By: Sarah Worthen, Sanctuary Supportive Services Coordinator

Each year approximately 1.5 million visitors come from far corners all around the world to see the Giant Sequoias, the mighty Kings River, and the breathtaking views of Kings Canyon. For six youth living in the urban heart of Fresno, at our Transitional Living Centers, the first time experience of camping in Kings Canyon National Park may as well have been a trip to another world. TLC-2 resident Danielle Valencia shared, “I appreciated the break from being bombarded with technology. It was peaceful and I liked the quietness. I didn’t have to think about school or my bills.”

The 3 day/2 night Fall Youth Camping Trip included s’mores, team competitions, swimming, fishing, ghost stories, and night hikes; it was definitely more than just fun and games. Trip activities placed special emphasis on team building, safety, communication, leadership and self-esteem. “We know that a very important factor in building self-esteem is gaining new experiences, broadening your horizons, and overcoming difficult challenges,” says TLC Supportive Services Coordinator Sarah Worthen. “Struggling to put together a tent, learning how to build a campfire, jumping into a freezing cold stream, surviving two nights in the woods - the value of these types of experiences shouldn’t be underestimated.”