Camp Chance Connect

Camp Chance Newsletter — Winter 2013

Dear Camp Chance Supporters:


We are thrilled to report that the 14th annual Camp Chance was a success! We returned to Walker Creek Ranch with twenty-nine campers and six alumni cabin leaders for the week of July 9 – 13, 2012.

The kids in our community continue to benefit from this program and we are very proud of how it’s changing the lives of our youth. The officers and deputies who volunteer at Camp Chance are full of stories of running into campers on the street while on patrol and the connections are positive and noteworthy.

One deputy told the story of observing a group of boys walking down a street in Marin City. He knew that some of the kids were affiliated with a local gang. As he drove his vehicle closer to the group, one of the boys turned around and both deputy and teen recognized each other from Camp Chance. What ensued was a friendly conversation between the deputy and all the boys. The Camp Chance alum even asked the deputy for the dates of the next camp, and told his friends to apply because “it’s a great time.” Building rapport and trust is the cornerstone of our program and it’s examples like this one that show us that we are reaching our goals of helping kids stay on the right path.

Your continued support enabled us to provide this camping experience for kids whose families are not ordinarily able to afford expensive residential summer camps. Because you have joined us in this community partnership, we were able to meet all the operating costs for the 5-day session of Camp Chance. This year, we raised $24,000 from 125 generous individuals and businesses which all went towards the $34,000 it took to fund Camp Chance this summer and give at-risk youth an opportunity for a better future.

Getting ready to head home after a great camp!

We had all the great events and activities that make Camp Chance such a wonderful program. The kids arrived on Monday and were greeted by their cabin leaders and Walker Creek Ranch staff. The first day is always dedicated to camp orientation: checking into cabins, learning about the camp safety guidelines and taking a swim test at Turtle Pond. The first night is opening circle, when the campers give some thought to what they would like to get out of their week.

This year Camp Chance had a very special contributor to the program when Project Linus contacted SRPD. Project Linus was named after the security blanket-toting character from the Peanuts© comic strip. It is a volunteer non-profit organization that gives at-risk children the gift of a new, handmade blanket or afghan lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

When Peanuts© creator Charles Schulz became aware of the efforts of these volunteers, he was delighted to have Linus inspire these blanket makers to help comfort children in need. Jenny Giacomini, the Project Linus Chapter Coordinator for the North Bay/Sonoma County, contacted SRPD and offered to make a blanket for every camper who attended Camp Chance!

In addition, each handmade blanket or afghan came with a Beanie Baby© selected especially to coordinate with that particular blanket. Even though campers are provided with a packing list, many children don’t own and can’t afford to purchase a sleeping bag or other camping gear that’s recommended so receiving a handmade blanket was a most welcome gift.

Laurie Ferguson (l) and Jenny Giacomini (r) of Project Linus

Once the campers settled in to their cabins and gathered for orientation, it was off to Turtle Pond for swim tests and a hike along Walker Creek, the namesake waterway that runs through the property. This year Camp Chance enjoyed daytime temperatures that soared up into the 80’s and spending time at Turtle Pond was a welcome respite from the heat.

On Tuesday, the campers gathered for the first interactive presentation. Crime Scene Investigation team members from SRPD and Marin County Sheriff Office arrived in the morning to teach campers about how this valuable asset to solving crimes functions. Stations were set up to allow the kids to dust for fingerprints, use a metal detector to sweep a grassy area for coins and make plaster casts of footprints.

Peggy Ruge, a San Rafael Police Community Service Officer and member of the CSI team, has participated in Camp Chance many times. She enjoys it very much, particularly helping the kids distinguish between “real police work and what kids see on TV.”

SRPD CSI members Marc LaPlante and Peggy Ruge

Wednesday is always a big day at Camp Chance. That is usually the day when campers get a visit from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) and the San Rafael Police SWAT Team. This presentation is always very popular with the kids and this year was no different. These teams consist of highly trained deputies and police officers who are specially equipped to deal with crisis situations that are beyond the scope of normal patrol operations.

Campers listened to Detective Corporal Todd Berringer and Corporal Scott Ingels from San Rafael Police, as well as Deputy Domenick Yazzolino from MCSO explain the different types of gear, the uses of the gear and the training team members go through to join this elite group. After the presentation, campers were given the opportunity to check out some of the equipment more closely, and even wear some of the special equipment used by SRT/SWAT members.

Marin County Sheriff’s SRT van and Deputy Yazzolino
  
On Wednesday, members of the Marin County Search and Rescue Team also presented to the campers. They talked about what they do, described the training they receive and displayed some of their gear. We also had a visit from the CHP’s Golden Gate Division Air Operations helicopter, where it landed on the athletic field; always a very spectacular entrance!

CHP helicopter after landing at Walker Creek Ranch

The day capped off with a presentation from Marin County firefighters assigned to the Hicks Valley Fire Station, located between Point Reyes Station and Petaluma. This station provides protection for numerous ranches and is dispatched into Sonoma County routinely as a mutual aid resource. Hicks Valley is unique because it protects the last three remaining one-room school houses in Marin County.

Hicks Valley Pumpers

The San Rafael Police Youth Services Bureau provides kids a life skills component through an interactive workshop. Because bullying continues to be a hot topic for kids, the Youth Services Bureau intern counselors presented another workshop on the topic over the course of the week to each age group of campers. The interns used role-plays to help kids effectively deal with insults, slurs, threats and other tactics that bullies may use to victimize peers.

Also addressed was how to handle cyber bullying and stop rumors. The interns helped the children look at their own behaviors towards others, as well as when to turn to adults for help. Kids were able to express themselves in a safe environment with the guidance of experienced intern therapists who have chosen to cultivate working with adolescents as an area of expertise. The life skills component of Camp Chance continues to be well received and one that we will continue to offer.

YSB intern counselors and campers at the bully workshop

Always popular is the day trip to Drake’s Beach at Pt. Reyes National Seashore. After breakfast, the campers load up on buses for the ride out to the beach, which takes about 45 minutes. Staff and peace officers are quick to set up games of catch and football. If the surf is cooperating, kids play in the water under the watchful eye of adults and cabin leaders.

A delicious BBQ lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and various other delectable treats appear around noon. Everyone has a hearty appetite and it’s not unusual to see some napping on the beach before another round of games. In the late afternoon, everyone piles back on to the buses, which are generally pretty quiet with sleepy, sandy campers.

This year kids saw an abundance of wildlife at Walker Creek Ranch, including foxes and a bobcat who had taken up residence at the facility. Campers would gather in the amphitheatre in the morning after breakfast and were often transfixed by the various wildlife sightings. For many of these children, it was the first time they saw the ocean surf, played on a beach, saw unencumbered open space or watched animals in their natural environment.
 
Camp Chance 2012 Supporters
We gratefully acknowledge all of our generous donors, without whom Camp Chance would not be possible, and we apologize for any unintended omissions.

$7,500
Marin County Board of Supervisors

$3,000
Arthur C. and Joan G. Latno

$1,500
Mike Audi

The Bishop Pine Fund

$1,000
Dr. Catherine J. Bell, M.D.
Peter C. Kerner

Michael E. Winter

$500+
Jerry Maioli

Irene Gilbert

Dr. John H. Kaufmann, M.D.
Marin County Deputy Sheriffs Assoc.


San Rafael Police Association
San Rafael Police Dept. Mid Management Association
Betty Viering

$250+
Jim and Barbara Abernathy
Blair Auld
Diana Bishop

Helen Kennedy Cahill
Daniel Dufficy

Jeff and Joni Franzini
Rebecca Kuga and Irene Gilbert

Peter Levin

Penny Maioli

Jane Malloy Thornton
Miguel and Rose Medina, Jr.
Nick Pata
Robert and Leslie Smith

$150+
Joel Fay and Anne Buscho
Thomas Garber

John and Patricia Godsey
Philip Gray
Steven Gray

Gary and Nancy Gugliemotto
Harvey Kamian

Rod and Kathy Mehrten
Mark S. and Kay P. Noguchi
Robert and Shirley Sanderson
Darren and Samantha Sargent
Kerry Scola
Sarah Snow

Roopinder Tara

Elfriede A. Tucker

Raymond and Rosalie Weigle
Julie Wooding and Curt Wise
Barbara Wyatt

$100+
Irmgard Bagshaw

William Bennett

Richard and Dorothy Breiner
Mary Jane Burke

Norman and Patricia Davis
Margaret Deedy-Koller

Dolores G. Delgado

Scott Eberle

Don and Ann Gregory

Gary and Jennifer Grellman
Burton and Antonia Hirshfield
Helen L. LaHaye

Louis and Jeanne Leoncini

James and Lucile Masson, Jr.

Paul and Adrienne Moser

Ingrid Pelton

Alan M. and Helen-Marie Petersen
Susan Puorro

Joseph and Elda Saccone

Richard and Patricia Skidmore
Ruben and Rhea Valtierra

Up to $100
Helen Amoroso

Margaret Andrew

Elmer and Mary Berger
Todd and Jackie Berringer
Christophe Bettini
Maxfield and Nancy Brown
Michael Buckley

Marlene J. Casissa

William Cereske, Jr.

Chris Chew

Wilma Cliff

Jim and Laura Correa

Mary Curtis

Dieter and Stephanie Czirr
Charles C Dagit

Renee and Paul Devaux
Edmund Duggan

Steve and Kathy Easley
Richard and Francine Falk
Sergio and Diana Franco
Babette Gamble

Lyman and Pam Gilbert
Ken and Alba Giomi

Marie Goff-Tuttle

Michael Gordon

Barbara Hart

Lizabeth Healy

Barbara Heller

Janice Hipkins

HR Business Solutions
Carl Huber
Heide Hupfeld

Robert and Mary Ellen
Irwin Leonard Jann

Paul Jensen

Barbara Sorensen and Richard Johnson

Sue Ann Joy

Marilyn P. Kelly

Roberta A. Kemp

Robert and Lee Kohs

Roy and Jessica Leon

Adele Levin

Luke and Margaret McCann
Peter and Candy McCorkell
Sandy and William Mixsell
Jack A. Rauch

Katherine and Daniel
Ravina Michael Ridgway

Jane D. Toffaleti

Hans and Michele Van Heusden

In-Kind Donations
Schug Carneros Estate Winery
Harry Barbier

Julie Wooding

Osmosis Day Spa
San Rafael Joe’s
San Rafael Pacifics
TJ’s Gym
  
The resident bobcat

3rd Annual Camp Chance Benefit Dinner March 9, 2013
Schug Carneros Estate Winery and San Rafael Joe’s are partnering with San Rafael Police Department to benefit Camp Chance. Last year this event sold out. Call Rebecca Kuga at 415-485-3025 to purchase tickets.

Guests will have the opportunity to mingle, enjoy appetizers and peruse the silent auction items available for bid. The delicious four-course meal will be prepared by the chefs of San Rafael Joe’s and Michael Cox, Schug winemaker extraordinaire, will describe wines that are perfectly paired with each course. Last year eighty-eight people attended so please make your reservations now.

Winemaker Mike Cox (center) at San Rafael Joe’s

Camp Chance has moved into the digital age by launching www.campchanceconnect.org! We are very excited about this method of communicating with our supporters and you’ll be able to read about current events, see a lot more photos and donate securely online. We also promise to never share your e-mail address with other organizations.

Donor Spotlight
Our fund-raising efforts are in full swing so that we can continue to offer this valuable program to at-risk, under-served children. This year we received support from Union Bank, who sponsored three campers this summer by providing a donation through the Union Bank Community Foundation. This partnership will continue for Camp Chance 2013 with Union Bank’s continued support of our program.

Union Bank VP, Mike Audi and SRPD Chief Diana Bishop

This summer, Camp Chance also partnered with the San Rafael Pacifics baseball team who offered a baseball clinic for youth ages 10 – 15. The clinic was taught by Pacifics coaches and players and all proceeds benefited Camp Chance. It was a great day capped off by a Pacifics victory at Albert Park later that evening.

It is because of our donors that at-risk kids in our community can attend Camp Chance and be exposed to the activities and people who can help these kids make healthy choices for a better life.


Help Keep the Magic Alive!
The preparations for Camp Chance 2013 are already ongoing and we will be returning to Walker Creek Ranch with another awesome program for the kids. Despite the planning and logistics that goes into making Camp Chance happen, we want to take a moment and give thanks to all of our donors. Through your support we provided a wonderful summer experience for seventy-two children from our community.

It costs $900 to send one child to Camp Chance for the 5-day program and the need for this program continues to grow. Please share what you can by sending your tax-deductible donation in the enclosed envelope made out to “San Rafael – Camp Chance.” Our tax-exempt number is 94-6000424.

Infused with enthusiasm and hope for the future, we look forward to working with you for the continued welfare of Marin’s children.

— Diana Bishop, Chief of Police

— Robert T. Doyle, Marin County Sheriff

Dusting for prints during the CSI presentation
 
Thank you for sending us to Camp Chance!

Afternoon ping-pong
 
Obstacle course

Relaxing after swim time at Turtle Pond
 

Lt. McElderry and Chief Bishop at Turtle Pond. It was 80 F! Good friends, good times...
 
Deputy Yazzolino coaching a camper

Afternoon basketball

San Rafael Pacifics Youth Baseball Clinic 8/8

 

On Wednesday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Club will conduct a youth baseball clinic at Albert Field for kids ages 10 to 15.  Participants will develop and improve their baseball fundamentals such as throwing, catching, fielding and hitting under the guidance of the San Rafael Pacifics coaching staff and players.  The $85.00 registration fee includes the clinic, lunch, and a ticket to that night’s Pacifics game.  You can register online at:  http://eplay.livelifelocally.com/, course code #18359, by calling Community Services at 485-3333 or visiting the San Rafael Community Center.  Proceeds from this clinic will support Camp Chance.  Thanks to the San Rafael Pacifics for this great photo!

Camp Chance Newsletter – Winter 2012

Camp Chance is Growing!
We are happy to report that the 13th annual Camp Chance was another great success! Once again we returned to Walker Creek Ranch with our largest group of campers ever: a total of 72 children attended the week-long residential program held July 11–15, 2011. We hosted 60 campers (between 11–13 years of age) and twelve Leaders-In-Training, our Camp Chance alumni program for kids between 14 and 15 years of age.


We are very proud of this program and how it's changing the lives of our youth. The kids love to stay connected with the program and this desire is what inspired us to create the Leaders-In-Training (LIT) Camp Chance alumni experience. The program started last summer as a group of six and in 2011 doubled in size to twelve campers! The LIT’s help facilitate the Camp Chance program but they also have their own activities which are geared towards leadership development. For example, they learned basic orienteering skills that helped them while on a scavenger hunt at Fort Cronkhite in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and they also experienced an overnight tent camping trip away from the main Walker Creek campus. In an effort to lead by example, the LIT’s were responsible for serving the meals to Camp Chance campers, as well as managing the clean up. Ashton, a Camp Chance alum and LIT from Marin City said, "This program has helped me to grow up and be a more responsible person. I like all the things we do and it’s a reward for staying out of trouble."

Your continued support enabled us to provide this camping experience for kids whose families are not ordinarily able to afford expensive residential summer camps. Because you have joined us in this community partnership, we were able to meet all the operating costs for the 5-day session of Camp Chance. Despite these challenging economic times, we raised $48,000 from 276 generous individuals and businesses which all went towards the $68,000 it takes to fund Camp Chance and give at-risk youth an opportunity for a better future.


LITs heading out for the orienteering excursion at GGNRA

In addition to helping children experience summer camp, another goal of Camp Chance is to foster trust and rapport between kids and peace officers. This year marks the fourth time Marin County Deputy Sheriff Dave Gallegioni has attended Camp Chance. He enjoys hanging out with the kids by Turtle Pond and marvels at what a "fun and rewarding experience Camp Chance is for both the kids and adults. Everyone makes great connections that I continue to see when I run into a camper while on patrol in the community." Always very moving is Thursday night's closing circle, when the kids talk about what they gained from participating in the program. For many youth, being at Camp Chance is an opportunity to escape a stressful neighborhood or difficult family situation, enjoy nature and make new friends.

San Rafael Police Corporal Roy Leon, the San Rafael School Resource Officer and a member of the SRPD SWAT Team, and Deputy Sheriff Domenick Yazzolino of the Marin County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team (SRT) provided the kids with the always popular SWAT presentation. This team consists of highly trained deputies and police officers who are specially equipped to deal with crisis situations that are beyond the scope of normal patrol operations. Campers listened to Corporal Leon and Deputy Yazzolino describe the different types of equipment used, as well as the special training that each member of the team undergoes. This year, SRPD Detective Corporal Scott Eberle brought out the SWAT robot. This device looks like an armored remote control car with rubber treads for wheels. It's equipped with a camera system, a robotic arm and an all-terrain tracked platform designed for SWAT. Detective Corporal Eberle put the robot through its paces, including righting it remotely after a camper flipped it on its back. After the presentation, the kids were given the opportunity to check out some of the equipment more closely, and even wear some of the special gear used by SRT/SWAT members.

Watching the SWAT robot

That same afternoon, campers also had a visit from Marin County Firefighters assigned to the Hicks Valley Fire Station, which is located between Point Reyes and Petaluma. This station provides protection for numerous ranches and is dispatched into Sonoma County routinely as a mutual aid resource.

This year campers were able to climb aboard the fire engine and water tender that the firefighters drove to Walker Creek Ranch. In addition, a few of the kids were outfitted in turnout gear used when fighting a fire in a building or out in the wilderness. The firefighters did a great job of explaining how the gear is used to fight fires while keeping the first responder safe from harm.

Members of the Marin County Search and Rescue Team also presented to the campers. They talked about what they do, described the training they receive and displayed some of their gear.


Trying on the turnout gear

Other presenters included members of the Marin County Sheriff and San Rafael Police Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) teams who taught the campers how to dust for fingerprints, use a metal detector to sweep the ground for buried coins, and make molds of footprints. Deputy Rebecca Leonard, a member of the Marin County Sheriff CSI team, has volunteered previously at Camp Chance and enjoys working with the kids. She echoed a sentiment held by many on the CSI team when she said, “This presentation gives kids the opportunity to try out some of the CSI skills that they see on television. It also teaches them that crimes don’t usually get solved in the space of an hour. It’s a good reality check about solving crimes.”


Deputy Leonard demonstrating how to dust for prints

The San Rafael Police Youth Services Bureau provides kids a life skills component through an interactive workshop. Because bullying continues to be a hot topic for kids, the Youth Services Bureau intern counselors presented another workshop on the topic over the course of the week to each age group of campers. The interns used role-plays to help kids effectively deal with insults, slurs, threats and other tactics that bullies may use to victimize peers. Also addressed was how to handle cyber bullying and stop rumors. The interns helped the children look at their own behaviors towards others, as well as when to turn to adults for help. Kids were able to express themselves in a safe environment with the guidance of experienced intern therapists who have chosen to cultivate working with adolescents as an area of expertise. The life skills component of Camp Chance continues to be well received and one that we will continue to offer.


YSB intern counselor and campers at the bully workshop

Always popular is the day trip to Drake’s Beach at Pt. Reyes National Seashore. After breakfast, the campers load up on buses for the ride out to the beach. It’s not unusual for the kids to see wildlife, deer and jack rabbits abound, and for many of the campers, this is the first time they have experienced nature and open space unencumbered by buildings or freeways. Staff and peace officers are quick to set up games of catch and football. If the surf is cooperating, kids play in the water under the watchful eye of staff. The LIT’s help set up and serve a delicious BBQ lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and various other detectible treats. Everyone works up a hearty appetite and it's not unusual to see some napping on the beach before another round of games.


A beautiful day at the beach

In an effort to bring the message and goals of Camp Chance to more people in our community, as well as meet the ever increasing operating expenses of the program, we’ve come up with a couple of new and very exciting events.

Our first annual winemaker dinner was held last February — hosted by San Rafael Joe’s and Schug Carneros Estate Winery of Sonoma. Guests were greeted at the door with a glass of Schug sparkling wine where they had the opportunity to mingle, enjoy appetizers and peruse the silent auction items available for bid. All items were donated by Schug Carneros Estate Winery and included magnums of Pinot Noir, the flagship wine of Schug, and a private tasting in Schug’s wine cave. The bidding was fierce throughout the evening! A delicious four-course meal was prepared by the chefs of San Rafael Joe’s and Walter Schug, the winery’s proprietor, enthralled guests with anecdotes of his career, as he described wines that were perfectly paired with each course. Close to sixty people attended this inaugural event.

Our next winemaker dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2012 so SAVE THE DATE! Your ticket purchase will help us continue to fund this worthwhile program. Contact Rebecca Kuga at 415-485-3025 to make your reservations.


Winemaker Walter Schug at San Rafael Joe's

Camp Chance is moving into the digital age by launching our new website www.campchanceconnect.org. We are very excited about this method of better communicating with our supporters. You’ll be able to read about current events, see lots of photos and videos, and donate securely online. We also promise to never share your e-mail address with other organizations.

Donor Spotlight
Camp Chance and our new Leaders-In-Training program are very popular with the kids in our community but this popularity has created a double-edged sword; quite simply, taking more kids costs more money. Camp Chance has never turned away a child who wants to attend camp and we don’t want to start now. Because we want to continue this phenomenal program, we are turning the spotlight on to you, our donors and asking you to consider increasing your donation this year. It is because of you that at-risk kids in our community can attend Camp Chance and be exposed to the activities and people who can help these kids make healthy choices for a better life.

Help Keep the Magic Alive
The preparations for Camp Chance 2012 are already ongoing and we will be returning to Walker Creek Ranch with another awesome program for the kids. Despite the planning and logistics that goes into making Camp Chance happen, we want to take a moment and give thanks to all of our donors. Through your support we provided a wonderful summer experience for seventy-two children from our community.

It now costs $930 to send one child to Camp Chance for the 5-day program. Our reserves are low but the need for this program continues to grow. Please share what you can by making a tax-deductible donation with our secure online form.

Infused with enthusiasm and hope for the future, we look forward to working with you for the continued welfare of Marin’s children.


Thank You For Sending Me To Camp Chance!

Thank you,

Diana Bishop
San Rafael Chief of Police

Robert T. Doyle
Marin County Sheriff