Karla, 15 years-old, was like any other troubled youth. Like many young people at this age, she struggled with getting along with her single mother. But thanks to a week at Camp Sanctuary, Karla has learned how to cope with her struggles through artistic expression, with nature as her muse.

Camp Sanctuary was made possible by a partnership with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. The week-long camp took 12 Sanctuary Youth Shelter and SOS participants to the Owl Hallow campsite to explore nature and hopefully to take their outdoor experiences and transform them into works of art. While there, campers participated in workshops where they learned how to sketch, watercolor, and photograph nature and wildlife. Campers completed their original artwork with local professional artists and ecologists. Their artwork is currently displayed in an exhibit at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies at the Owl Hallow Campgrounds.

For many of our youth, this was their first time camping, canoe riding down the San Joaquin River, exploring wildlife, or enjoying the natural beauty of an outdoor environment. “It was great to see the youth express themselves through art and enjoy the water activities on the river for the first time,” said Alphonso Russ, SOS Outreach Worker.