Children and Family Services announces return of foster and kinship youth summer camp program

Children and Family Services (CFS), in partnership with Children’s Network, is thrilled to announce the Youth Enrichment and Engagement Program (YEEP). As we inch closer to the warmer months, excitement brews for many families as they plan their summer adventures. However, for foster youth and their caregivers, summer can pose unique challenges. Recognizing the need to provide enriching experiences and foster stronger bonds within these families, the overnight camp will offer a supportive environment with activities that contribute to the development of self-confidence.

In previous years, the program, referred to as Campership, served as an opportunity for foster youth to attend overnight summer camps. After a four-year hiatus, CFS and Children’s Network wanted to bring this beloved program back, offering youth a chance to immerse themselves in nature, forge new friendships and cultivate valuable life skills. From outdoor adventures to creative arts and team-building activities, these camps promise an unforgettable experience for youth 8 to 17 years old.

This year, the decision was made to open the program to Kinship Center youth and the biological children of caregivers. This expansion creates a respite opportunity for our caregivers and builds upon strengthening the engagement between foster youth and the biological youth in the home. One other big change is that the program has gone beyond the summer camp experience and will include enriching activities such as sports camps, STEM, music lessons, art classes and more. Through YEEP, we envision a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to explore, learn and grow in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Registration for YEEP summer camp begins Feb. 26 through March 29, 2024. Caregivers are encouraged to contact the youth’s assigned social worker for more information. Kinship Center families are encouraged to reach out to Ilyana Ortiz, A Greater Hope, 760-221-9248, Zoudensh Stewart, West Side Kinship Center, 909-889-5757 or Brigitte Shaw, West End Kinship Center.

The foster and kinship your summer camp program led by CFS highlights the commitment by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision of creating quality of life for foster youth and their caregivers.

Additional County Update News – February 22, 2024