Camp for All: An Innovative Summer Experience for Underserved and Houseless Youth in Los Angeles

Play Equity to Advance Mental Health (sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

The CLF's Camp for All Summer Camp Program is dedicated to serving a houseless and extremely vulnerable underserved youth population in Los Angeles. We recognize the urgent need for inner-city and shelter-bound youth to escape the confines of their challenging urban environments and experience transformative opportunities. Our program aims to provide them with innovative educational camp activities that boost their confidence, offer recreational outlets, and create lasting, cherished memories. CLF has partnered with agencies serving underserved and houseless youth for thirty years. The impact of houselessness and poverty on the health and well-being of children simply cannot be underestimated. They are twice as likely to experience fair or poor health compared to their peers, and grapple with increased mental health issues-anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, as recently reported by the National Coalition for the Homeless, especially since the advent of the COVID pandemic.

Camp for All is dedicated to offering transformative and inclusive outdoor summer experiences to underserved youth in L.A. We firmly believe that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserves access to the natural wonders of California, including our free parks, hiking trails and green spaces. Our program goes beyond recreational activities by incorporating STEAM educational components that emphasize nature education and environmental stewardship.Through engaging and interactive experiences-incredible nature hikes, live animal workshops, writing and meditation sessions, Native education, and a complete nature arts component-we aim to instill in the youth we serve a profound understanding of their connection to California's breathtaking natural resources. In a beautiful environment at a local, open nature conservancy, over 500 underserved and houseless youth will be able to enjoy these incredibly beneficial activities, which also greatly alleviate anxiety, help overcome social isolation, and create future stewards of our amazing natural resources-by providing this innovative intersection of natural exposure and educational experience.

It is truly incredible to hear that many of the youth attending our camps, although living less than an hour's drive away, have never experienced a simple nature hike. Our program truly creates instant "fans" of our Los Angeles green spaces, and future environmental stewards. Through Camp for All, the CLF aspires to bridge the opportunity gap by providing the youth we serve with equal access to transformative outdoor experiences, while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Through a carefully curated range of fun, enriching outdoor activities and interactions, we emphasize the importance of good mental health and healthy resilience. By providing necessary tools and support, we aspire to foster stronger familial relationships, promote mental well-being, and instill a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Together, we can inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders, who will advocate for and alleviate pressing community issues.

We have implemented a comprehensive impact measurement framework to assess the effectiveness of our existing project in addressing the identified problem. Our evaluation includes quantitative and qualitative measures to capture various dimensions of impact. Quantitatively, we collect pre- and post-program data on key indicators, such as participants' self-reported mental well-being, resilience levels, and engagement in positive coping strategies. Qualitatively, we conduct interviews and participant surveys to gather in-depth feedback on the program's perceived benefits, changes in behavior, and the overall satisfaction of participants. Evidence gathered through our impact measurement efforts demonstrates positive results. Preliminary findings indicate significant improvements in participants' mental health indicators, increased resilience, and the adoption of healthy coping strategies. Testimonials from participants and their families further support the program's great effectiveness.