talked to my guys and they just had a wonderful time, too,” said Brandford. “They get a look at professional athletes and they’re just like they are — they have the same love for the sport.”

Photos from Jr. Stamps Camp