LIGHTS, CAMERA, EMPOWERMENT: Motivos Summer Video Camp

By Ramses Montes

Throughout July and August 2022, I had the immense privilege of being the film instructor for Motivos Summer Video Camps held at McVeigh Recreation Center and McPherson Library in Philadelphia, PA. During this time, I recognized how important the efforts of the rec center and library staff are and how much the environment of the neighborhood impacts these kids. Caring adults, camaraderie of peers, and multiple options for enrichment activities in this under-resourced, violenceplagued area created bright spots for us all.

I want to push you to think about how vital youth programming can be and consider not only where kids would be without these camps and workshops, without people in the community that legitimately care about them and want to reach out to improve their lives, but also what and how you can contribute time, talent or treasure to improve outcomes and brighten the lives of kids.

There are more than 400 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries in Philadelphia that serve as safe spaces for people to learn, play, exercise, and get access to important services. However, about 90 percent of these places are in need of investment. McVeigh Recreation Center will soon be renovated, and I’m very excited to see how these renovations will impact and improve the lives of the surrounding community. A big shout out to IMPACT Services, Rebuild Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia for your contributions in making these summer programs and pending facility improvements possible.

Find additional resources and on-going programming here:

IMPACT Services: https://www.impactservices.org/

This organization mobilizes people and resources to create connected, resilient, thriving communities and help advance equity in Kensington and across Philadelphia.

Rebuild Philadelphia: https://www.phila.gov/programs/ rebuild/

Made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Rebuild is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in improving neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries in Philadelphia.

The Free Library of Philadelphia: https://www.freelibrary.org/

This privately/publicly funded network of 55 branch libraries sees over 6 million visitors per year and acts as a hub to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Their Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) provides STEAM activities and offers homework assistance in-person during library hours and live tutoring through Homework Help Online from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week.