The 2025 Youth Summer Olympics: A Grand Success 🏅

SWE & CYOC Create an Unforgettable Summer Celebration Together!

By George Wang

On August 1, 2025, despite the morning drizzle and overcast skies, Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C., hosted a vibrant and joyful event — the 2025 Youth Summer Olympics. Organized by So What Else (SWE) and Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) in collaboration with several local nonprofit partners, the event brought together over 380 summer camp participants from the Greater Washington area for a day filled with fun, sports, and meaningful connections.

A Unified Effort for Youth Empowerment: SWE and CYOC Collaborate for the Event

SWE spearheaded the event’s overall coordination and logistical support, while CYOC’s dedicated volunteer team handled on-the-ground operations. This marked the first major collaboration between these two nonprofit organizations on youth development, combining their unique strengths to create an event that was inclusive, united, and full of energy. The event also received valuable support from Mentoring Through Athletics, the Kinman Boys & Girls Club, and the Community Service Foundation.

• So What Else (SWE) is a leading nonprofit in the Greater Washington area, dedicated to improving the well-being of underserved children and families through education, nutrition, after-school services, and community outreach. Its founder, Dave Silbert, and his team played a key role in organizing and facilitating the event.
• Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) is a youth-led organization, focusing on developing leadership, social responsibility, and community service among young people. Nearly 20 CYOC volunteers were involved in planning and on-site management of the event, helping guide the campers and ensuring they had an enriching and memorable experience throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Rainy Start, but a Spirited Day Ahead

Despite the early morning rain, volunteers arrived at 8 AM to prepare for the event, setting up tents, arranging supplies, and creating activity stations. With spirits high and a strong sense of purpose, they worked quickly and efficiently, transforming the park into an exciting space for learning and fun. The rain soon stopped, and the cooler temperatures created an ideal environment for outdoor activities. The volunteers’ energy remained unwavering as they worked together to bring the event to life.

A Wide Range of Activities – Science, Art, Sports and More!

The Olympics featured 16 themed activity stations, each offering a unique mix of fun and learning, covering science, health, art, and various sports:

• Lava Lamp Experiments, Marshmallow Tower Challenge
• Hydration Education and Positive Affirmation Stations
• DIY Fan Making, Leaf Print, Treasure Hunt
• Soccer, Basketball, Relay Races, Obstacle Courses, Dodgeball, and more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campers and Volunteers Connecting Through Fun Activities

CYOC’s volunteers were present at every activity station, offering guidance, explaining rules, and encouraging campers to step outside their comfort zones. With their support, the campers not only enjoyed the physical activities but also improved their social skills and confidence. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and a spirit of growth, where every child felt respected and supported.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As co-organizers, CYOC members not only volunteered but also took an active role in the sports activities.

• In the basketball friendly match, CYOC members were fully immersed in both playing and volunteering roles. As active players, we worked seamlessly with the campers, encouraging teamwork, enthusiasm, and friendly competition. We ran, jumped, and celebrated each point, creating an exciting atmosphere where cheers echoed from the sidelines. As volunteers, we also guided the campers through the game, offering support and motivation, ensuring that they felt empowered and encouraged throughout the match.
• During the soccer game, CYOC members took on dual roles as players and coaches, motivating campers to work together as a team. As the teams raced down the field, we demonstrated teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, all while striving to score goals and lift each other.
• The roller skating activity brought more joy and excitement. Some kids glided effortlessly across the rink, while others had their first tumbles, only to get back up and improve with every attempt. The contagious energy, filled with laughter and cheers, created an atmosphere where every camper felt encouraged to keep trying and growing.

These activities not only helped campers improve their physical skills but also fostered a greater sense of confidence and teamwork. CYOC’s hands-on involvement in each sport ensured that the campers were not just participants but also active contributors to the energy and success of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Efficient Cleanup to Close Out the Day

By 3 PM, with the award ceremony concluded, the 2025 Youth Summer Olympics came to a successful close. Immediately afterward, CYOC volunteers sprang into action, dismantling tents, packing up equipment, organizing supplies, and cleaning up to restore the park to its original condition. Their quick and organized approach demonstrated a sense of responsibility and dedication to the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CYOC & SWE: Empowering Youth, Serving Communities, Building a Multicultural and Sustainable Youth Platform

This event marked a new chapter in the collaboration between SWE and CYOC, expanding from our past work in donations and food distributions to focus on youth development. Through sports and interactive activities, campers were able to break through cultural, language, and ethnic barriers to build friendships, grow in self-confidence, and gain valuable life skills. This partnership also opens the door for future collaboration in areas such as mental health, leadership, and academic support. This model will further promote community integration and develop a generation of youth with a strong sense of social responsibility and global perspective.

CYOC is committed to its mission of “empowering youth, serving communities” and will continue to collaborate with partners to create more opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and enjoy life.

A Big Thank You to Everyone Who Contributed!

The success of the 2025 Youth Summer Olympics wouldn’t have been possible without the strong collaboration between the SWE and CYOC teams. SWE provided the essential resources and logistical support, while CYOC’s youth volunteers demonstrated impressive execution and enthusiasm. From pre-event planning to on-site management and even post-event cleanup, every detail reflected the hard work and dedication of both organizations.

Thank you to every volunteer, staff member, and young athlete! Your passion and dedication made this summer even more meaningful. We look forward to gathering again next year at Anacostia Park to continue creating beautiful community stories together!