DC SCORES alumni cherish giving back as camp counselors

Written by Kelsi Moran
Communications Intern

There are many reasons why kids love going to summer camp; it’s fun, your friends are there, you get to participate in activities you love. But what about the people that make the magic happen? The DC SCORES camp counselors play a large role in the camper experience and they become role models for many kids.

This was evident every day at Truesdell’s five-week soccer & arts camp that wrapped up last week, with several DC SCORES alumni now in high school and college mentoring the youth through DC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

“I think one of the best parts of camp for me is building friendships with the campers, and being able to talk to them when they need advice,” said Oscar Argueta, 18, an SYEP counselor and DC SCORES alumnus.

Through SYEP, adolescents and adults ages 14-24 are placed in various productive work environments, including DC SCORES, with the intention of providing youth with work experience and keeping them busy. During the long summer months, students are more prone to boredom and are more at risk of unhealthy decision making and learning loss. SYEP successfully combats this, especially for SCORES alumni actively engaged every day at camp.

“I grew up in a rough neighborhood, so working for DC SCORES helps me to get involved with extracurricular activities rather than activities outside of school that could be bad,” said DC SCORES alumnae Ingrid Melendez, 18.

Melendez, like many of the counselors, has done it for multiple years. She’s now a rising sophomore at Trinity Washington University, and has been an SYEP worker for DC SCORES since she started high school. Her love for the kids and desire to stay busy during the summer is what motivates her to continue coming back.

“The first year I was a counselor I said it would be the only summer I do it, but the kids asked me if I was gonna do it next summer and I just couldn't not come back for them,” Melendez said.

When campers are asked to talk about their favorite counselor, their eyes light up and they enthusiastically explain why. The relationship between a counselor and a camper is monumental not only for their enjoyment level while at camp, but also in their lives. I watched first-hand throughout the five weeks as the children gained meaningful friendships with people they look up to and who care for their well-being in and outside of camp.

Alumni like Oscar and Ingrid worked hard every day, energetically engaging with the campers even on the hottest of hot and humid afternoons.

“I love working with kids,” Ingrid said. “I just love when they smile and their faces light up from the smallest things. They are always excited for what’s next.”

Cresa Washington DC strengthens team through DC SCORES partnership

Written by Kelsi Moran
Communications Intern

As the campers filed into Truesdell Education Campus for camp, Cresa Washington DC employees were busy at work grilling and setting up for the annual Summer BBQ. Plates were cleaned, stomachs were filled, soccer games were played, and Cresa employees had the opportunity to interact with the kids of the program they fundraise for.

The DC SCORES and Cresa partnership began in 2010 when Senior Vice President Chris Finley recognized the lack of a formal community outreach program within the company. Finley believed it was time Cresa (then named Cresa Partners) make an organized effort to give back. He was made chair of the community outreach program and kick-started the search for a partner organization.

In a survey employees were asked to take, Finley found that Cresa employees were interested in the veterans community and underprivileged youth. They were then asked to rank a collection of organizations that target those areas, including DC SCORES.

DC SCORES was not unknown to Finley, who always had a love and respect for the impact it has on youth. Finley lobbied for DC SCORES, and the final decision was made by Cresa employees.

“I was fortunate and proud that DC SCORES was the most popular selection” he said. “There’s no doubt that this is the best organization that has high impact.”

Since the birth of the partnership, Cresa has organized numerous events, connected with sponsors, played in the DC SCORES Cup corporate tournament, and arranged fundraisers. Cresa partially funds DC SCORES summer programming through the annual Couch to Camp campaign -- with employees engaging in successful peer-to-peer outreach.

For Finley, events like the BBQ are encouraged among employees as a way to actually engage with the organization they fundraise for. On Thursday despite another hot and humid afternoon, Cresa employees not only served up a huge lunch for campers but also jumped in the soccer scrimmages – laughing and goofing off with the kids.

“I wanted to create a new method of fundraising to get people to emotionally connect with the cause,” Finley said. “You want people to be emotionally tied.”

As the day came to a close, the mutual benefits of the partnership were clear

“This allows us to strengthen our relationships for a common cause,” Finley said. “We are in a very competitive business and you can lose sight of what’s happening in the communities around you.

“The single greatest thing DC SCORES has done for Cresa is strengthening our team.”

Summer campers learn how to build and spy with Clark Construction

Written by Kelsi Moran
Communications Intern

An air of curiosity filled the room as eyes lit up in wonder and excited chatter echoed, each camper soaking up every word of the Spy Museum presentation. Whether creating or listening, campers’ imaginations ran wild as they learned more about spies and what they may find in the still-being-constructed Spy Museum by L'Enfant Plaza.

This past Friday's exclusive presentation at the new building was made possible by DC SCORES longtime partner Clark Construction, which had several employees on hand to lead the students through an action-packed afternoon.

It began with campers expressing themselves and using their imaginations to build their own Spy Museums out of construction paper, paper plates, and numerous other crafting materials. Each group put their creative skills to use to bring to life their visions.

Once the museums were created, the campers got a chance to experience virtual reality headsets. These goggles gave the wearer an idea of what the future Spy Museum will look.

“The goggles were awesome!” said Frank M., 8, a summer camp participant. “I could see large windows and a huge staircase!”

Spy Museum Youth Education Director Jacqueline Eyl presented about different items that spies may use and their purposes. Using things such as a soda can and shaving cream as props, Eyl gave campers a glimpse into the secret world of spies.

“The Spy Museum has the largest collection of spy gadgets in the world," Eyl said.

The campers marveled at the information Eyl shared with them, and hands shot up in the air to ask questions.

Finally, an afternoon well spent inside the soon-to-be museum complete, students and Clark employees spilled outside to play game of soccer to complete a perfectly constructed day in partnership.

Faces of Summer SCORES, Part III: Brothers Leo and Leon W. bond at camp

This summer, more than 250 DC kids are participating in DC SCORES’ three free soccer and enrichment camps. Throughout the season, we will highlight particular participants through our Faces of Summer SCORES video and blog series. You can also follow along on Twitter and Instagram via the hashtag #SummerSCORES.

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Written by Kelsi Moran
Communications Intern

It’s pool day at the Truesdell arts and soccer camp, and kids beam with excitement as they jump into the refreshing cold water on a hot summer day. Leon W., with his ever-present smile, jumps in with his brother Leo. The two are inseparable, both with a permanent look of pure enjoyment.

One of the many positive outcomes of DC SCORES camp is the opportunity for kids to build and strengthen relationships. Summer camp participants are unaware of the numerous memories they are making with others, and how much of an impact those shared experiences will have on their life. For these brothers Leo, 10, and Leon, 8, summer camp has formed a bond around soccer while fostering an environment where their relationship can grow.

Leo and Leon walk to and from camp together every day, reflecting on what they are excited about, what they learned, and what they enjoyed. While at the camp, it is apparent that the two have vastly different personalities and are independent individuals. But it is easy to see the connection between the two and similar spirit they bring to camp.

Leo (left), 10, and Leon, 10, have strengthened their relationship at DC SCORES summer camp.

“They both have this energy that I look forward to coming to every day,” said Jaryn Trent, their DC SCORES soccer coach.

Going to camp together gives the brothers a chance to motivate each other to work hard every day and help each other improve their soccer skills. This is the first summer the two have played soccer, making camp a joint learning experience.

“Soccer is now my favorite thing to do with my brother just because we both love the game and have had so much fun together at camp,” said Leon, a second-grader at Truesdell Education Campus.

For Leon, having a best friend around all the time is what makes brotherhood so special. He enjoys his brother’s presence at home, at camp, and on their walks between the two places. In most situations, they help each other every step of the way, all with warm smiles.

The different qualities they each bring to the table are noticeable to everyone they meet. They both enjoy telling others what they love about their brother.

“Leon is always laughing and smiling.” said fourth-grader Leo. “That is my favorite quality about my brother.”

Leo and Leon will leave camp with many more memories and shared experiences. Their relationship has strengthened during their time at Truesdell while cultivating a deeper appreciation for each other.

“Leo and Leon really work well together because of how close they are,” said Charles Robinson, longtime DC SCORES coach at Truesdell. “It’s common to see the two working together, helping each other out. The two are just really great to be around.”

Faces of Summer SCORES, Part II: Nereida A. brings tireless work ethic

This summer, more than 250 DC kids are participating in DC SCORES’ three free soccer and enrichment camps. Throughout the season, we will highlight particular participants through our Faces of Summer SCORES video and blog series. You can also follow along on Twitter and Instagram via the hashtag #SummerSCORES.

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Written by: Kelsi Moran
Communications Intern 

It’s stories like Nereida’s, the once shy third-grader that would later go on to speak in front of large crowds and play on the winning 2016 Jamboree! team that inspire. With the support of the DC SCORES family, Nereida was able to find the confidence to write her own story of dedication and determination.

Nereida’s soccer story began as soon as she was able to walk, and she quickly became the first female in her family to play soccer.

For Nereida A., 13, soccer is an activity that keeps her physically and mentally healthy. When life chooses to throw stones at her, she kicks a soccer ball right back at it. It serves as her outlet for letting go of all her stresses and is a time when she can feel free of everything negative.

When asked how she feels about soccer, she simply responded, “Soccer is life.”

Soccer has taught Nereida “determination, dedication and teamwork” while also making her a stronger individual. She recognizes that there’s always room to improve her skills and embraces all opportunity for progress. Productive criticism given from coaches is something she wholeheartedly applies to her practices.

Last week at Tubman soccer camp, Nereida consistently practiced one skill over and over again and soaked up every word of advice given to her.

She is “one of the most dedicated players,” said longtime DC SCORES coach and camp director Popsie Lewis. “She never gives up, no matter what new things you give or show her.”

While soccer has played a large role in her five years with DC SCORES, Nereida emphasized the poetry side as a major contributor to her confidence.

“They (DC SCORES) put me in front of a microphone to speak in front of hundreds of DC SCORES players and I was terrified,” Nereida said. “I can do that now, I don’t get nervous, and can speak with a strong voice.”

Faces of Summer SCORES, Part I: Bryan stays active at camp

This summer, more than 250 DC kids are participating in DC SCORES’ three free soccer and enrichment camps. Throughout the season, we will highlight particular participants through our Faces of Summer SCORES video and blog series. You can also follow along on Twitter and Instagram via the hashtag #SummerSCORES.

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Written by Kelsi Moran

Communications Intern

It’s summer — the pools are open, parks are filled with loungers and live performances, and a great number of students are on vacation. For many, this time of year is accompanied by feelings of excitement and opportunity, while others are burdened with the worries of how one will pass the days.

For Bryan, a student at Thomson Elementary School, freedom from the responsibilities of school is a deep concern. He recognizes that being away from his studies can be detrimental to skills such as math and reading. He asks his mother to assign him math problems to avoid any learning loss. While tackling this issue, he understands that this does not answer the question of what he will do to avoid boredom.

"Summer is so fun, but my teachers always tell me that it’s easy to forget math," Bryan said. "So I asked my mom if we could do practice problems so I don’t forget.”

Boredom is the biggest culprit in unhealthy decision-making, especially during the summer months. As an active student and athlete, long periods of free time is not enjoyable for Bryan.

That’s where DC SCORES’ free summer camps, which began at Kelly Miller last week, come in.

Bryan’s love for SCORES summer camp is a combination of spending time on the field with teammates, and productively fill his free time. Bryan has been with DC SCORES for two years now, and his affinity for camp is apparent in his glowing smile. He thrives in environments that are geared toward being active and learning. His wholehearted engagement in the drills and games leads his coaches to describe him as passionate and hardworking.

“Watching Bryan on the field is truly a joy," said camp coach Bashir. "You can be certain that he will do his best every day and be as excited as he was his first day of camp on the last day."

One word that best describes Bryan is passion. It takes one conversation with him to see this. Whether discussing soccer, school, or NBA basketball, Bryan’s eyes light up and his scope of knowledge and pure interest permits him to talk for hours. Fair warning, this passion is highly contagious and may cause those who experience it to enthusiastically engage in conversations previously ignored.

DC SCORES camps are more than just a place to have fun with friends and dodge boredom; it is an outlet for Bryan, a place to express his passion for soccer and learning to its full extent. Bryan’s goal of making summer 2016 one of memories, learning, and engagement can be a source of inspiration for many.

With SCORES, summer will continue to be a time of excitement and opportunity for Bryan as he spends his days doing what he loves. Students have passions that should be encouraged and developed, but summer can often cause those passions to suffer. Thanks to SCORES supporters, this will not be the story for students like Bryan.