Each summer, approximately 1,200 children, ages 7-13, enjoy nature study, sports, aquatics, arts & crafts, trips to the beach and more. These young people benefit from adult mentoring and peer interaction in a fun, safe and structured environment. In all, 98% of the children attend camp via scholarships.

The Circle V Ranch program, which has been operating since 1945, is spread over 30 acres of mountain land that overlooks Lake Cachuma. Young people who have entered camp with doubts about their self-worth, depressed about their home environment or just angry about how life has treated them, have left camp armed with encouragement from caring counselors, hope for the future, excitement for new-found life skills and the knowledge that living can be fun and positive.

According to Camp Director Raymond Lopez, teaching boys and girls to believe in a "dream" and to "never give up" is one of his mottos. "Many of the young people I have worked with come from difficult situations. To see someone accomplish a goal and succeed is priceless. It's rewarding when these young people come back and tell us how camp helped change their lives."

Information: 323-224-6213 or www.svdpla.org. (less info)