The Pasadena-based Laurel Foundation hosted its summer camp for 65 children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS at Jameson Ranch Camp over the September 12 weekend in the mountains just outside of Bakersfield. The kids experienced first hand how a true ranch is run, and what it means to work as a community, all surrounded by typical camp activities. Over 35 volunteer counselors and medical volunteers helped the kids learn to kayak, sail a boat, rock climb, mountain board, ride horses and so much more. They also learned how to milk a cow and tend farm animals. For these kids, it was the first time they have ever experienced many of these activities.
“This partnership with Jameson Ranch Camp is incredible.” Margot Anderson, the founder and CEO said. “We were looking for a new site to run our summer camp that provided our kids with an expanded camp experience with a wider range of activities. Our kids deserved that. Jameson Ranch Camp offered so many activities and their camp philosophy was in line with ours. I called them to see if they would be interested in hosting our program, and they said YES!” “We are honored to work with The Laurel Foundation,” Debby Jameson, co-owner of Jameson Ranch Camp said. “The mission of the Laurel Foundation to empower children living with HIV/AIDS really resonated with us, and we just wanted to help.”
“It’s hard to believe but these kids still are discriminated against. If they do not have a safe place to talk about the illness, they become withdrawn and depression sets in. We are here to help them talk through things, build their self-esteem and empower them to rise above the adversities they face living with HIV/AIDS. We could not do it with out the support of Jameson Ranch Camp” Anderson added.
The Laurel Foundation’s mission is to empower children, youth and families living with HIV and AIDS by providing a diverse range of educational and support programs in an emotionally and physically safe and trusting environment. The Laurel Foundation, now in its 23rd year of operation, annually helps more than 500 low-income, at-risk, needy participants living primarily in Southern California. Visit www.Laurel-Foundation.org for volunteer or donor information.
Jameson Ranch is a sustainable-living ranch that has been hosting children in summer camps since 1934. It is a family run program and is now in the 3rd generation of directors. Emphasizing youth development through working and playing together, children have flourished there in a diverse program of activities. The Jameson Family has now expanded operations into retreats, school camps, Family Camp, and adult programs. Located adjacent to Sequoia National Forest in Kern County, the ranch has 500 acres, with a small lake and lots of animals. For more information, contact Debby Jameson, (661) 536-8888. www.jamesonranchretreats.com and www.jamesonranchcamp.com
