The Mental Game: Building Connection and Confidence in Rapid City Youth
The gatherings are part of “The Mental Game,” a pediatric health initiative dedicated to supporting the well-being of underserved youth in Rapid City. Through mentorship, healthy habits and service learning, the program uses engaging activities as a way to build lasting relationships between volunteers and children from a variety of challenging or unsafe living situations.
The Mental Game was founded last year by Sanford School of Medicine graduate and Rapid City native Dr. Andrew Guymon. The initiative began as Guymon’s community project and earned him a U.S. Public Health Service Award. After his graduation, a dedicated group of students chose to continue and expand the program. The Mental Game’s leadership team now includes Sanford School of Medicine Class of 2027 students Phebie Rossi, Oluwafunke (Remi) Ogunremi, Dillon Vanetti and Kiley Medler.
On any given day, between 20 and 35 children participate in activities led by medical students. They bring their energy with a mix of sports, games, and increasingly, arts and craft activities to ensure every child feels included and finds meaningful ways to engage. While the activities are energetic and playful, the mission behind them runs deeper. The Mental Game emphasizes teamwork, respect and empathy; volunteers model encouragement, fairness and kindness in hopes that those lessons extend beyond the games themselves.
For Rossi, creating a sense of belonging is one of the program’s most important goals, as many of the children they work with may not consistently experience trust, stability or support in other areas of their lives.
“Building community is essential in any setting, including here in Rapid City,” she said. “Youth in residential facilities can especially benefit from consistent, positive interactions with caring adults. We aim to ensure all children feel seen, supported and valued, regardless of their interest in sports. We hope the kids learn what it’s like to be good teammates and hope they know how much we care about them and how they too can care for others in their community.”
Rossi estimates that The Mental Game has made a significant impact in just one year. “Some kids we see several times, and others only once,” Rossi explained. “Although it’s difficult to know for certain, we believe we’ve impacted—and been impacted by—over 100 kids.”
Those relationships continue to be the heart of the program.
“The student leaders have enjoyed connecting with the kids we get to know,” Rossi added. “Seeing the smiles and excitement when we announce the games is the best part.”
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