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Helping Get Those Kids to Camp |
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And Other Topics of Outdoors Interest
One of the great experiences for kids is the opportunity to go to summer camp. These come in a variety of types, including day activities, overnights, and week-long outdoors adventures. They help kids get to know our outdoors world, add skills, gain confidence and have a memorable experience with pals and leaders. Many help kids with special needs. This Forum features a report from one of the key “kids-to-camp” coordinating groups, the Community Campership Council. First the Forum Quiz: Since its founding only 40 years ago, how many kids has the Council, with major help from public contributions, sent to camp? (a) 11,000 (b) 33,000 (c) 67,000?
UPDATES
San Diego River Day ahead. Saturday, May 20 will see a variety of activities at various locations along the river, under primary sponsorship of the nonprofit San Diego River Park Foundation. The organization works with community groups and other organizations dedicated to the San Diego River and the River Park and its wildlife, recreation, water, cultural and community values. For details on the whole pack of River Day opportunities check www.sandiegoriver.org. Here are just a few.
- Famosa Slough Nature Walk. Bird watchers and nature lovers, join the Friends on an easy walk with good views of a variety of birds and salt marsh habitat. Meet at the 1st bench on Famosa Boulevard, south of the intersection with West Point Loma Boulevard. Bring binoculars. (1:00PM - 3:00PM)
- Mission Valley Preserve Garden Party. Join the Friends at this 51 acre native plant garden. Learn about native plants and help with gardening activities while enjoying some fun music. Along Friars Road at Napa Street near the Morena/Linda Vista Trolley Station. (9:00AM - Noon)
- Normal Heights Canyon Nature Walk. Join the Friends and enjoy wildflowers and birds of this wonderful urban canyon. Meet at the end of Eugene Place in Normal Heights (east from East Mountain View). (9:00AM - Noon)
- Neighborhood Walks from the Fenton Parkway Trolley Station. Look for the Walkabout booth and banner. The moderate-paced walks start there, walking along river pathways and through some lovely landscaped areas. (10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.)
- Mission Valley Branch Library. A day of fun activities to celebrate the River. With the Jackstraws musicians, hula dancers, Native American storytelling, coloring contests, food, games and prizes. Friars Road at Fenton Parkway or take the trolley Green Line. Take the San Diego Trolley ’s Green Line to Fenton. 858-573-5007
- Mission Trails Regional Park. All-day celebration at several locations, with children’s activities (pony rides and craft programs at Hwy 52 Mast exit Equestrian Center), interpretive walks, wild animal programs. Check link for details.
- Mission Trails Meet Nature Authors Day. All day at the Visitors’ Center (619-668-3275) will be many authors for you to meet and chat with about nature (and, yes, even buy their books). Outdoors San Diego: Hiking, Biking & Camping authors Tom Leech (your Forum Editor) and Jack Farnan will be holding forth from noon to 2 p.m. They’ll also be presenting a program at REI store (off 52 at Convoy) on Thursday June 8, 7 p.m.
- Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy will have a dedication of its new 100-acre (for starters) river project and nature trail. Starts with a clean-up and trail upgrade at 9 a.m., then a ground-breaking and awards ceremony at noon. Free grub and entertainment! Details at 619-443-4770 or www.lakesideriverpark.org, where you can also find out more about this non-profit organization, which since its founding only four years ago has gained 2000 members/contributors, obtained $16.5M in grants, and set aside 100 acres for the public.
Saving San Mateo Campground. This has been a major effort to preserve a key part of San Onofre State Beach, threatened by a new toll road. Many groups have been fighting this battle and readers are encouraged to contact their U.S. legislators in support of saving this valuable State Park. In May the State Assembly Budget Committee voted its opposition to the toll road. However much more powerful support is needed to stop this damage to out northernmost State Park. (For more details check Forums of 6/05 and 11/05.)
Border Fence Major Threat to State Park. Much discussed has been the in-process fence along the border with Mexico. Lesser-discussed and considered is what damage that might do to the natural areas there. Depending on what finally is chosen, with Congress having said the Feds can, in this area, ignore long-required environmental damage studies as well as State and local planning requirements, damage there can be severe. The most-portrayed option has been the 3-fences one, with roads for border protection vehicles to pursue illegals, and taking land from the border to 150 feet north. In a conversation with a State Park official, one option for Border Field State Park would be to position the major fence(s) at the north edge of the park’s Monument Mesa (i.e. not right at the border which would effectively wipe out the park). Seems fraught with problems, such as how would park and nature lovers actually get to the parking and picnic area located right at the border. Effects on the Tijuana Estuary with the 3-fence plan would be severe. For more info, check Forum 1/06. Again, contact your Federal legislators. Some recent comments:
- From Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff: “An impenetrable wall or fence spanning the entire border is not practical or affordable...We’re going to have a smart fence, not a stupid fence–a 21st century fence, not a 19th century fence.” (National Defense February 2006)
- Governor Schwarzenegger says building a 700-mile wall “would amount to going back to the stone ages.” LA Times, 4/24/2006.
ENRICHING THE LIVES OF SAN DIEGO CHILDREN A report from the Community Campership Council (and their clients)
Remember climbing trees and riding your bike until dark when you were a kid? Recall the freedom of exploring a nearby canyon or creek? For many of today's kids, the experiences that make up the memories of our generation no longer happen… except at camp.
While we are blessed in San Diego to have so many wonderful resources and parks at our disposal, we also know that as summer approaches many of the children in our community will go from days filled with the familiar structure of school to ones of loneliness with the television providing companionship.
Does camp make a difference in the life of a child? Research being conducted by the American Camp Association now validates what parents have been seeing - that children gain in self-confidence and self esteem through their camp experience. Making new friends, learning new skills and values and socializing as equals with a diverse group of campers broadens their perspective about the kind of life they can build for themselves if they work hard, treat people fairly and set goals for themselves.
At the Community Campership Council, we are in the business of providing memorable experiences each summer for the children of San Diego. In partnership with 21 area camps, we fill the gap unfunded by camp financial aid and parent contributions. Past support of our Kids to Camp Program by the community has enabled us to provide a camping experience to 66,940 deserving children during the 40 years we have been in operation.
So, what do our kids say about camp? In their own words, ?
- “As I lay against the rocks and feel the cool breeze come across my face I quietly listen for birds chirping near by. I look up and see the sun shining in my face as a hawk soars around looking for it's meal. The river below me streams past the plants leading to a water fall. I love watching the outdoors and the environment in which they live.”
- “One thing I will never forget is the talent show. The people in it were so talented I could not believe they were in my school.”
- “I really liked going to camp. My favorite thing I did there was going on my all day hike. We went to the water fall and walked up mountains. The food was so good! It was fun making new friends and enjoying the great outdoors. I will never forget about six grade camp for as long as I live.”
- “We would do all day adventure and night hikes. I loved it there because it was nice and beautiful. The staff there was fun and nice to be around. When I was there I felt relaxed with all my friends and just talking about how cool and wonderful it is there.”
- “Camp was fun and the food was delicious. I got to go in the lake and swim around. I play basketball and U square at recess. I went on an all day adventure. We went hiking through the mountains and saw birds, squirrels and a mountain lion.”
- “I present my great thanks to all of the staff and my social worker who helped me to get this campership from the Community Campership Council and also the County of San Diego Educational Program. God bless you!”
And now a word from the Editor. If you’re a parent you can pick from dozens of camp opportunities (and find out about scholarships). And anyone can help with a financial contribution. So how ‘bout it? Let’s pitch in and get more kids enjoying summer camp! Contact the Community Campership Council at http://www.kidstocamp.org or 858-268-9888.
SO GET OUT AND ENJOY SAN DIEGO. And let me hear from you via the Forum hot button or new email address outdoorssd@aol.com.
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