One Spark, Six Countries

A few days ago, we met with our Camp Spark community leaders from across our LATAM camps. These leaders came from Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Honduras, and Panama. We may have been separated by borders and time zones, but everyone came into the meeting with one shared excitement: to share how they have impacted their communities through Camp Spark.

After Austin and I, the Camp Spark presidents, finished sharing the impact of our Orange County, California, chapter, we got to hear stories from the LATAM chapters. It was extraordinary. One by one, each country shared its impact. We heard stories about basketball camps, fútbol camps, baseball camps, and activities inspired by the sports their communities love most. Every country had its own twist, which made talking to each group feel so personal.

Although we were on Zoom, I felt a personal connection—a bond created by knowing that we were all making an impact on underserved youth. It was something special. No country was copying another. The leaders understood their communities best.

As I listened to each presentation, I could hear the genuine excitement from every young leader. What made it even more impressive was that they presented their impact with so much enthusiasm in English, their second language. Their enthusiasm was contagious. It inspired me. What was once an idea in my head was becoming a reality right in front of me, which made me tear up a little.

Something that stood out to me was the presentation from Honduras. They talked about how they were reaching autistic youth and young people with Down syndrome. This warmed my heart. Every child deserves a place in sports where they can participate, create relationships, and have genuine fun.

This is what Camp Spark is about.

The sports may differ, but every camp has the same purpose: to give underserved communities an opportunity to find their spark through sports. Seeing our youth leaders across these six countries turn this mission into reality reminded me how far one spark can go.

Cheers to embodying that spark.