December 12, 2008

FOCUS ON FAITH

YMCA paves the way for kids to go to overnight camp

East Valley Family YMCA has contributed $15,000 to YMCA Camp Campbell to give local children and teens an extraordinary experience at resident camp.

Archery is one of the many activities campers participate in at YMCA Camp Campbell.

The gift will enable more than 260 young people from the Evergreen and Mayfair communities to enjoy a variety of activities in the outdoors, including nature hikes, swimming, games and sports, arts and crafts, ropes challenge courses, climbing walls and music and skits among the towering redwood trees in Boulder Creek.

“This money will provide a one-of-a-kind camp experience for many children who have never had an extended-stay away from home,” said Mario Vargas, executive director of the East Valley Family YMCA. “We’re excited to support kids from east San Jose communities through an empowering and memorable experience at YMCA Camp Campbell.”

Since its establishment in 1936, YMCA Camp Campbell has served tens of thousands of kids from Santa Clara County with an opportunity to learn about positive values, develop interpersonal skills and make new friends in a fun environment.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and serves more than 12,000 participants of all ages annually through environmental education, summer resident camp, school-aged childcare, summer day camp, family camps, adventure programs and group rentals.

Visit www.ymcacampcampbell.org for details and to register for year-round programs and activities for all ages.