A Summer Camp that has it all: Dance, Music, Sports and Graffiti, Education and Fun

By Sonia Ramos
LAYC’s Communications intern/Writer

Hello there you, remember me? I hope so because I am coming with a new story that I am sure you will find interesting.
In mid July, I visited the Latin American Youth Center’s Teen Stars Summer Camp, which takes place at Lincoln Middle School. Camp staff work with students from 5th to 8th grade and some from 9th grade who are interested in dance, music, sports and graffiti. Each youth gets placed in a track (or class) of their interest. Those you enjoy dancing and want to learn more attend the dance class and consequently.

Besides learning a field they enjoy students at the Teen Stars Summer Camp program, which emearged 7 years ago, always have something fun to do.

In addition to a fun and learning experience at Little Middle School, the students also do the same outside of the school. Camp participants go bowling, they go to Art Museums, and they learn A LOT about the specific topic they are interested in.
What are your interests? Do you sing, dance or paint? Or do you enjoy making new beats for songs? I love music – it helps me relax and stay motivated.

Beatriz, the coordinator of the Teen Stars Summer Camp says that “it is [enjoyable] to see the youth participate in activities they love and enjoy.”

It is certainly a benefit to have this kind of programs in the city because youth become well educated about the topic of their choice and receive opportunities to demonstrate their talents.

Just like any successful program, the Teen Stars Summer Camp wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of staff members. Beatriz expressed her gratitude to those people who make the program possible.

Melissa Campos, a middle school student who found herself at home with nothing to stay busy with, came across the summer camp program through LAYC’s AmeriCorps program.

“The summer camp helped me stay busy and not in the streets,” she said. “It’s good to be here,” she added. Melissa likes to create new beats for songs; she enjoys listening to music and creating new sounds. Melissa is a very creative young woman who aspires to gain knowledge about the rap/ music industry and hopes to become a great beat maker.

At the camp, there are kids who love sports and enjoy being in a program where they can increase their skills in different fields like soccer, baseball, basketball and more. All 12 students at the soccer class are there for two particular reasons: “because it’s fun and I love soccer,” said each student when I asked them why they attended the class.

The best thing about the camp, is that you and your friends can join without paying a dime. Yes, you heard it right, it’s free!
By the way, my next report will be on the impact of graffiti in our community.

Well, got to go.

Until next time, have a great day!

Sonia Ramos is a communications intern through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Sonia graduated from Bell Multicultural High School, DC in June and will attend George Mason University beginning the fall to pursue communications/journalism studies.