Rachel’s Story
I was so excited when my mom signed me up for summer camp at Boys & Girls Clubs. I’ve always loved drawing and painting, so when I heard they would have art activities, I knew it would be my favorite part of camp.
On the first day we learned how to paint like the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh. We looked at Starry Night and talked about how Van Gogh used swirls and thick brushstrokes to make his paintings feel alive. We each got a big piece of paper and paints of blues, yellows, and whites. My swirls weren’t perfect, but one of leaders said, "Art isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling." I liked that.
Camp was more than art. One day, our counselors told us we were going to Snoopy’s Home Ice to go skating. My stomach dropped. I’d never skated before, and I was pretty sure I’d fall right on my face.
I clung to the wall at first, but my friend Camila skated over and held out her hand. "Come on, you’ll get the hang of it!" Slowly, I pushed off the wall and followed her. I wobbled a lot, but after a while, I figured out how to glide. When I finally made it around the rink without falling, Camila cheered.
Give the gift of a great summer!
The Kids You Help:
Camp gave me the confidence to try new things, from painting like Van Gogh to ice skating for the first time. I discovered what I’m capable of and made new friends along the way. This was the best way to spend summer. I took my painting home and hung it on my wall. Mom said it was beautiful. I think Van Gogh would have liked it too.
Your support can help more kids like me have the same unforgettable experiences. Please donate to give the gift of a life-changing summer.
Gracias.
Hi, my name is Sofia, and summer camp is my favorite place in the world!
Every morning, while my mom goes to work, I get to spend my day at the Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp. We do so many cool things! Without camp, I would sit around at home watching TV.
Every day is different! One day, we’re making up silly games in the gym, and the next, we’re on a field trip, exploring tide pools at the beach. On one field trip we went to the California Academy of Sciences and saw dinosaur bones, a rain forest, and all kinds of fish. I saw things I’ve never seen before.
When I am at camp I feel happy. The staff are so fun and always helping me out. Like Pebbles, who cheers the loudest when I try something new. When I was nervous about playing one of the group games, she encouraged me to go for it. When I had a rough morning, Dragon noticed right away and sat with me until I felt better. They make sure every kid feels important, included, and supported. I look up to them a lot, and one day, I want to be a staff member too so I can help kids the way they’ve helped me.
I’ve learned how to paint and play soccer- and the best part? My friends. We play, learn, and grow together, and I know I can always count on them.
The truth is, camp only happens because of grown-ups like you.
Thanks for believing in us!
Sofia, Age 11
Sofias’ Story
Isabella’s Story
Before I started going to summer camp, my summers were pretty boring. I’d sit at home watching TV or playing on my tablet all day. I wasn’t the only one. My teacher told us that kids can forget up to a third of what they learned during the summer. No wonder school felt so hard when it started again!
That all changed when I started going to Boys & Girls Clubs summer camp. It was like stepping into a whole new world! I made friends right away with a girl named Casey.
Camp also had a library and cool STEM projects. We built bridges out of popsicle sticks and then tested how strong they were (mine didn’t fall down!). We made balloon-powered cars and raced across the playground. My friend Casey’s won!
Camp also helps kids like me keep learning and growing, even when school’s out. You can help more kids have a summer like mine! Your gift will send kids to camp, giving them the chance to have the best summer ever.
Thanks,
Before last summer, I was the quiet kid who always sat in the back, afraid to speak up. But something changed at the Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Camp.
It started with the field trips—so many firsts. We walked across the Golden Gate Bridge! I had lived so close my whole life, yet never set foot on it. The view was unreal seeing the bay, San Francisco and East Bay Hills. I felt like I was part of something bigger. Then it was the first time I went to Six Flags. I remember the rush of my first roller coaster. I screamed louder than I ever talked at school!
Juan Carlos’ Story
Back at camp, we did hands-on activities that actually made learning fun. My favorite was making a 3D model of DNA using candy. Twizzlers became the backbone, and gummy bears were the base pairs. I built something real, something I understood...and it was delicious!
By the end of summer, I wasn’t just the quiet kid anymore. I laughed more, made friends, and felt like I belonged.
Camp was the best part of my summer—I made friends, tried new things, and learned in ways that didn’t feel like school. I want other kids to have the same chance! Your gift can help more kids go to camp, make memories, and have the best summer ever.
Thanks,
