There's only one month to go until the DC SCORES Jamboree! This is a great opportunity to volunteer for a day and make a difference in the community. As June approaches, many of you have asked us for more information about both the Jamboree and DC SCORES itself. So this week, we are departing from our regular newsletter format to bring you an in-depth look at our non-profit partner and their biggest event of the year!
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Getting Down with DC SCORES
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DC SCORES was originally founded by a D.C. elementary school teacher in 1994. Over the years, it has expanded to include
dozens of public elementary and middle schools in the D.C. area; over 2500 children across all eight wards of D.C. participate. It has also grown exponentially into a program across the United States and in Canada (
America SCORES).
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DC SCORES runs year-round soccer practices and games for local kids, but they do much more than just that. Students spend their fall term learning creative writing and spoken word performance, culminating in a giant
Poetry Slam. In the spring, students at each school form teams, identify and research an issue at their school or the surrounding community, and put together a
service-learning plan. Winter and summer sessions are devoted to nutrition education and arts enrichment, respectively. Coaches and referees are primarily school employees who volunteer their time, but
local community members are also encouraged to participate.
The Screaming Eagles and
D.C. United wholeheartedly support the DC SCORES vision:
"We envision a DC where every child – no matter their family income – experiences the joys of childhood: sports, arts, service, and being part of a team. Where every child – no matter their family circumstances – is empowered to find academic success and grow into an emotionally and physically healthy teen and adult. Where every neighborhood supports and celebrates its children and their accomplishments on and off the playing field." -
from the
DC SCORES website.
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Now you're caught up on DC SCORES, what's all this fuss about the Jamboree?
The Jamboree, which occurs at the end of the DC SCORES spring season, is their
biggest event of the year! Thousands of kids and their families come together with volunteers from all over the community for a
giant all-day festival and soccer tournament. From face-painting to dodgeball, from presenting service-learning projects to relay races - they've got it all! And of course, there's plenty of soccer, with games taking place all day long.
Why do we keep talking about this event? Because
we need your help! This is an enormous community endeavor, and it takes volunteers from all across the region to make it happen. If you've been looking for a chance to give back, you couldn't ask for a better opportunity. A beautiful spring day outside celebrating soccer and helping the kids who play it - what more could you ask for?
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Saturday, June 2 | 8 am - 3 pm
Anacostia Park, Field 6
Not sure how to help? We've got you covered. There are all kinds of easy ways to volunteer for this event (descriptions courtesy of DC SCORES):
Referee
- Referees will be asked to work with other referees at their field and will control 3-5 games throughout the day. Soccer experience necessary, although all referees will complete a brief overview with DC SCORES Staff before their shift. Some light jogging required.
- For this role, there are AM, PM, and All-Day shifts available.
Activity Booths
- Booths include face-painting, art & soccer activities, etc.
- For this role, there are AM, PM, and All-Day shifts available.
Lunch Distribution
- This station will consist of organizing boxed lunches and making sure they get to teams, family members, and volunteers properly.
- For this role, one shift will be available.
Photography/Videography
- Please bring your own camera. In this position, volunteers will be assigned to capture a certain area/set of games.
- For this role, there are AM, PM, and All-Day shifts available.
Set-Up/Closing Crew
- Set-up includes setting up tables, goals, tents, art supplies, etc. -
- Some heavy lifting may be required.
- Closing shift includes assistance with breaking down goals, tents, art booths, and other materials is needed at the end of the day.
- There is one shift for set-up and one for closing crew available.
General
- Other duties will be assigned as needed and volunteers may be asked to float between various volunteer roles.
- There are AM, PM, and All-Day shifts available for this role.
There's something for everyone at this event, so
please sign up! When you do, be sure to list
Screaming Eagles as your organization. Sign up your family and friends! Recruit your coworkers! The more, the merrier!
A little housekeeping:
- All volunteers should be prepared to change (in an open area) into a DC SCORES T-shirt upon arrival. The shirt will be provided for you.
- Wear comfy clothes and shoes, and consider bringing a light rain jacket, just in case. If you're working a morning shift, you might want to bring an extra pair of socks (wet grass = wet feet).
- Drinking water will be provided, but please bring your own refillable bottle. Lunch will also be provided, including vegetarian options.
- When you arrive, check in at the Volunteer Tent to get your assignment for your shift.
- Save time if you can by filling out the volunteer waiver form online.
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That's it! Still have questions about the Jamboree or about DC SCORES?
Let us know and we'll do our best to answer them. DC SCORES is a terrific organization, and the Jamboree is a fantastic community event. We're thrilled to be a part of it and we think you will be too. So give a little something back:
sign up today and show up on June 2nd!
Our Team. Each Other. Our Community.
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