Late last year, a few months into the pandemic, we were approached and asked to help fill a need: neighborhood kids in and around Ward 6 had limited opportunities for outdoor play and enriching activities. Could CRYSP help? We immediately got to work.

We quickly agreed there was no need to reinvent the wheel. What was needed was a way to help parents and kids find and enroll in existing programs that already do youth sports programming well. We pivoted and took on the role of connector.

In spring 2021, CRYSP enrolled 12 youth in soccer with Sports on the Hill, DC Way Academy, and Banneker Little League, all of which provided full or partial scholarships. Where needed, CRYSP paid enrollment fees, purchased cleats, shin guards, socks, and balls so that kids could participate on an even playing field. (A special thanks to Capitol Hill Community Foundation for its financial support of this project!)

This summer, the initiative has grown. CRYSP is enrolling youth in over 45 weeks of soccer, flag football, baseball and rollerblading summer camps. Each camp organization is again providing full or partial scholarships. DC Fray, a CRYSP partner, is underwriting all remaining enrollment costs so the camp weeks remain free to participants. Again, CRYSP will provide personal equipment, where needed. And again we are serving as the connector, helping parents find the right programs for their children’s interests and family needs, facilitating a smooth enrollment process.

A central tenet of CRYSP DC’s mission is “bridging communities,” something we think about often and constantly strive for. If you would like to support more youth having this kind of opportunity this summer and in the fall, please donate here. If you would like to sponsor enrollments for multiple kids as a business or individual, please contact CRYSP Executive Director, Anne Corbett.