Sub Navigation
Program News
This summer Starfinder decided to pilot a new type of camp program. Instead of doing a series of week-long camps at different sites, Starfinder is meeting with the youth at each site twice a week over a six week period. This allows Starfinder to maintain constant contact with the participants and thus foster stronger relationships and have a greater impact. In keeping with the idea of consistent contact, Starfinder continues to work with both the Feltonville Soccer Club and the Anderson Monarchs throughout the summer. In addition, we have reestablished a relationship with the Multi-Cultural Soccer Club in Upper Darby and are providing support for the newly formed Germantown Soccer Club, which has two sites in the Germantown area.
The shift in structure isn't the only change that Starfinder has made to the summer camp programs. This year 20 of our Senior Leaders have the unique opportunity to take on leadership roles in the camps and provide much of the on and off-field coaching to the younger participants. This is empowering the Senior Leaders to expand their leadership and public speaking abilities while they take a proactive approach to their communities. Senior Leader, Mamie Dukaray, states that, "No kids are exactly alike. They are all unique and different and because of that I have learned from them. Each time I explain a drill to another kid, I get a better understanding of the correct way to communicate. I have learned that I need to keep things simple but explain things in a different way, so every kid understands what is going on." Meanwhile the camp attendees (Future and Junior Leaders) get the benefit of more intimate attention and coaching while gaining role models within the Starfinder "family." Moreover, the Future and Junior Leaders are seeing that they can aspire to greater opportunities within Starfinder's programs.
In order to successfully achieve these results, the Senior Leaders took part in a two-day coaching course focused on successful coaching techniques for children 12 and under. In addition, the Starfinder staff have been providing additional mentoring and training sessions on a weekly basis to prepare the teens. The Senior Leaders have demonstrated huge improvement in their coaching and confidence in the first two weeks of the summer program. According to Senior Leader Mohamed Bah, "It was hard to work with the children at first. At first, I was shy and quiet. Over the past couple of weeks I have gained confidence and feel more comfortable teaching the younger kids soccer."
Although the summer camp has a few more weeks left, Starfinder's staff has seen some very positive results. "None of us knew how this program was going to work. We believed in the structure and believed that the results were going to be positive. But, I am not sure if any of us could have predicted the extent to how great everything is going. This is definitely a program that we will want to build upon - having the Senior Leaders, Junior Leaders and Future Leaders all interacting with each other has been such a valuable experience to all," stated Stephen Jackson, Programs and Operations Manager.
_______________________________________________________________
Adrian Takyi
Hi everybody! My name is Adrian Takyi, and I'm a rising senior at Haverford College. I'm a history major and education minor, as well as a member of the varsity basketball team. I first became interested in Starfinder through a Haverford alum who used to work here, and after looking into the foundation more I thought it would be a great place to pursue an internship. Over the summer I've done a lot of work with developing the curriculum for our summer programs and designing a nutrition program for the students to use. In addition, I have been researching effective ways to reach out to parents in order get them more involved in the work their children are doing in Starfinder's programs throughout the year.
Starfinder has given me the chance to work firsthand with students from many different cultural backgrounds, which has opened me up to many different perspectives. The students we work with are very passionate about their own cultures and views, which really gives the opportunity for open and productive dialog amongst each other. As an education minor and prospective teacher, it has been great to watch Starfinder's participants develop as both students and soccer players. It always amazes me how much overlap there is between the values that we teach in the classroom and those that are taught on the soccer field. Starfinder gives these youths a truly well-rounded educational and athletic experience by teaching values that will stay with them for years to come.
I have learned an immense amount this summer, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to be a part of the Starfinder staff this summer.
Jill Armington
Hello everyone! My name is Jill Armington. I am going to be a sophomore in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University this fall and am currently an Anthropology major. I am involved in THON (a huge PSU fundraising effort/dance marathon for pediatric cancer), play Club Field Hockey (I did play soccer up until 8th grade though...), and absolutely love going to the epic football games in Beaver Stadium. I heard about the Starfinder Foundation from one of Penn State's career advisors, and thought it was a worthwhile organization with which to get involved. At Starfinder this summer I am working on expanding the Passport to Excellence curriculum for the after school program and also hope to create a reading initiative to help improve the Starfinder participants' literacy skills and get them excited about reading. Through my involvement with Starfinder's summer camp programs, I am also finally getting back in touch with my inner soccer player.
More importantly though, by working with the Senior Leaders during camps, I have already seen firsthand how meaningful Starfinder is to its participants and how it can affect their education and character. Though they come from different backgrounds, they enjoy each other's company and only seem to bicker about who will win various World Cup matches. They always discuss which colleges they want to attend and are interested in hearing about my experiences at Penn State. As I have a personal interest in educational policy and in figuring out how to generate enthusiasm for learning in all children, through my time at Starfinder I have come to realize that soccer is a successful way to reach out to children and, over time, make their pursuit of higher education possible. Starfinder, I realize, is proof that learning does not always need to occur in the classroom, and that oftentimes the best lessons come from interactions out on the field with inspiring coaches and motivated teammates.
I have really enjoyed my time at Starfinder already, and know that over the next few weeks I will get even more out of the internship. Working with the other interns, the Starfinder employees, and all the kids has been awesome - even though playing in 100 degree weather can be pretty tough!
Cat Leece
Hello Starfinder family! My name is Cat Leece, and I will be a junior at Penn State University in the fall. I am in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State as well, and this past semester, I declared myself a Psychology major.
This is my second summer at Starfinder. In the spring of 2009, I learned about a variety of upcoming summer internship opportunities, including with the Starfinder Foundation. After doing some research and meeting with people from both Schreyer and Starfinder, I was accepted into an internship for the summer of 2009. During that internship, I assisted in many aspects of the program, including public relations, advertising and curriculum building. The last few weeks of my 2009 internship were spent at the summer camps, teaching the classroom portion and learning some new soccer moves with the campers.
Over the past year, I kept in contact with staff at Starfinder, and in April 2010 I applied for another internship. This time, as a Psychology major interested in Applied Behavior Analysis, I requested to work on a behavior management project. For five weeks, I researched everything I could about behavior management in both the classroom and sports settings. I then organized the information into a manual on behavior management, and, using this manual, I have given informal presentations to Starfinder coaches on the best ways to create a positive learning environment and to deal with problem behaviors.
Over the past two summers, I have become part of the Starfinder family, and I have a lot of faith in the program. The staff members and the participants have all had a huge positive impact on me, and I want to do my part to help the program grow and succeed. I hope my behavior management program will help staff and coaches to increase the effectiveness of the Starfinder program so that we achieve our mission as a sports-based youth development organization.
_______________________________________________________________
Jammin' at the Chester Jamboree
March 7, 2010
Last fall Starfinder partnered with the Chester Upland School District (CUSD) to deliver an eight-week after school program at three schools (Stetser, Toby Farms and Main Street schools). Twice a week at each site 20-25 fourth, fifth and sixth graders participated in soccer drills and skills combined with a variety of fun educational and team-building activities. Five CUSD teachers helped run the program, alongside instructors from Starfinder and volunteers from the staff of the Philadelphia Union (Philly's new professional soccer team).
On December 16th it all culminated in a big celebratory event--the Chester Jamboree. Seventy-five program participants, along with teachers, school administrators, and volunteers from the Philadelphia Union, made a special day trip to Starfinder's indoor soccer facility in Manayunk. As the busloads of children jostled their way into the building, their expressions registered awe and excitement upon seeing the huge indoor soccer field that awaited them. It was a priceless moment.
Throughout the day the Chester students competed in a small-sided round-robin tournament and then spirited full-sided games that pitted one school against another. The day also included team building activities, a pizza party, and an award ceremony to recognize great sportsmanship and fair-play.
Starfinder staff and CUSD teachers remarked on the "incredible" changes they witnessed in the children from the first day of the program to the last. "The Starfinder program was such a great experience for the students in Chester. Watching them working together, while learning a new sport was an amazing thing to see. Competing against the other schools at the Jamboree was an unforgettable way to end the program," enthused Cait Stranix, PE teacher at Stetser and Main Street Schools. Nick Chrisanthon, Co-Director of Programs at Starfinder, was impressed to see that "their skill level and passion for soccer had increased so quickly." More importantly, he and his colleagues Jeannette Hibbs, Co-Director of Programs, and Stephen Jackson, Program Manager, (all of whom worked directly with the Chester students) noticed significant overall improvement in the students' teamwork, self-confidence, and respect. 
"This is a testament to all of the coaches and teachers that put a lot of hours into caring and nurturing all of the participants in the program," said Jackson, referring to the mix of adults from Starfinder, CUSD, and the Philadelphia Union who worked with the kids and helped maintain a 8:1 adult-to-student ratio.
Special thanks to all who helped make the program and the Jamboree a success, including the Chester Upland School District teachers and administrators who worked with our staff, the Philadelphia Union who helped facilitate the relationship with CUSD and provided volunteers, and the Chrisanthon Family who supplied t-shirts for the Jamboree.
___________________________________________________________________
You Are What You Eat
March 7, 2010
This winter, both the Future Leaders (1st -5th graders) and Junior Leaders (6th-8th graders) are spending Monday's classroom time learning about their bodies and their health in a nutrition education class led by community health educator Sally Hammerman, RN, MSN. Each week, as they make a healthy snack together, the students are learning about the foods they eat on a daily basis and how they effect their health. Topics covered so far include the digestive system and process, the primary food groups, the role of vitamins and minerals and the foods in which to find them.
Each session includes hands-on activities that keep the kids mobile and actively engaged. For example, while learning about the food groups, participants made "breakfast wraps" - whole wheat tortillas filled with a mix of fruits, nuts, and low fat cheeses. 
As they sampled this tasty treat, students were challenged to identify which of the ingredients were a source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
The nutrition class has been a big hit. By making the experience fun, informative and delicious, Hammerman is helping our kids learn about what they eat, better understand how food effects their bodies, and (we hope!) develop healthy eating habits now and in the future.
__________________________________________________________________
Family Play Day
March 7, 2010
Ever heard of "bring your daughters/sons to work" days? Well on Monday, February 22nd and Thursday, March 4th it was "bring your families to play" day at Starfinder! Actually parents, older siblings, and guardians all took part in these special participation days. On the first Play Day only a handful of parents came down to the field at first, but soon children were racing up and grabbing family members to come be a part. At least 30 adults took part the first night and another 15 joined in the second Play Day.
Students were thrilled to have their family members involved, and the adults expressed surprise and then appreciation for being included. The Family Play Day gave adult family members a chance to learn about Starfinder's programs first hand. On the soccer field they took part in technical training and small sided games (click here to see some parents in action). In the classroom, they learned about nutrition from Sally Hammerman (see You Are What You Eat) and made a healthy snack with their kids. On Thursday they took part in a team building exercise called Tower of Power: teams of children and parents competed to build the highest free standing structure out of paper, straws, and similar materials, topped by a wiffle ball.
Starfinder staff were thrilled to have parents and family members in the mix. "They were really engaged," said Jeanette Hibbs, Co-Director of Programs. " Having the parents there reinforced that they support us and they support the kids." Staff are now brainstorming about new ways to engage parents and family members, including a Parent/Guardian Association. If you have any suggestions, please let us know! Contact Jeanette Hibbs or Nick Chrisanthon.
___________________________________________________________________
Starfinder Graduates Heading for Success!
August, 2009
Starfinder is extemely proud of our seven Senior Leaders who graduated in 2009. They have all been accepted into college and are continuing to excel in their post-secondary pursuits.
Anu-Abdul Wahid is currently attending Mercer County Community College. He is enrolled in the Electric & Gas (PSE&G) program which provides a unique blend of general coursework, specialized in-class training and hands-on work experience. Anu graduated from Gloucester County Institute of Technology in 2009.
Ousmane Ba is currently enrolled in the International Business program with a concentration in Finance at Manor College. Ousmane in on a partial athletic scholarship at Manor and receives financial aid. He plays on the soccer team at Manor and has started every game this year. Ousmane intendsto transfer to a four year university within two years.He graduated from Bodine High School for International Affairs in 2009.
Franck Bikibili is currently attending LaSalle University on a full academic scholarship. He has not declared a major yet, but he is taking a full load of courses this semester.He is very engaged in his studiesand still finds time to assist his high school coach with training the school's soccer team. Franck will be returning to Starfinder this year to work as a peer leader within our programs. Franck graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School in 2009.
Diarra Djigui was accepted into the class of 2012 at Manor College, but he deferred his acceptance for a year. Diarra graduated from John Bartram High School in 2009.
Sekou Kromah is currently enrolled at Community College of Philadelphia, wherehe will be studying to become a nurse. He currently serves as the assistant coach for the high school boy's soccer team at John Bartram High School, from whichhe graduatedin 2009.
Mauricio Mercado is currently attending Delaware County Community College. He intends to transfer to West Chester University next year. Mauricio graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2009.
Daniel Moreno is currently attending Rosemont College, his current major is Chemistry but he plansto switch his major to Engineering. He is a member of Rosemont's first Men's soccer team, a featof whichhe is very proud of. Daniel will be returning to Starfinder this year to work as a peer leader within our programs. He graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2009.
Print this page