Camas High School Spring Break project in San Mateo Sosola, Oaxaca, Mexico

Going into the trip, doubts arose about the security and cultural barrier of working with a new community to build the court in Oaxaca, Mexico. Throughout the days spent within the community, all suspicions and doubts were erased due to the immense hospitality the community showed us. Our group, mixed with different backgrounds and perspectives, were welcomed with the utmost respect and treated as family.

That single sentence perfectly captures the community in Oaxaca. Everyone played their part, from offering food and refreshments during breaks to working alongside us in the construction of the court. This combined effort finished the court in only three days!

The community's kindness was felt throughout the entirety of the trip. From the warm welcome consisting of their cultural dance on the first night to  dedicating time daily to exchange cultures to understand one another.

Despite the immense labor the locals assisted us with, they always found time to put Oaxaca and its rich history in the spotlight for us to immerse ourselves in. 

During the short time we spent here, we made memories that will last a lifetime. Such as the lively parade or the basketball tournament with the locals. This trip taught us to live for each other and cherish everything we have. If another opportunity arose to visit Oaxaca again we are convinced everyone would return without hesitation.

Leaving the community was one of the hardest things we had to do. Even though we only spent a week here, we created such strong bonds that made us feel like family. This made it challenging to leave as it felt like we were leaving family behind. 

Visiting Oaxaca and immersing ourselves in their rich customs and traditions was one of the most impactful decisions we made. It has changed the way we value our community and lives forever.

~ Keaton Jaques, Kyle Lindberg and Shashank Mahavrathayaula, Camas High School Student Volunteers

Volunteer quotes:

“The most difficult part of going home is not being able to eat more traditional Oaxacan food and not being able to play games or basketball with the locals.” ~ Carter Cheng, Student Volunteer

“True happiness comes from the relationships and connections you build and strengthen with others. To stay present and relieve yourself from the stress and anxiety the world carries can change your life.” ~ Max Rehrer, Student Volunteer

“The community taught me how to be selfless and compassionate. I really enjoyed meeting new people and building relationships with them and creating stronger relationships with the people I already knew.” ~ Mia Hamilton, Student Volunteer

The community taught me not just how to live life to the fullest but also important life skills and lessons such as to always try your hardest, include and be kind to others, and live life how you want to live without the worry of others' opinions.”
~ Keaton Jaques, Student Volunteer

“In the US, a lot of the time, you look out for your family, your close friends and maybe more distant friends. Here in San Mateo, they look out for everyone! The second we walked into the community, they gave us the warmest of welcomes. This is the one thing I want to strive to look out for everyone and not just those I am the closest to.” ~ Sophia Chambers, Student Volunteer

“I changed my opinion about the youth. They can have compassion for others, they are willing to step outside their comfort zone, and they're willing to work hard and try their best. ~ Brandon Werry, Chaperone

“My favorite memories from the trip were dancing with the cooks, connecting with the locals, and having meaningful talks with our group members, which allowed us to know one another better. All these memories created true happiness for me.”
~ Kyle Lindberg, Student Volunteer

“I absolutely loved dancing with the cooks! I loved making them happy and just having genuine fun with them.”
~ Brandon Palma, Student Volunteer

“My high point was probably the sunrises, sunsets, and the stars. I don’t get to see that a lot. It was very pretty, and how open and clear it was.” ~ Tanner Werry, Student Volunteer

Community quotes:

“We are very grateful to Courts For Kids for giving us this great support of solidarity for the institution. I am very happy and thankful because thanks to this beautiful visit we also acquired new knowledge, there was an exchange of cultures, traditions and new bonds of friendship were created. Best wishes to the young people.”

~ Verónica Chavez Chavez, community member

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Courts for Kids for their invaluable support in the construction of our multi-purpose court. Their commitment to our institution has made it possible for us to have a space where we can enjoy and learn through sports and recreation. Thank you for making this possible!”

~ Denise Yasmín Pérez, community member

“Thank you Courts for Kids for the great help you gave to our institution. We had a great time of fellowship, teamwork, activities and fun. Many thanks Courts for Kids😊.”

~ Alexis Oswaldo Chávez Pérez, Community Member

“I liked to be together and to contribute, for me it is a pleasure and leaves me satisfied. Thank you to the volunteers with Courts for Kids, I had a lot of fun with their presence, thank you!”

~ Diego Ortíz Pérez, Community Member

"I feel very happy for the experience with all the students of Camas High School, because they are very special people, they made me feel very happy and special. At all times there were smiles, joy, special moments, thanks. They are people who always show humility, simplicity, gratitude, and leave us great teachings from which we must learn. I feel very happy because they have taught me many things and they have become my best friends and I hope I am also my best friend for them, but it also saddens me to see them leave. Thank you for all the happy moments, and thank you for all the support you have given us. I had a great time."

~ Jorge Avendaño Pérez, Community Member

“This project not only gave us the opportunity to have a court but also the opportunity to meet new people, and it was very nice.”

~ Marisol Soriano, Community Member

“I am grateful to the project, but also thank the founders and collaborators of this institution Courts for Kids for such a noble generosity, taking into account that their stay in San Mateo has been very beneficial for them, thank you very much, we hope that your visit is not the first time if not as many as possible. Our people always welcomes you with open arms, have a happy return home. Greetings to all.”

~ Vicente Avendaño Lopez, Community Member