One of our core values at SmartSolve is Joy. This summer, we had the privilege of spreading joy beyond borders—by sponsoring the 2025 Champions in Action Summer Camps in Guatemala. Through this partnership, we were able to help create meaningful experiences for youth growing up in some of the most dangerous and under-resourced communities in Central America.
The Guatemalan Crisis
Guatemala is facing a national crisis. In rural and indigenous areas, malnutrition, poverty, and maternal and infant mortality rates are alarmingly high. As climate disasters compound the problem, so do growing issues like migration, gang violence, unemployment, and lack of access to clean water and education.
In red zone communities—so named for their high levels of crime and violence—daily life can feel like a constant uphill battle. Many families live below the poverty line, making them extremely vulnerable to hunger and food insecurity. That’s where Champions in Action steps in.
About Champions in Action
Champions in Action is a Christian nonprofit committed to giving at-risk youth a safe environment to grow, learn, and do life together. Through mentorship, the Gospel, and soccer, they empower young people to break free from the cycles of poverty and violence that dominate their communities.
Current Locations
- Guatemala City
- Operating in some of the most dangerous areas—like zone 18, La Verbena (zone 7), and Villa Nueva—Champions in Action reaches over 200 kids with weekly programming and year-round support.
- Chimaltenango
- Launched in late 2021, this hub serves youth in rural agricultural communities plagued by extreme poverty, alcohol abuse, and rising gang violence.
Mission
“We connect disadvantaged youth to life-changing mentors through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and soccer.“
Vision
“To empower a generation of at-risk youth – through the Gospel, mentorship, and soccer – to transform themselves, their families, their communities, and their nation.”
Core Values
The Champions Story & SmartSolve Connection
This mission is deeply personal to us. After going on a mission trip to Guatemala between high school and college, SmartSolve’s CEO, Jon Jakubowski, witnessed firsthand the need for hope—and for father figures—in these red zone neighborhoods.
One day, while praying by the Maumee River in Ohio, Jon felt God giving him a vision: a blueprint for an organization that would help restore broken communities and reach youth across Guatemala. That vision became Champions in Action, officially founded in 2008, with the very first camp begun in 2010.
2025 Summer Camps
This summer marks a special milestone in our journey together. SmartSolve was honored to be the main sponsor of the 2025 Champions in Action Summer Camps—for both the boys and girls camps.
We were thrilled to see our SmartSolve logo displayed on the jerseys of every camper, a small but meaningful symbol of unity and support.
- Boys Camp: June 20–29
Jon attended the boys camp in person, reconnecting with the mission that sparked Champions’ founding. - Girls Camp: July 11–20
One of our own, Natalie Ferrin, who serves as a Sales Development Representative at SmartSolve, volunteered at the girls camp—pouring into the lives of young women with love, encouragement, and purpose.
Special Jerseys for our Team
In addition to outfitting the campers, Champions in Action created custom jerseys for our SmartSolve team members to wear from home as a way of showing support from the U.S. These jerseys are a reminder that even from afar, we are all part of one team—with one mission.
Continuing the Mission Together
At SmartSolve, we believe that real change starts with meaningful relationships. Partnering with Champions in Action has allowed us to live out our values—especially joy—in a tangible, global way. These summer camps are more than just games and jerseys. They represent restored hope, growing confidence, and lasting transformation for hundreds of youth.
We’re honored to play a small part in a much bigger story.
📣 Want to see more?
Follow Champions in Action on LinkedIn, where they’ll be sharing more photos, videos, and powerful testimonials from both the boys and girls camps. And stay tuned—an upcoming blog will feature interviews with Jon and Natalie as they reflect on their experiences at camp this year.
Marketing Manager