By Christina Mendoza
(Boyle Heights, California – September 3, 2026) – As summer comes to an end, the Salesian Family Youth Center is reflecting on a season filled with learning, service, leadership, and community.
A Summer of Learning, Growth, and Fun
Summer Camp has officially ended, marking seven incredible weeks of activities and opportunities for young people. A total of 125 TK–8th grade campers participated throughout the summer, supported by an amazing team of 77 staff members and volunteers.
From arts and crafts and STEM activities to swimming, sports, games, and more, campers had countless opportunities to learn, explore, and create lasting memories. They also enjoyed field trips to Griffith Park, the California Science Center, and other destinations throughout Los Angeles.
The Salesian Family Youth Center is grateful to its campers, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make Summer Camp 2026 a memorable success.
Salesian Youth Soccer League Goes to the World Cup
In collaboration with the LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund, 16 youth participants, coaches, and referees had the opportunity to attend a World Cup match at SoFi Stadium.
For many of the young soccer players, coaches, and referees, the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one they never imagined they would have. The Salesian Family Youth Center is grateful to the partners and supporters who helped make this experience possible and gave local youth the opportunity to experience the world’s biggest stage in soccer.
Young Leaders Building a Stronger Church Together
Young representatives from St. Mary’s Parish, St. Isabel Parish, the Salesian Family Youth Center, and St. Dominic Savio Parish recently gathered at Talpa to share experiences and best practices in youth ministry.
The gathering provided an opportunity for young leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to strengthen youth ministry through creativity, dialogue, and shared leadership.
The Salesian Family Youth Center is grateful to Fr. Miguel Ángel for his warm invitation and hospitality. The gathering was a reminder that young people are an essential part of the Church and powerful witnesses of faith, hope, and evangelization.
Celebrating Our Summer Counselors
To celebrate the conclusion of Camp Salesian, 45 teens and staff members enjoyed a day at Six Flags filled with fun, laughter, and community.
Throughout the summer, the dedicated counselors contributed more than 280 hours of unpaid community service. Their hard work, commitment, and joyful presence helped create a welcoming and meaningful experience for campers.
The celebration offered an opportunity to recognize and thank these young leaders for all they contributed throughout the summer.
Youth Ministry Takes Action
The Youth Ministry group gathered to reflect on their personal “Gift to Don Bosco,” pray for recent graduates, and plan upcoming activities.
From parish fundraising and Friendsgiving to a Tijuana mission trip and December celebrations, young people are continuing to grow as leaders through faith, service, responsibility, and meaningful involvement in their community.
Opening Doors, Inspiring Leadership
Three young women from the Salesian Family Youth Center’s Youth Ministry program attended the 2026 Latina Public Service Academy Summer Reception, where they connected with Latina leaders in public service, advocacy, and business.
Opportunities like this encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, discover new possibilities, and envision themselves as future leaders and agents of social change.
By connecting with Latina role models, the young women were reminded that they, too, have the ability to lead and make a difference in their communities.
Faith in Action: Serving Our Neighbors
Youth from the Salesian Family Youth Center’s Youth Ministry Program, guided by the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Program, distributed water to people experiencing homelessness in Skid Row during a morning of intense heat.
Inspired by the Gospel, the young people put their faith into action by reflecting on the question, “Who is Jesus to us?”
Through this simple act of service, they practiced compassion, dignity, and social responsibility while learning how they can help transform their community.
Counselors Cheer on the Sparks
Thanks to a collaboration with Tickets for Kids, 30 counselors had the opportunity to attend a Los Angeles Sparks game against the Indiana Fever.
The group enjoyed an exciting night of basketball and had the opportunity to watch WNBA stars, including Caitlin Clark, in action. The experience was a special opportunity to celebrate the counselors and recognize their contributions to the Salesian Family Youth Center.
Youth Voices at Pancakes & Politics
Members of the Salesian Youth Ministry and SHOUT Program at Bravo High School attended the Pancakes & Politics forum hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Omar, who is featured in the upcoming Hearts of Boyle Heights book, and Joshua, a 2026 Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) participant, joined the event.
The young people heard from community leaders, including LAUSD Superintendent Andrés E. Chait, and had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with him directly.
The experience encouraged participants to see themselves as future leaders committed to service and the common good.
Celebrating Our Youth Volunteers
The Salesian Family Youth Center recently celebrated the young people who generously volunteered in the parish’s Holy Week Living Stations of the Cross.
Their faith, talent, and dedication helped create a meaningful experience for the parish community. As a small gesture of appreciation, part of the group was treated to a movie night to see Minions, with the remaining volunteers scheduled to join in a future celebration.
The celebration was made possible through generous movie ticket donations. The Salesian Family Youth Center is grateful for its young volunteers and for the spirit of service they bring to the Salesian community.
SHOUT Arts & Crafts Club
The SHOUT After-School Program launched a new Arts & Crafts Club. For their first project, students created their own “Snow Globe Cups.”
Students selected their glitter, stickers, and decorations to create cups that reflected their individual styles. More than a fun activity, the project gave students an opportunity to relax, connect, and build community with one another.
The Salesian Family Youth Center is proud of the students’ creativity and hard work. The young artists were excited to take their one-of-a-kind creations home.
Welcome Back to Study Hall
The new school year is underway, and the Salesian Family Youth Center is excited to welcome students back and support them in reaching their academic goals.
Study Hall is open and ready to provide homework help, study resources, and a quiet space where students can focus and complete their assignments.
Created with students in mind, the space provides an additional resource as they begin a new school year and work toward their academic goals.
Growing Together as a Salesian Community
From summer camp and sports to youth ministry, service, leadership opportunities, and academic support, the past several months have provided young people with countless opportunities to learn, grow, serve, and build community.
As a new school year begins, the Salesian Family Youth Center looks forward to continuing to accompany young people and their families throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of our Salesian family.