Summer excursions, family fun, relaxation, adventures, road trips, learning, exploring, sharing, growing - our personal memories of summer are all as unique as we are, but these are some common threads many of us share and can probably relate to. At the Sanctuary Transitional Living Centers, we’ve come to understand that the little things in life — sometimes as simple as getting out of Fresno for the day, trying something completely new, or even just having good clean fun and getting dirty in the process – can change the way a young person sees him or herself in relation to the world.

“I think it’s very important for young people to have fun. Having fun helps build character and also a little bit of faith,” says Emily, a TLC resident. “Even in challenging times, you should still be able to laugh and appreciate life.”

Past excursions have given the young adults of TLC experiences that many of us might simply take for granted, for example their first view of the Pacific Ocean, the exhilarating feeling of riding a roller coaster, and even their first snowball fight. So far this year, TLC trips have included a visit to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and two nights of tent camping in Kings Canyon National Park. Program Manager Angie Nguyen explains that these two trips balance education with recreation and offer TLC residents the best of both city life and wilderness adventure. “Both trips were very positive and educational in various ways,” says Nguyen. “Camping allows them to experience the natural beauty that surrounds the Central Valley; the Museum of Tolerance gives them a reality check ... they come away with a greater appreciation of what life has to offer.”

The trips don’t always meet the expectations of the youth and sometimes this is a good thing. John, who participated in the Museum of Tolerance tour, readily admits, “ I didn’t think it was going to be that interesting at first but after the experience of being there I learned a lot of things I was never told in school. It really opened my eyes to forms of racism and discrimination I never knew about before.”

“The vast majority of our youth have rarely, or often never, even left the area of Central Fresno,” explains Youth Counselor Carol Enns, “These trips broaden their world and knowledge base, and give them a first hand realization that there are tangible places and new potentials beyond those of inner city experiences.”

Being able to learn, have fun and feel safe at the same time helps build personal confidence as well as positive memories to look back on in the future. “Since I’ve been living here, there have been more positive activities available in my life than there ever have been before,” says Francisco, who is recognized as a leader among his peers. “To me, it’s an essential influence that we all need, no matter what age we are. You don’t just have a good time, you always take more with you than you came with, whether it be ideas, emotions, or just feeling refreshed in your mind so you can reflect on what’s really important in life.”