By JC Montenegro, PhD

(Boyle Heights, California) More than 150 youth gathered at the Salesian Family Youth Center to celebrate soccer, leadership, and the beginning of a summer of service.

A dynamic and engaging sharing as Karla motivates a large group of young people in a vibrant community gathering.

A dynamic and engaging sharing as Karla motivates a large group of young people in a vibrant community gathering.

On Friday night, the gym at the Salesian Family Youth Center transformed into more than a viewing space for the USA vs. Paraguay international soccer match — it became a gathering place where two summer camp communities met for the first time as one Salesian Family.

The International Soccer Viewing Event brought together more than 150 youth participants from Camp Salesian and Camp Savio for an evening centered on community, leadership, recreation, and service. The event also served as the first official gathering between volunteers from both camps before beginning a summer dedicated to serving children and families throughout Los Angeles.

What may have looked like a simple soccer watch party quickly became something much deeper: a moment of encounter, friendship, and unity among young leaders preparing to make a difference in their communities.

Head Counselors gather in front of the Don Bosco mural, proudly showcasing their matching “Powering Every Goal” shirts as they participate in the watch party.

Head Counselors gather in front of the Don Bosco mural, proudly showcasing their matching “Powering Every Goal” shirts as they participate in the watch party.
The evening was organized and led by a team of 10 Head Counselors from Camp Salesian. These teen leaders coordinated activities, welcomed participants from Camp Savio, guided tours around the youth center, organized games, and helped create an environment where everyone felt included and connected.

For many participants, this was their very first opportunity to meet young volunteers from the other camp community. Throughout the evening, friendships formed naturally through soccer games, conversations, music, and shared meals.

At one point of the evening, counselors from Savio joined Camp Salesian counselors in an impromptu cheering challenge. Within minutes, strangers had become teammates, cheering one another on and laughing together as if they had known each other for years.

At the heart of the evening was something very Salesian: young people welcoming other young people.

Camp Savio and Camp Salesian counselors serving food and drinks to their fellow team members in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Camp Savio and Camp Salesian counselors serving food and drinks to their fellow team members in a vibrant outdoor setting.
The event included soccer skill challenges, interactive games, music, food, and the live viewing of the USA vs. Paraguay match. Tacos and refreshments were shared among participants. The atmosphere reflected the spirit of Boyle Heights — vibrant, joyful, family-centered, and deeply rooted in culture and community.

A meaningful part of the evening was the partnership with Southern California Edison, whose support helped make the gathering possible. A group of Edison representatives and volunteers engaged directly with participants, sharing information about scholarships, educational opportunities, STEM careers, and leadership pathways for the future.

Karla Sayles, Vice President of Local Public Affairs for Southern California Edison, spoke directly to the youth gathered at the event. Using soccer as a metaphor for life and service, she reminded participants that many of the athletes they admire struggled and sacrificed greatly to arrive where they are today.

Karla Sayles, Vice President of Local Public Affairs for Southern California Edison, engages a captivated audience of youth using soccer as a metaphor for life and service at a community event.

Karla Sayles, Vice President of Local Public Affairs for Southern California Edison, engages a captivated audience of youth using soccer as a metaphor for life and service at a community event.

She challenged the youth leaders to recognize their own responsibility to make a positive impact in the world around them.“Soccer is like our programs,” she shared with participants. “People struggle to be where they are, and now we are together to see them playing. Our young people can make a difference in this world. We need people like you who will make a difference, and you are the ones who will be responsible.”

Her message resonated deeply with the volunteers preparing to serve throughout the summer.

This summer, more than 300 young people across Camp Salesian and Camp Savio will dedicate their time to serving children and families throughout the community. The watch party became more than entertainment — it became the beginning of a shared mission rooted in leadership, encounter, and service.

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we believe community is built through encounter. It is built when young people feel seen, trusted, and invited to lead. It is built when different groups come together not as strangers, but as one Salesian Family.

We are deeply grateful to Edison International and Southern California Edison for investing in our young people and helping create an experience rooted in leadership, service, and hope.

As the final whistle blew Friday night, it became clear that the most important victory was not the score on the screen, but the community being built among young people preparing to serve others this summer.