 | Family Camp | |
|
YES began conducting Family Camps in 2004 as a way to introduce parents and other family members to the camp experience, hoping that their familiarity with camp and YES would establish the trust and confidence needed to send their kids off to camp alone. While that goal was realized, weekend Family Camps have also taken on another function, giving hard-working families special time to make memories together.
YES brings entire families from select Richmond area schools to a weekend of enriched programming under the redwoods. Participants produce family art projects based on a nature theme, take walks with a naturalist guide, sing around campfires, learn climbing and archery skills, and experience a zipline. Other activities might include dance lessons, drumming, or storytelling. The weekend always includes a workshop for adults only, a teen adventure, and Early Learning Campers Program for 3-6 year-olds.
All camp programs are translated into Spanish, ensuring the participation of the entire community, many of whom are recent immigrants. Families are assigned a staff member who accompanies them throughout the weekend, addressing their needs and sharing their experiences. Many Family Camp staff members are bilingual, and all are experienced working with diverse communities.
Family Camp has exceeded our original hopes and expectations. Some of the positive,
unintended outcomes include: increased intimacy and communication within the families, more feelings of connection within the community upon returning to Richmond, and improved understanding between African American and Latino neighbors. This enhanced communication has led participants to express their desires to further bridge the gap between these two ethnic groups who live side by side in Richmond.
The opportunity that Family Camp affords for parents to take a break from their regular routines and struggles is noteworthy. Although the weekend schedule is tightly packed with events and activities, many parents experience Family Camp as a real vacation. One participant explained, “Having the meals cooked for us – that was so good for me.” This particular parent – like many of her peers – cooks three meals a day for her large family. The days she spends at Family Camp may be the only ones all year in which she does not have the pressures of her domestic routine.
The enriched Early Learning Campers Program of Family Camp also provides parents with an opportunity for respite. While their young children are well cared for and entertained throughout the weekend, they are able to participate side-by-side in activities with their older children.
Laughter and tears evoked by parents sharing stories across cultural and linguistic boundaries make the adult workshop a highlight of Family Camp for both parents and staff members. Sensitive English/Spanish translation, which is ongoing throughout the weekend, is especially crucial to support dialogue between individuals who are often separated by a linguistic divide.
The depth and richness of the Family Camp experience and the heartfelt messages of gratitude from parents and children have led YES to focus on Family Camp as a central strategy in our programmatic offerings.
| | | | |
|
| stay connected | |
| Send a Kid to Camp | |
| YES Calendar | |
|
YES Events in 2010
Family Camps:
Sept. 24 - 26 Peres
Oct. 8 - 10 Verde
YES Day Outings:
Nov. 13, Point Pinole
Volunteers needed
| | | | |
| Videos | |
|
Check our Imagination Takes Root and Strategic Plan videos!
| | | | |
|
|
|
