EOC: Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2011

The Great Outdoors Offers Sanctuary to At-Risk Youth

- Camp Sanctuary takes 14 youth out of the city and onto the river -

(Fresno, CA) School’s out for summer leaving many students to entertain themselves for the next few months. But for 14 at-risk youth participants of Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) Sanctuary Youth Shelter and Outreach to the Streets programs, this summer will be filled with stories and adventure as they canoe down the San Joaquin River, express themselves through art, develop leadership skills, and explore solar cooking during Camp Sanctuary at Owl Hollow. The week-long, all-day summer camp, a partnership between EOC’s Sanctuary & Youth Services and San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust, begins Monday, June 27, 2011.

For many youth, this summer camp will be the first time they leave their neighborhood and surrounding area. “Youth who participate in our programs typically face difficult situations with their family and home life," says Joe Martinez, Sanctuary and Youth Services’ Community Relations and Outreach Manager. “We want these teenagers to forget their worries, if even for a week, and enjoy their childhood."

The summer camp will partner youth with outdoor leaders and professionals in a variety of fields related to conservation and the outdoors. It is made possible by generous donations and scholarships from San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Central Fresno Weed and Seed, and a local family‘s foundation.

The media is invited to capture all the excitement. Media opportunities are as follows:

Wednesday, June 29, 2011
1:00 p.m. – Canoeing at Ball Ranch

Thursday, June 30, 2011
9:00 a.m. - Art project: learning the “Stories" of Nature, Nature CSI game, t-shirts
1:00 p.m. – Canoeing at Ball Ranch

Friday, July 1, 2011
9:30 a.m. - Field trip to Camp Pashayan: Nature and Wellness open house; Solar cooking taste tests, art show
1:00 p.m. - Leading canoeing adventures for friends, family, and special guests.

“Safety is our top priority," says Martinez, In light of the recent river rescues and high water levels, water activities have been relocated down the river. He adds, “All campers are required to wear life jackets and all camp counselors also serve as life guards; both staff and campers will be provided with safety tips daily."

Media interested in shooting b-roll and interviewing youth, should contact Alphonso Russ, SOS Americorps VIP Member, at 559-313-4090; he will be on location with the youth.

Media is also advised to contact Mary Aldern, Program Director at San Joaquin River Parkway, at 559-259-3831, prior to arrival. She will guide media through the gates at Owl Hollow. Maps are attached.

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CONTACT

Augie G. Blancas
559.263.1026
augie.blancas@fresnoeoc.org

About EOC

Our Mission
To humanely focus all available resources to empower low-income families and individuals working toward the skills, knowledge and motivation for self-sufficiency.

About EOC
Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, known as EOC, was established in 1965 with the goal of obtaining equality of opportunity in education, employment, health and living conditions for those in need in Fresno County. We are widely recognized and are one of the largest nonprofit Community Action Agencies in the United States.

EOC has spent over four decades investing in people, helping them become self-sufficient. The scope of service provided by our Agency consists of almost all facets of human services and economic development. They range from pre-school education to vocational training; from juvenile and drug abuse counseling to treatment for serious juvenile offenders; from youth recreation to senior citizen hot meal services; from energy conservation education to crisis intervention; from preventive health care to prenatal nutrition education; and from vocational counseling to job placement services.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 28, 2011 The Great Outdoors Offers Sanctuary to At-Risk Youth - Camp Sanctuary takes 14 youth out of the city and onto the river - (Fresno, CA) School’s out for summer leaving many students to entertain themselves for the next few months. But for 14 at-risk youth participants of Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) Sanctuary Youth Shelter and Outreach to the Streets programs, this summer will be filled with stories and adventure as they canoe down the San Joaquin River, express themselves through art, develop leadership skills, and explore solar cooking during Camp Sanctuary at Owl Hollow. The week-long, all-day summer camp, a partnership between EOC’s Sanctuary & Youth Services and San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust, begins Monday, June 27, 2011. For many youth, this summer camp will be the first time they leave their neighborhood and surrounding area. “Youth who participate in our programs typically face difficult situations with their family and home life," says Joe Martinez, Sanctuary and Youth Services’ Community Relations and Outreach Manager. “We want these teenagers to forget their worries, if even for a week, and enjoy their childhood." The summer camp will partner youth with outdoor leaders and professionals in a variety of fields related to conservation and the outdoors. It is made possible by generous donations and scholarships from San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Central Fresno Weed and Seed, and a local family‘s foundation. The media is invited to capture all the excitement. Media opportunities are as follows: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 1:00 p.m. – Canoeing at Ball Ranch Thursday, June 30, 2011 9:00 a.m. - Art project: learning the “Stories" of Nature, Nature CSI game, t-shirts 1:00 p.m. – Canoeing at Ball Ranch Friday, July 1, 2011 9:30 a.m. - Field trip to Camp Pashayan: Nature and Wellness open house; Solar cooking taste tests, art show 1:00 p.m. - Leading canoeing adventures for friends, family, and special guests. “Safety is our top priority," says Martinez, In light of the recent river rescues and high water levels, water activities have been relocated down the river. He adds, “All campers are required to wear life jackets and all camp counselors also serve as life guards; both staff and campers will be provided with safety tips daily." Media interested in shooting b-roll and interviewing youth, should contact Alphonso Russ, SOS Americorps VIP Member, at 559-313-4090; he will be on location with the youth. Media is also advised to contact Mary Aldern, Program Director at San Joaquin River Parkway, at 559-259-3831, prior to arrival. She will guide media through the gates at Owl Hollow. Maps are attached. ### CONTACT Augie G. Blancas 559.263.1026 augie.blancas@fresnoeoc.org	About EOC Our Mission To humanely focus all available resources to empower low-income families and individuals working toward the skills, knowledge and motivation for self-sufficiency. About EOC Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, known as EOC, was established in 1965 with the goal of obtaining equality of opportunity in education, employment, health and living conditions for those in need in Fresno County. We are widely recognized and are one of the largest nonprofit Community Action Agencies in the United States. EOC has spent over four decades investing in people, helping them become self-sufficient. The scope of service provided by our Agency consists of almost all facets of human services and economic development. They range from pre-school education to vocational training; from juvenile and drug abuse counseling to treatment for serious juvenile offenders; from youth recreation to senior citizen hot meal services; from energy conservation education to crisis intervention; from preventive health care to prenatal nutrition education; and from vocational counseling to job placement services.
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