This program serves needy children by providing scholarships to both day and sleep-over camps. The Night Lights Auxiliary works with chapter members to provide camping equipment needed to insure the best possible experience for each child.

Last year we sponsored almost 200 children attending summer sleep-over camps and week-long winter science camps. Summer camp experiences are arranged through the YMCAs of Westchester and Santa Monica.  Attending science camps, fifth grade students enjoy the outdoors and learn about animals and plants of different ecosystems. For many children, these camps offer their first experience away from home.

Executive Director of the Westchester Family YMCA, John Loussararian wrote:

It was such a pleasure to have you join us for VIP Day as ambassadors from Assistance League of Santa Monica. We truly appreciate the support your club has given us all these years. Through this partnership, there is no doubt that we are facilitating lifelong experiences that these campers will treasure for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, through our intentional program design by the end of this week our children will overcome fears, become more self-confident, gain leadership skills and make new friendships which will be necessary tools to help them realize their full potential. I look forward to our continued partnership as we, together strengthen the communities we serve!

We also provide camp scholarships to developmentally disabled teens and young adults in the Circle of Friends Summer Program.  Circle of Friends is an inclusion program which encourages understanding and acceptance of differences on school campuses and within the community, decreasing bullying and making a significant social impact. Circle Summer is a day camp program run by Circle of Friends. College students are trained as group leaders to model and shape appropriate social skills for their peers with special needs.  Lasting friendships develop through meaningful social interactions in real-life situations.

SuePic

Sue Ferrell, a member and Campership chair of Assistance League of Santa Monica, presented John Loussaraian, Executive Director and Jimi-Lee Tomboc, Community Program Director at Westchester Family YMCA a check for twenty-four camp scholarships. Selected underserved students will attend Camp Marcil in Big Bear, California.