THIRTY-FIVE LOCAL CHILDREN RECENTLY ATTENDED CAMP REDWOOD GLEN IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS. Thirty-five local youth left the hot foothills to enjoy sea breezes and cooler temperatures in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Camp Redwood Glen. This is the 14th consecutive year that Mariposa County Unified School District has partnered with the Salvation Army to send Mariposa children to residential camp. More and more parents of these youth also attended camp when they were youngsters, helping organizers realize that Camp Redwood Glen has become a Mariposa tradition.

Three students (two boys and one girl) participated in the outdoor adventure backpack trip, hiking from Big Basin down to the ocean. Thirty-two younger children ages 7 to 12 attended the traditional residential summer camp. Mariposa’s summer camp is a county-wide opportunity for foster youth, homeless, and children who would not otherwise be able to attend residential camp.

Salvation Army Service Extension Liaison Jean Raven arranged and covered the cost for the 45-foot Via bus to and from camp. Malina Bondshu and Karen Rust, from MCUSD; and Bob Coulombe, Salvation Army Service Extension Area Chairman administered the program. Dr. Charles Mosher and Jan Youngren, RN volunteered time to assist with some missing health physicals making it possible for two youth to attend.

One of the highlights of this year was learning how to salsa dance with one of the counselors who had fun teaching the kids. Campfire, singing songs, hiking, touching banana slugs, telling scary stories, and giggling with friends were some favorite activities this year.

Mariposa’s generosity with the annual Kettle Drive at Christmas time is a major fund raiser for this annual event.