By: Joe Martinez, Sanctuary Community Relations & Outreach Manager

Facing problems that inhibit their ability to enjoy their youth, 14 Sanctuary Youth Shelter and Outreach to the Streets participants were able to shed those woes – if only for a few hours – and live their childhood to the fullest during this year’s Camp Sanctuary at Owl Hollow. The week long-summer camp, held in partnership with San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, let the teens take a canoe ride down the San Joaquin River, explore wildlife habitat, and learn about the fish of the high sierras. C ampers also gained leadership skills, learned about conservation and preservation, and created art including camp crafts, mosaics, and watercolor drawings.

For 16 year-old Jacche, Camp Sanctuary gave him a chance to make new friends and attend camp for the first time. “I can say that this summer, I really had a blast and enjoyed all the activities each day,” he says. His fellow camper, Michael, 15, adds that his most memorable moment was getting in touch with nature. He recalls, “I could hear the birds whistle. I held a grasshopper and lizard and saw a deer up close.”

Tina Clark, mother of 13 year-old Steven Clark, says her son had fun with kids his own age and camp gave him new experiences that she could not provide for him. “We simply fell on some very hard times,” she says. All six members of the Clark family live in a one-bedroom motel room; Tina, a single mother, is on a fixed income.

The camp activities were lead in part by LaKeisha Miles, our Sanctuary Youth Services Education and Safety Coordinator along with Sanctuary Outreach to the Streets staff. This was Lakeisha’s first camp experience. “I have never been camping, never been around water, and cannot swim. But, I knew I had to put these fears behind me and I was going to be okay. Every day, the camp staff made me feel comfortable and safe,” said Lakeisha. By the end of the week, Lakeisha was canoeing and enjoying the water just like the rest of the campers.