Social & Emotional Learning + Movement Camp

The school age children in two of our small town service area communities in Durango, Mexico do not have access to our afterschool program nor extra curriculum activities in their neighborhood because of the economic disadvantages. They have no alternative, but to walk home at the end of their school day to assist their parents or guardian in household chores like cooking, cleaning and helping with the younger siblings and other chores that will facilitate the parents to support them in bringing in financial security to the household.

 At Impact LA, we believe these children deserve a space to grow, lead, and play. 

During our first visit in 2022, our goal was to serve at least 25 kids. Fortunately, we were able to service over 50 children!

• Meeting Basic Needs: We noticed the kids often came in sandals, boots, or sneakers which are worn out, ripped, tattered, unkempt and scruffy. Impact LA not only provided mentorship, but also shoes and socks to all participants as gear necessary to play safely and with dignity .

• The Response: The parents and community were very appreciative after observing the joyful and hopeful look on their faces.  They even requested that we extend the time frame of the camp and to enroll more children in the program as well as a fitness class for the adults.

Building on the foundation laid in 2022, our 2025 mission served 58 youth ages 8–17. The program served 30 in San Miguel de Cruces and 28 youth in Santiago Papasquiaro, including 25 girls and one youth volunteer, supported by three U.S.-based volunteers and two additional volunteers. 

• Teaching Wellness:  The camp integrated social and emotional learning, basketball, yoga, mindfulness, and reflection circles to strengthen emotional regulation, communication skills, teamwork, confidence, and youth leadership. Programming emphasized culturally responsive, movement-based approaches to wellness and community connection. 

• Resources: Once again, all youth received socks and T-shirts, 54 out of 58 participants received brand new sneakers, 12 youth received new basketballs, and selected participants received shorts, pants, backpacks, with most girls receiving sports bras. 

The program delivery required significant logistical coordination, including 511 miles (approximately 15 hours) of travel within Durango, in addition to cross-border travel from Los Angeles to Tijuana. The camp reflects Impact LA’s continued commitment to accessible, holistic youth development through movement, emotional wellness, and community centered programming. 

To a great degree, it is particularly more rewarding to break barriers by encouraging these children, especially with the girls. The community was ecstatic watching the two female coaches, Emerita and Yvette playing basketball in their small town teaching and mentoring them. Basketball is scarcely seen with women playing, as the women in the town are usually caring for their families at home whilst the men are busy predisposed to their day-to-day activities working. Essentially to them, sports is fundamentally considered a "man's" sport so perceiving little girls on the court was extra exhilarating for us.