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Slumping economy impacts summer camp attendance

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Contributed by: Brian Pickering on 7/2/2008

Due to the rising fuel costs and the impact it is having across the board, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles, is seeing a major decline in campers for its summer camp program.

In past summers, the Society's Circle V Ranch Camp has averaged 130 campers per week, with 98 percent of the boys and girls attending via camperships. However, the projected average of campers per week in July is just 61 children. The first week of camp just began on June 30.

Children, ages 7-13, usually enjoy attending the Society's Circle V Ranch Camp near beautiful Santa Barbara fromLos Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

"Attending camp is not only fun for children, but it helps teach them teamwork, responsibility and new life-skills. This is accomplished in a safe and structured environment by caring counselors who mentor the boys and girls," said Ray Lopez, director of Circle V Ranch. "We've had campers return when they were older just to thank us for summer camp and the positive direction it gave them in their lives. That is very rewarding to hear because it means we're helping to make a difference in young lives.

"However, this year, the unstable economy is having a major impact on summer camp like never before. For many children, camp is the only vacation they'll experience this summer," he added.

To help combat this problem - for those who qualify - the Society is offering a special rate of $35 per child, per week for the following camp sessions:

* July 5-10
* July 13-18
* July 18-23
* July 23-28

Each child's camp excursion includes lodging, three meals a day, swimming, sports, crafts, hiking, music and drama, nature study, campfires, a beach trip and the opportunity to meet new friends in a secure and positive environment.

For more information, please call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's camp office at 323-224-6213.

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