Students Aid Children of Military Personnel at Summer Camp Settings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2003
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Students Aid Children of Military Personnel at Summer Camp Settings
Eighty-seven California State University, Chico students are joining 800 other college students this summer to serve as camp counselors for children of United States military, embassy and international school personnel.
It’s the 12th year CSU, Chico students have taken part in the program, known as the Camp Adventure Youth Service Program for the past five years. Prior to that, it was known as the Willie Wildcat Summer Day Camp Program.
The students serve youths 5 through 13 years of age. More than 18,000 youths are assisted at more than 130 camp sites in Italy, Japan, Greece, Okinawa, Germany, Korea, Spain, England, Hawaii, Cuba, Russia, Belgium, Mexico and the United States. CSU, Chico students left for their 10- to 12-week assignments in late May.
Other universities participating include Florida A&M, University of San Diego, University of Washington, Washington State, University of Oregon, Oregon State, University of Dayton, University of Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa.
Participating CSU, Chico students completed 10 weeks of training in children’s activities and a swim program that included life-saving methods. All students must pass a swimming test, and those that will teach swimming must be certified Water Safety Instructors. Each student must pass an examination and receive certification prior to an assignment.
Retired CSU, Chico professor Al Jackson, long-time director of the Chico program, said CSU, Chico received the honor this year of being the number one university in Camp Adventure for all phases of training and certification. All 87 CSU, Chico students were awarded for their work in the training procedure, he said. Several CSU, Chico students have received individual awards from the Army, Marines and Navy for their abilities in working with children.
“Students return from their assignments feeling a change in their lives,” said Jackson. “One student commented the program gave him a chance to grow into adulthood, meet people from other countries, travel the world and gain work experience working with children.”
Funding for each program comes from contracts from each base and station’s Morale Welfare and Recreation contract funds. Housing and air fare are provided free to students. Each student receives a stipend to cover food and other necessities.
Recruitment will begin in October for the 2004 summer camp. Jackson said it is anticipated that more than 125 students will be hired for summer 2004, with recruitment extending to Butte College, Yuba College and Shasta College. Information may be obtained from Camp Adventure at (530) 893-4809.
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