YMCA Camp Oakes

Happy New Years!!

It is with a heavy heart we inform our Camp Oakes family that Gerardo, Gerry, Rangel has passed away. Gerry has been a big part of the camping world as well as part of the YMCA from counselor, to program staff, to after school care. Over the last 15 years his dedication and commitment to staff, and campers is unmeasurable. Please keep Gerry’s family in your thoughts and prayers in this time of need. If you would like to donate, please follow the GoFund link set up by his family. https://gofund.me/ccd452b8

Happy Holidays!! From our staff to you!! @High Trails Outdoor Science School

This Holiday Season, if you are shopping with Amazon, why not help a non-profit organization or YMCA Camp Oakes. AmazonSmile is a way for customers to support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon. A portion of your shopping goes to our association. Here's how to sign up for AmazonSmile:... 1. Visit smile.amazon.com 2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials 3. Search for the charity of your choice YMCA of Greater Long Beach 4. Select your charity 4. Start shopping! 5. Add a bookmark for smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile Thank you for your support this holiday season! Let us know if you have any questions!

From your friends at camp, Happy Thanksgiving

Take some time today to ask, How are you feeling? These honest, on-going conversations with kids strengthen bonds-take it One Day at a time. Dedique un momento hoy mismo para preguntarles cómo se sienten. Estas conversaciones honestas y continuas con los niños fortalecen los vínculos, háganlo Un día a la vez. #FiveDaysofAction #CincoDiasdeAccion

Los adultos confiables son aquellos en quienes los niños pueden confiar si necesitan ayuda. Obtenga más información sobre qué significa ser el adulto confiable en la vida de su hijo y utilice estas hojas de trabajo para ayudar a sus hijos a reconocer a los adultos confiables: www.FiveDaysofAction.org. #FiveDaysofAction #CincoDiasDeAccion

We know that sometimes it feels like there isn’t a lot to be grateful for. Between rough life events and the busy feeling that the holiday season can create, we know how hard it can be to stop, think, and wonder what is great in your life. Here’s your opportunity! Take a breath and think about what is important to you, and why you wrap all those presents, baste all those turkeys, and bake all of those pumpkin pies. We’ll start: we’re grateful for you! We’re a non-profit here at the Camp Oakes and depend on your support to remain an asset in creating a camp experience. We appreciate all of your devotion, support and hope to see everyone back at camp! Share with us below, share and comment and spread some holiday joy!

Safe adults are the ones kids know they can trust if they need help. Learn more about what it means to be the safe adult in your child’s life, and use these worksheets to help your kids recognize safe adults: www.FiveDaysofAction.org. #FiveDaysofAction

¿Pasan sus hijos más tiempo en línea o delante de una pantalla? Dedique un momento hoy mismo para hablar con sus hijos de las cosas buenas y los peligros de Internet. Encuentre consejos para iniciar la conversación en www.FiveDaysofAction.org. #FiveDaysofAction #CincoDiasdeAction

Are your kids spending more time online or in front of a screen? Take time today to talk to your kids about the joys and dangers of the internet. Find tips for starting the conversation at www.FiveDaysofAction.org. #FiveDaysofAction

YMCA Camp Oakes va a participar en los Cinco Días de Acción, del 26 al 30 de Octubre de 2020. Cinco días de acción es una semana dedicada a concientizar e inspirar a los adultos a tomar medidas para proteger a los niños contra el abuso sexual. YMCA Camp Oakes alienta a los adultos y las organizaciones de la comunidad a desempeñar un papel vital a la hora de lograr que el campamento sea un lugar más seguro para los niños, especialmente en este entorno en constante cambio. Pu...esto que nuestras comunidades siguen con restricción de actividades y distancia social, sabemos que la protección de los niños parece diferente este año. Nuestra comunidad no solo enfrenta una pandemia que separa a los niños que necesitan adultos confiables en sus vidas, sino que hay un aumento significativo de los casos de violencia doméstica, reclamos de justicia social para las personas de tez negra y más preocupaciones sobre la salud mental de jóvenes y adultos. Cinco días de acción ayudará a las comunidades y a los padres/cuidadores a afrontar Un día a la vez y ofrecerá consejos, herramientas, actividades y recursos relevantes para el contexto actual. "El objetivo número uno de cada persona que se preocupe por la salud y el bienestar de los niños debe ser protegerlos del abuso sexual. Juntos, podemos levantarnos para exigir que los niños sean protegidos y alentar a los adultos a lograrlo en nuestra comunidad. Se necesita el esfuerzo de todos nosotros". YMCA Camp Oakes y YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, con el apoyo de YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, Redwoods Group Foundation y Praesidium, pusieron materiales a disposición de los adultos para ayudarlos a obtener más información sobre la prevención del abuso sexual de menores. Para obtener más información sobre la prevención del abuso sexual de menores, visite www.fivedaysofaction.org.

ADULTS COMING TOGETHER TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE YMCA CAMP OAKES is participating in the Five Days of Action, October 26-30, 2020. The Five Days of Action is a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. YMCA Camp Oakes encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making camp a safer place for children, especially during this ever-changing environment. As our communiti...es continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we know that protecting kids looks different this year. Not only is our community dealing with a pandemic that is separating kids in need from the safe adults in their lives, but there are spikes in domestic violence, cries for social justice for Black lives, and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults. Five Days of Action will help communities and parents/caregivers take it One Day at a Time and will offer tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment. When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together, we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations around how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the number one goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids. Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us. YMCA Camp Oakes, with support from the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation, and Praesidium have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse. For more information about preventing child sexual abuse visit www.fivedaysofaction.org.

YMCA Staff and Volunteers invite you to join us as the Walker Family sponsors a virtual session of Christian Leadership Conference (CLC). Join us for worship, prayer, music, and fellowship as we unite in the spirit of faith, friendship, and Christian heritage. Join us on ZOOM for CLC on Saturday, November 7th. ZOOM opens at 8:45am, program begins at 9:00am.... Whether it's your first time joining us for CLC or you are a returning participant, we look forward to connecting with you and honoring the mission of the YMCA. Click the link to register! https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0scuqsrzgtH9HZJtXutjVVqrOhWcsR4

We have continued our remodeling of the dorms. Here are images of Dorm 1. It now has open air!!! Share with us your experience or memories in the Dorms!

YMCA Camp Oakes and High Trails Outdoor Science School are now in our sixth week of offering our Y Academy program to the students of Big Bear and the program has been a huge success thus far. Special thanks to the Bear Valley School District and to all of the teachers and aids who are working so hard during these trying times. We are in this together, and we can do it!

On this sacred day, we honor the innocent lives lost and recognize the courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others 19 years ago.

Dear Camp Oakes Families, we are aware and keeping a close eye on the progress of El Dorado Fire. Yesterday, it was reported that a spot fire has crossed over HWY 38 at Angeles Oaks (north east of LL). This led to an Evacuation Order for all areas between Angelus Oaks and Onyx Summit. YMCA Camp Oakes sits on the opposite site of this evacuation order and the fire is not an immediate threat to us or the Lake Williams Community. We will keep monitoring the situation and keep you posted if orders change.

Happy Independence Day everyone!