It’s Not Summer Without You: SCORES Camp Counselor Spotlight
Herson Canales-Landaverde (left) and Onyekachi Idika (right) both have past involvement with DC SCORES, Herson as an alumnus and Onyekachi as a camp counselor.
All summer, DC SCORES summer camp has been in full-swing at John Lewis Elementary School!
DC SCORES summer camp would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of numerous volunteers who make the program special for elementary school students throughout the District.
DC SCORES partners with the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), which pays District youth between the ages of 14 and 24 to work over the summer in private and government sectors with the help of subsidies sponsored by the Department of Employment Services. Meet two MBSYEP students who are SCORES counselors this summer!
Herson Canales-Landaverde
How did you hear about DC SCORES? In elementary school, because I was a part of the Barnard team.
What do you like most about DC SCORES? I like the fact they don’t just focus on soccer, they also focus on poetry.
Can you describe your experience working for DC SCORES? It’s been good getting to know the kids and building relationships with them.
What has been your favorite part of summer camp so far? The scrimmages with me and the kids are fun. Honestly, they’re pretty competitive.
What motivates you to work with kids? They remind me of myself when I was younger. They’re very energetic. I just like working with kids, it’s very fun.
What do you like to do with your free time? Go to the fields and play soccer with my friends.
Who is your favorite soccer player? Luka Modrić.
Onyekachi Idika
How did you hear about DC SCORES? Back in 2019. I did MBSYEP with them and got paired with DC SCORES Summer Camp at Truesdell Elementary School.
What do you like most about DC SCORES? Getting opportunities to play soccer. I grew up playing soccer, mostly as a defender.
Can you describe your experience working for DC SCORES? It’s been eye-opening to be around all the kids. I’ve been able to see how different types of kids react to different activities. Some don’t like soccer, some like soccer, some like to just do their own thing.
What is your favorite DC SCORES Summer Camp memory? When we go on field trips and are able to explore with the kids. My favorite one was last year when we got to visit a Smithsonian museum.
What motivates you to want to work with kids? I want to be ready for when I have kids, so I know how to care for them.
What do you like to do with your free time? Playing more soccer!
Who is your favorite soccer player? …I don’t really watch soccer, I just like playing.