A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE
MEET OUR TEAM
Our interns and volunteers do this to help and serve others…they do it to make a difference and they truly are “Difference Makers”. KAMS appreciates each and every one of them!
MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS BELOW AND HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERING WITH KAMS FOUNDATION.
“I enjoy being a part of KAMS so much! Being able to be a positive force in their life has been amazing. We get so many kids from all different walks of life so we never know how each child will react to our program so watching them enjoy all we have to offer is what’s most fulfilling. No matter what they may be going through, we’re determined to provide a safe space for them to come in and express themselves through our positive affirmations, activities and sports.”
“KAMS is such an important organization for kids because it teaches them how to respect themselves and others through affirmations, team building and sports.”
“One of the best decisions I’ve ever made is joining KAMS. KAMS is more than just kicking around soccer balls or making colorful crafts with kids. KAMS fosters love, empathy, and leadership in our youth through thoughtful mentorship and fun activities. With every teammate they help up from falling and with every bead they thread onto their affirmation bracelets, these kids gain new skills and insight that’ll help them navigate the rest of their lives. As a coach, I’ve found myself growing with these kids as well, which is why I am so grateful and blessed for the lessons KAMS has taught me over the years.”
“Being a part of the KAMS Foundation has allowed me to not only engage in my own community, but also nurture my inner child. Working with kids who I see just want to feel empowered and supported brings me back to my own childhood, when I struggled with self esteem. Each week, I see how one simple affirmation can change a frown into a smile, and I go home knowing that I have made a difference. As a coach I have realized the powerful role we all play in one another’s lives and that through kindness and encouragement, can create a lasting, positive impact.”
“KAMS has really been a special experience for me. Initially, I started volunteering with KAMS for a class I was in. However, after watching the kids uplift each other, persevere through challenges, and continue to learn and grow year after year, it became so much more than just getting in hours to me. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as their peers affirm them or cheer them on in soccer is really heartening. I’m so glad I decided to join the KAMS team, it’s such a special program and continues to make a difference in so many kids’ lives.”
KAMS has really made a positive impact in my life over the years. It feels so rewarding seeing these kids grow and feel more confident and sure of themselves in the few days we work with them. It makes everything worthwhile when we see these same kids the next year and they tell us how much the KAMS program has helped them and made a positive impact in their lives. KAMS really makes a difference by doing the little things that make every child feel loved and important just as they are.”.
“When I first started volunteering at KAMS I really didn’t know what to expect. At first, I thought it would just be kicking around a soccer ball with a much of little kids. Although, looking back now I realize it’s so much more than what I was expecting. Being a part of KAMS has helped me develop into the person I am today and I am so thankful for it. Overall, it has helped me become a more responsible and outgoing person. It’s so fulfilling for me to know that we as a team are making a difference in each and every child’s lives. The lovely thing about it is how much every kid has impacted my life as well. By giving these children helpful life skills, I am certain the future will be a brighter place, and that is what I love most about KAMS.”
“I am a college student at Mt. San Antonio College. I love working with kids and playing sports so KAMS Foundation is perfect for me”.
“During my time volunteering with KAMS I’ve been able to connect with and mentor kids about patience, respect, and responsibility, through teamwork. Not only have I been able to mentor but have also learned from the KAMS program. By being a role model to younger kids it has allowed me to improve my leadership and teamwork skills outside of the KAMS program”
“As a teenager, I’m sure we all go through a rebel stage. Although, ever since I started KAMS it has made me see the positive in people and made me a better person. Working with kids has taught me patience and to be more kind-hearted. I am very grateful that I had the chance to join KAMS because it has also helped me build bonds with the kids along with the other volunteers.”.
“What a blessing it has been to be a part of KAMS Foundation. It is a privilege to be quickly welcomed by kids at the numerous schools in our program. We have the opportunity to learn their unique and touching personal stories, many of which leave our volunteers with a changed outlook on life.”
When I go to KAMS seeing all the kids having a great time smiling and laughing really make it worth it. Especially when there are a few shy kids who by the end of the program open up and be themselves.”
“KAMS has impacted me because of all the volunteers and especially the kids we work with. The kids are so wonderful, exciting and full of life. It’s so great to see the kids open up about their lives such as what they like, what their favorite part of KAMS is, and even just to see them grow in the three days we spend with them! My favorite part of KAMS is the soccer part where we say what we saw in the kids as far as responsibility goes! That’s my favorite part because I love seeing all the kids’ facial expressions.”
“KAMS is a breath of fresh air for the kids and myself.”
“KAMS has helped me develop more patience and a more positive outlook on life. It has helped me realize the importance of positive affirmation and having a positive self opinion. Working with the kids at KAMS has also reminded me of the importance of having good intentions behind actions.”
“Some of the most life-changing moments that I have experienced were through KAMS program. I was there to empower the children, but as they grew, I did too. What an honor it is to be a part of something that turns inspiration into a two-way street.”
“As a college student, I am constantly trying to be sure I am pursuing a career that aligns with God’s calling for my life. Through KAMS, I was able to see that my calling was to work with children. Working with the kids at KAMS has brought me a joy I did not know I could find in a schooling system. The students make me laugh, smile, and leave me with an impacted heart. I love being able to help the students, encourage them to reach their full potential, and have fun while doing so!”
“Some of the most life-changing moments that I have experienced were through KAMS program. I was there to empower the children, but as they grew, I did too. What an honor it is to be a part of something that turns inspiration into a two-way street.”
“KAMS has given me such a positive purpose every time we go to a school. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to boost their confidence, and see them sharing positivity to each other. It’s all worth it when I get there and see all the smiles and energy and they tell us they were excited all day for KAMS. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to be a part of KAMS”.”
“Although I was nervous about joining KAMS at first, it did not take very long before it began feeling like a family. KAMS did not only help me create bonds with amazing people and step out of my comfort zone, but it helped me see life more positively during a difficult time of my life. I am very grateful to be part of such an amazing program and help bring positivity to the community around me.”
“KAMS kids rock’. I enjoy being a KAMS volunteer coach. Working with the kids reminds you of what’s good in the world. They learn from us and we learn from them. It’s great to be having this experience, and memories with my 16year old niece who is also a KAMS volunteer. We both leave with a very positive, good feeling whenever we volunteer. It’s always awesome when we make those special connections with the kids and they thank you and let you know they enjoyed the program and had fun. ‘Be good. Be responsible. Be kind”
“KAMS is a program that truly has an amazing impact on not only the kids but, the volunteers as well! Being able to interact and be a positive and encouraging figure in these kids lives, even just for the few days we are with them is such a privilege. As a volunteer, it truly lights up your day to make a KAMS kid smile and to see the way they blossom over the short period of time we are with them. Some are so shy and don’t want or feel like they can interact with the other kids and after a few hours of encouraging them and trying to show them that they do belong and that they are loved, they will be out there having the time of their lives and encouraging other kiddos to join in!”
So many things about KAMS bring a smile to my face. This year has been amazing because we returned to the schools for a second year. Seeing the same kids sign up again and being so happy to see us was such a joy. Saying they missed us and couldn’t wait to see us and to be sad when our week was up just reinforces what KAMS is doing really works! We are having an impact on their lives. I notice it especially when we have a shy or withdrawn child in the beginning and by the third day they are smiling, laughing, participating, and engaging with the KAMS staff and activities”.
