A Summer of Transformation: camp for all recap

A Summer of Transformative Impact and Enduring Joy: The Children's Lifesaving Foundation's Camp for All-by Ricardo Perez

This past summer, the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation (CLF) provided underserved youth from Los Angeles communities with invaluable opportunities for joy, healing, and discovery through our Wilderness Camp for All and Coastal Eco-Mariners Surf Camp. These programs, offered entirely free of charge thanks to our dedicated community partners, seamlessly blended traditional camp activities with unique, enriching workshops. Campers engaged in hiking, surfing, creative writing, art, and direct wildlife encounters, fostering lifelong memories and a profound connection with nature.

(SEE SOME GREAT IMAGES AND MORE CAMP HIGHLIGHTS ON OUR INSTA PAGE HERE!)

The camp experience was significantly enhanced by specialized workshops, each designed to empower and educate:

Robert "Tracker Rob" Remedi's guided nature hikes at King Gillette Ranch brought the local ecosystem to life, while author Autumn Chiklis's creative writing sessions encouraged self-expression and imagination, nurturing budding literary talents. Furthermore, collaborations with Pencil 2 Planet and CreateNow Arts for eco-arts days utilized recycled materials, teaching conservation through creative expression, and Critter Squad Wildlife Defenders provided exciting, hands-on encounters with diverse wildlife.

The Children's Lifesaving Foundation: A Legacy of Support

The Children's Lifesaving Foundation (CLF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1993 by Maria D'Angelo. Maria D'Angelo founded the CLF after volunteering at a homeless shelter in Central Los Angeles, initially helping children get necessary physicals and minor surgeries. She soon began organizing field trips to amusement parks and local attractions for these children. The CLF is dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved, primarily Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth and unhoused families in Los Angeles who live in shelters and transitional housing. Since 1993, the foundation has served over 95,000 underserved youth and families, primarily BIPOC and Latinx individuals.The CLF's mission is fulfilled through various programs, including outdoor education via summer and surf camps, inspiring holiday events, and field trips within and around Los Angeles. Additionally, the foundation offers educational assistance and scholarships for youth up to college age. During the COVID-19 crisis, CLF also provided crucial emergency funding to families in the Vita Network. The CLF prides itself on providing all its programs free of charge, which allows CLF to serve a larger base and offer impactful programs to numerous partner organizations, including shelters, missions, Boys and Girls Clubs, foster care agencies, and schools.

The Indispensable Need for Safe Community Spaces Amidst Challenges

In an era where communities face significant social and economic pressures, providing safe and supportive spaces for youth is not merely beneficial but a critical necessity​. Youth exposed to community violence are at increased risk for elevated depressive symptoms and behavioral and emotional problems. Community violence, which includes incidents like shootings and aggravated assaults, is a traumatic stressor that profoundly affects young people's mental, social, psychological, physical, and economic well-being. These situations often arise from complex environmental factors such as poverty, structural racism, systemic disinvestment, and easy access to illicit substances and weapons. Young people who are chronically exposed to community violence may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, whether they are victims, direct witnesses, or simply hear about the crime. Not to mention the fear and anxiety that the current administration is inducing on Latinx students because of the rise in racial profiling by ICE agents in Los Angeles. This exposure to an environment of harm can also create obstacles to forming healthy relationships with peers and community members, making youth less likely to use public spaces like parks due to safety concerns. Safe spaces for youth extend beyond physical security to encompass emotional and mental well-being, providing environments where young people can express themselves and grow without fear of judgment, rejection, or harm. These “third places”—neither home nor school nor work—are often lacking in many communities, particularly for youth in low income communities or areas requiring car access. Youth-focused spaces and activities that CLF offers could  help young people discover their passions, whether it's climate activism, surfing, or even zoology. Furthermore, studies show that safe, inclusive environments improve emotional well-being, academic performance, and social skills among young people, acting as a buffer against discrimination, bullying, and societal pressures. Community engagement also plays a vital role in improving mental well-being for young people by promoting social connections. Organizations like the CLF, which offer structured programs and interventions in safe environments, are crucial for supporting youth mental health. These programs help young people develop resilience, discover new passions, and build meaningful connections, providing a vital sanctuary away from daily pressures. The continuous dedication of partners, volunteers, and supporters, as demonstrated by initiatives like the GoodRx Beach Impact Day, enables organizations such as the CLF to continue their legacy of providing transformative outdoor education experiences. Supporting these essential programs ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive and that communities can foster a brighter, more equitable future for the next generation.

SEE SOME GREAT IMAGES AND MORE CAMP HIGHLIGHTS ON OUR INSTA PAGE HERE!