The last yells of summer echoed on the field of Marie Reed Elementary School in Washington, DC, as our Ask, Listen, Learn team paid a visit to our partners at DC SCORES to check out the final week of their summer camp and get ready for Back to School season.

We talked with participants, coaches and alumni about what Back to School tips they had for kids to help make the transition into this new school year an easy one.

Part of the reason we partner with DC SCORES is their ability to influence kids in a positive and impactful way. Without after school activities and the support system of inspiring coaches, kids can find themselves with too much time on their hands, which can lead to trouble. Finding an outlet to communicate with peers and talk with trusted adults, like coaches and staff, has been the reason this program has changed the lives of so many.

With each new school year comes new peers and new pressures. Have you talked with your kid about what they should expect from rising a grade, and finding themselves in new situations? It’s never too early to talk with them about why making smart decisions is important, and why saying “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking can be so crucial during these formative years.