Family and Friends from California, Oregon and South Dakota spend an Unforgettable Six Days in Panimatzalam, Guatemala

We were a small but mighty team of family and friends coming from California, Oregon and South Dakota excited to spend time building a multi-use sports court and give back. Especially for some of us that had parents who migrated from Guatemala, giving back to the community and culture was beyond special.

After spending six unforgettable days in the Panimatzalam region of Guatemala, working alongside the community and students to build a multi-use sports court for the Chilam Balam Maya Middle School, we’ve returned with more than just memories. We’ve returned with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and connection with ourselves, family, sport, origins and nature.

Courts for Kids brought us to Panimatzalam, a region in the mountains near Lake Atitlan, where lush mountains stretch into the sky and deep-rooted traditions are part of everyday life. Our mission was simple in theory: build a sports court that would provide a safe, permanent space for the boys and girls at Chilam Balam to play, compete, and grow. However, the experience was far richer and more complex than we could have imagined.

Each morning began with the sound of roosters and 50 degree mornings over the misty hills. We worked side-by-side with local families, volunteers, school staff, contractors and students—shoveling gravel, mixing cement by hand, hauling buckets, and pouring the cement under the sun. It was physically demanding and culturally challenging at times, yet despite the different backgrounds and language barriers, we all shared the same goal: creating something meaningful for the children of Chilam Balam with sports at the center of it.

The students at Chilam Balam were at the heart of the project. Energetic, curious, and always smiling, they brought joy to every corner of the construction site. During breaks, we played football (soccer), danced and practiced our Spanish, often laughing at our mutual mispronunciations. In those moments, we saw clearly what the court would offer: not just a space to play, but a place where friendships form, confidence grows, and community is strengthened.

The people of Panimatzalam welcomed us with open arms. Families shared their meals with us—handmade tortillas, eggs, beans, and homegrown vegetables. They opened up to us, made jokes, shared stories of resilience, hope, and heritage. We learned about the Mayan traditions, participated in cultural celebrations, and gained insight into what life in this part of the world looks like day to day.

By the end of the week, as we finished the court and watched the nets get installed, and a deep sense of fulfillment settled in. We weren’t just leaving behind a court—we were leaving behind a symbol of connection to another world, collaboration, respect, and shared humanity. The inauguration ceremony was emotional, filled with speeches, laughing, and the echo of a basketball bouncing on the fresh surface for the very first time.

This project reminded all of us that true impact is mutual. While we came to give, we received so much more in return. We left Guatemala changed—humbled by the generosity of spirit, inspired by the strength of community, and hopeful for the many games, lessons, and dreams that will unfold on that new court.

We and Courts for Kids didn’t just build a court in Panimatzalam—we built connections that will last a lifetime.

~ Ramiro Del Cid, Volunteer

Volunteer Quotes:

I feel this trip changed me because it made me realize how happy one can be living a simple life. Felt at ease living for 5 days away from the hustle and bustle city life and advanced technology. ~ Carlos Morataya

Seeing how many students cling emotionally lets me know we have impacted lives forever. This will be a forever memory trip that i am truly blessed to have been a part of. ~ Eric Melendez

One of the most difficult parts about going home is feeling like I´m leaving a part of my heart here. This place is filled with so much love and growth with the community here has been beyond humbling. ~ Ramiro Del Cid

It’s a great experience because it opens your eyes to other cultures and see life from a different point of view.
~ Lucas Hunter

I better understand my value in this world, the impact I can have. Sometimes we need a reminder of our strength and the only way to find it is to step far out of our comfort zone. ~ Walter Portz

Community Quotes:

It's been a wonderful experience for both the volunteers and our community, sharing food, our language, and many activities. For us, it represents something we've dreamed of for quite some time. ~ Irma Sebastiana Morales, Teacher

One of the things we liked most was the atmosphere created with the volunteers. It was so good that we were able to work side by side as a team. Our challenge was verbal communication, but that didn't stop us from working and having a good time at the same time. ~ Marcelino Manuel Morales, School Principal

We're happy to be able to bring more development to our community. This court will undoubtedly help our youth have fun, but more importantly, keep them away from bad things. ~ Rosalinda Ordoñez, Community member

We are very grateful for the support received from Courts for Kids and the volunteers to make this great project possible. It will positively benefit the community in ways we may not have imagined. Children and young people will be able to exercise and develop their skills in sports like basketball and soccer. ~ Cristy Rosalina Matzar, Community member

We've gained a lot from this cultural exchange. We've learned a lot from the volunteers, and we realize there are many differences between our culture and theirs. This week has been a learning experience for us. Although we're both different, we share the same goal, and that's broken down any possible barriers. ~ Dariela Cumes Leja, Student