The Shalimar center in Costa Mesa CA is an after school program for the kids living in the community on and around Shalimar Street. I use the term center loosely. It is in fact three converted apartments in the center of the community, and this serves most of the local kids. The closest park is a 10-minute walk away, so the only space available to get the kids doing physical activity is the street!

Pure Game were invited to join the group for their summer Thursday fun days. The idea being simple, local kids on their summer break can come to the center, hang out with a purpose - continued education.

But, its not just about teaching kids about math and English; there are real problems for a lot of these kids during the summer. With less to keep them occupied kids run the risk of getting involved with the wrong type of community member and before they know it trouble is knocking at their door.

I was very excited to join them as I knew the only place to play would be on the street! The first day we played my mind flew back to my childhood, the sound of communities living life, and kids playing on the street. The occasional shout of “CAR!” made it all complete; I was 12 years old again. In Pure Game style we were able to stop and start with no interruption to what was really going on; kids having fun, being encouraged, and learning some valuable lessons for life.

There are communities like Shalimar all around us, what would it take for you to find the one closest to you and get involved?