Redding, CA (November 3, 2016) – The demand for positive childhood experiences for Shasta County youth is high, with over 6,000 children reported as not having a single caring adult or mentor in their life and over 13,000 children who will be exposed to family violence in Shasta County this year.
With this need present, One SAFE Place is proud to announce some exciting changes to their Camp program during the 2017 summer.
Camp HOPE has been offered here in Shasta County by One SAFE Place for the past 5 years. During that time, OSP has been able to serve hundreds of children exposed to family violence and have seen incredible improvements in the lives of these children. Also during this time, the success of this local program has spurred growth nationwide with the advent of Camp HOPE America, an affiliate of the Alliance for HOPE International.
As this nationwide program grows, changes in resources have limited local access, decreasing the number of participating Shasta County campers by over 25%. In an effort to serve more local youth and increase community partner involvement, One SAFE Place will now offer their camp experience as Camp OSP.
Partnering with Camp McCumber in Shingletown, CA, One SAFE Place will offer one week of Camp OSP in late June 2017 and will be able to accommodate 100 campers ages 8-15 years old, as well as 32 counselors and many additional volunteers.
“Camp has always been about providing a positive alternative to traumatic experiences through activities that build self-esteem, increase protective factors, and most importantly, build resiliency in each child. These ideals will continue,” said Angela Jones, Interim Executive Director for One SAFE Place.
“One SAFE Place is most excited about the possibilities for local program growth with this change, specifically the ability to involve more community partners and to increase positive mentoring connections for children involved,” said Emily Westphal, One SAFE Place Director of Prevention and Children’s Services, as well as Director of Camp OSP, adding, “We feel confident that our team will be able to provide an amazing experience for each participating camper rooted in what it means to be part of a supportive community.”
Planning for Camp OSP 2017 has already begun. Volunteers are needed in many areas. Additionally, the cost per camper will remain at $300. If you are interested in being a part of Camp OSP or would like to sponsor a child during the 2017 summer, please visit www.ospshasta.org/camp-osp or call (530) 244-0117.
About One SAFE Place
The mission of One SAFE Place is to provide intervention and safety to a community affected by domestic and sexual abuse, working toward our ultimate vision of a Shasta County free of domestic and sexual abuse for all. One SAFE Place offers prevention education, emergency shelter, and co-locates a variety of advocacy services through a multi-disciplinary team of partnering professionals, offering help for victims of all forms of family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. To learn more about One SAFE Place, visit www.OSPshasta.org.
Contact: Emily Westphal,
Director of Prevention and Children’s Services
Phone: (530) 244-4767 x 211
E-Mail: EmilyW@ospshasta.org