Fam Camps - www.calroundtable.org.
Transcription
Fam Camps - www.calroundtable.org.
FamCamp® Program Launched at Castaic Lake FamCamp® Program Launched at Castaic Lake On April 1, California State Parks and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation launched the first locally operated FamCamp® Program at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) in Southern California. Under this two-year pilot program, LA County staff will coordinate with the State Parks Office of Community Involvement to provide camping opportunities for Southern California youth and adults who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a camping experience. FamCamp® A Program of California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation that began in 1994. It is the largest statewide program that introduces camping to underserved areas of our communities. FamCamp® The goals are: • To introduce camping to community groups who would otherwise not have the opportunity to have an overnight outdoor recreation experience • To strengthen human relations by teaching a new form of recreation FamCamp® The goals are: • To promote a safe, affordable recreation activity that involves all members of the community • To encourage the use of State Parks by community based organizations and to help them meet their goals for the community FamCamp® The FamCamp® program provides a trailer full of camping equipment and a campsite reserved at a State Park. The campground is usually located relatively close to an urban area and is available during the prime camping season. Ten of these FamCamp® trailers are located throughout California and each one accommodates up to 35 campers. FamCamp® The trailer contains tents, sleeping bags, pads, stoves, lanterns, propane, and other essential items for camping. Participating groups need only bring food, personal gear, and a willingness to try out something different. The groups are responsible for the care of the equipment, proper storage after use, and washing the sleeping bag liners. If they wish, users can make a donation to the California State Parks Foundation to help with equipment maintenance and replacement. FamCamp® Advantages of the partnership between CA State Parks & Los Angeles County Parks •LA County operates 174 parks – many located in inner city neighborhoods •This provides a direct link to nontraditional park users and underserved communities. FamCamp® • • Who Qualifies and How to Get Started FamCamp® is designed to introduce non-traditional users to California State Parks and to the benefits of high quality outdoor recreational experiences. In order to qualify as a participant in the FamCamp program an organization must meet the following criteria: 1. The organization must be a non-profit. 2. A representative from the organization, who will be present during the entire FamCamp outing, must be currently certified for FamCamp. In other words, the representative/s must have attended the Outdoor Recreation Leadership training within the past two years of the requested reservation. FamCamp users must recertify every two years. This fee based interactive hands-on training equips adults with the skills and confidence to lead outdoor recreation activities and camping. Participants become proficient in setting-up, using, and packing-up all of the camping equipment in the FamCamp® trailer. FamCamp® What if you had an opportunity to learn the skills and techniques to take people on an awesome outdoor adventure? What if you could gain these skills, have a great time learning, and take a group out on an outdoor adventure? What if you could make a difference in your community and the lives of people around you? What if you could become a leader!? Yes You Can!!! FamCamp® How? With Outdoor Youth ConnectionTM (OYC)! OYC connects youth with their peers, their community, the great outdoors, and their own leadership potential. FamCamp® Here’s what it is: Outdoor Youth ConnectionTM is a collaborative effort of California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, and Pacific Leadership Institute, a San Francisco State University non-profit organization. With funding provided through the Stewardship Council, OYC provides teens ages 13 through 17 who are involved in community based organizations experience in outdoor activities, teambuilding, and camping. They are empowered with the opportunities to develop leadership and life skills. With their new skills in outdoor activities, the participants will organize and lead their own outdoor trips and projects for their peers and community. For More Information Contact CA State Parks Office of Community Involvement or visit the State Parks website Activities Included at Castaic Lake Activities Included at Castaic Lake Activities Included at Castaic Lake Activities Included at Castaic Lake Activities Included at Castaic Lake Activities Included at Castaic Lake Accomplishments Since April 1. 15 Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Staff were FamCamp certified through the hosting of an Outdoor Recreation Leadership Training 2. With CA State Parks conducted 2 Outdoor Youth Connection Programs 3. Hosted 10 groups for a FamCamp outing at Castaic Lake Accomplishments Since April 4. 395 mostly first time campers a) 269 youth b) 126 adults Whats Happening in 2015 March 24, 25 & 26, 2015 - Outdoor Recreation Leadership Training June 2, 3 & 4, 2015 – ORL or OYC June 26, 27 & 28, 2015 – Outdoor Youth Connection August 7, 8 & 9, 2015 – Outdoor Youth Connection Dates to be determined – Trainings for LA County Parks Staff designed to introduce camping and overcome barriers/fears of staff For Questions or more information contact: Castaic Lake Superintendent Lori Bennett (661) 257-4050 [email protected]