Camp Chance

A Community Partnership for Kids

Robert T. Doyle

Marin County Sheriff

We are delighted to report that the eighth annual Camp Chance was a rousing success! During August 2006 your generous support afforded fifty-seven more children the opportunity to enjoy all that Camp Chance has to offer!

Your generosity enabled us to provide this camping experience for kids whose families are not ordinarily able to afford expensive residential summer camps. We were able to meet all the operating costs for the two 5-day sessions of Camp Chance offered this summer because you have joined us in this community partnership.

The Marin YMCA once again took the lead in organizing and coordinating all of the details that go into making a great summer camp! Our eight- year partnership with the YMCA has made Camp Chance a reality year after year. We could not provide this opportunity for the children of our community without the commitment and expertise of the YMCA!

Paula Machado, Coordinator of After-School Programs in San Rafael, told us, after this year’s sessions of Camp Chance had ended, that she was “…hearing rave reviews about Camp Chance!” The children were sharing their stories with one another and school staff as the new school year began! Hearing this from Paula affirms for us what we experienced at this summer’s camp; the children had fun and have many Camp Chance memories to share.

The campers participated in all the traditional camp activities such as campfires, swimming, hiking, games, and arts and crafts. Still popular were interactive presentations given by San Rafael police officers and staff, Marin County Sheriff deputies and the Marin County Search and Rescue Team. Demonstrations of specialty unit’s equipment were a big hit again this summer.

Other presenters were on the roster as well. The Pacific Leadership Institute began each 5-day session of Camp Chance with some team building exercises that helped connect the kids and adults right from the start! These team-building exercises were designed to help the participants develop and hone social skills. Campers were taught elementary ice-breaking techniques such as how to introduce someone to a group of people. Exercises such as these are designed to build trust and increase rapport, a primary goal of the Camp Chance Program.

As each day of camp drew to a close, counselors asked campers to describe their daily highs and lows. One camper, Alfonso, reported on the last night of camp, “My high today was making a new friend and my low is knowing that camp ends tomorrow and it’ll be time to go home.” It was truly wonderful to witness new relationships developing between the children and the dedicated adults who help facilitate the program.

The emphasis on building trust and rapport did indeed continue after Camp Chance had ended. Marin County Sheriff’s Deputy, Joe Meesey, reported that while on patrol one day, he was hailed by a group of kids who waived and called him by name. Deputy Meesey stopped his vehicle and realized that he knew the youngsters from Camp Chance.

After chatting with them, the kids were joined by a younger group who asked how they knew Deputy Meesey. The camper alums were proud to say, “He was at Camp Chance with us” and they then proceeded to tell the younger kids what a great time they had at camp.

As we begin to prepare for Camp Chance 2007, we want to give thanks to all of our donors. Through your efforts we provided a wonderful summer experience for fifty-seven children from our community. We believe that this experience has made a lasting positive impression on the lives of these many children. We look forward to planning and expanding this summer’s Camp Chance in continued partnership with all of our generous donors.