Many children who live in North, South, and Central Richmond have never been on an ocean beach, even though it is less than 20 miles from their home. The world-famous Golden Gate Bridge stretches off in the horizon, a symbol of the proximity of wonders that are out of their reach. Richard Louv, in his seminal work, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder makes the case that "There is something in us that needs nature. YES provides children and families in West Contra Costa access to experiences in the natural environment – opportunities that can ignite the imagination, build self-confidence and enhance social skills. Educators, parents, and camp counselors observe that early exposure to an array of enriching experiences create a child’s sense of possibilities and provide the foundation for success. Each year since 1999, YES has brought children from gritty and often dangerous Richmond neighborhoods to summer camps in pristine natural settings. In more recent years, YES has also offered weekend Family Camps so that entire families can find respite and make new connections while engaging in traditional camp activities: arts & crafts, hiking, campfires, drumming circles, zip-lines, and more. The first difference to strike the children when they arrive at camp is the safety. “There are no gunshots, only crickets,” 8-year-old Arlene said. They can run freely among the car-free fields and trees: for a short time they can experience the limitless joy which should be the birthright of all children.
