The YMCA of Orange County Acquires Resident Camp in the Angeles National Forest

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Nov. 2, 2015 - PRLog -- The YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY (YMCAOC) has recently acquired a resident camp in the Angeles National Forest, located near Wrightwood, CA.  The Department of Forestry has approved the transition of the historical resident camp - Camp E.L.K. - to Orange County YMCA, as part of a larger transition that involves the San Gabriel Valley YMCA (SGVY) coming under the operations and management of YMCAOC.  In 2001, SGVY purchased Camp E.L.K. named in memory of Edward L. Kopszywa, Executive Director from 1985 – 2002, and has since offered many memorable weeks of camp for families, groups, and kids.

The YMCAOC was also granted the Riverside County area in 2014, when the former Riverside YMCA declared bankruptcy.  The YMCA OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY (YMCARC) is now under the leadership of YMCAOC, with its first location recently opening in Murrieta, CA.  “The strength of the growing Orange County/Riverside County YMCAs will provide the infrastructure and leadership needed to bring even more resources and opportunities to the expansion and enhancements at Camp E.L.K. Plans for the development of the campgrounds and camping curriculum are underway” says Camp Executive Director Jennifer Heinen.

Camp E.L.K. is located high in the mountains near Mt. Baldy and offers summer camps, family camps, specialty camps and facility rentals for groups year-round.  Activities include: Hiking, Swimming, GaGa Ball, Climbing Rock Wall, Archery, Riflery, Canoeing (seasonal), Fishing,  Low Ropes Course, Team building, Nightly Campfires and Entertainment, Leadership and Character Development, Tubing (seasonal), and Skiing & Snowboarding at Mountain High Resort (seasonal).  YMCAOC will continue the tradition of these great camps, offer and expand these weekly and weekend sessions, provide rentals for groups, and to expand these offerings to members, volunteers, and past campers at local YMCAs throughout Riverside, Orange, and L.A. Counties.

The YMCA of Orange County and San Gabriel Valley Y (now operating as one YMCA, along with the YMCARC) has a rich history of resident camping and a wealth of camp spirit and knowledge to make this a success. “We are honored and excited to carry on the beloved traditions established at Camp E.L.K. over the years, and to bring the many traditions and friendships established at our Orange County Camps (e.g., Oakes, Irvine) to our new home - Camp E.L.K.” said Cara Owens, Chief Operating Officer for YMCAOC/YMCARC.  Camp E.L.K. 2016 Camping opportunities will be announced shortly; rentals or groups can inquire directly at (760) 249-3822 or www.ymcaoc.org/camp-elk (contact us button)

YMCAOC is currently planning investments in the campgrounds, curriculum, and amenities to ensure high quality camping experiences for years to come.  YMCAOC is conducting a survey to begin the planning process, as this will be a multi-year process to make this camp all that it can be.  To complete the Camp E.L.K. Needs and Satisfaction Survey, visit http://campelk.surveyconsole.com – complete the survey by November 12^th for a chance to win FREE CAMP!

For future updates on camping, volunteer, or employment opportunities:

Visit the Camp E.L.K. facebook page https://www.facebook.com/campelk to see pictures from past years.  Subscribe to the events feed and stay updated on all future camping and volunteer opportunities.  Visit the webpage to learn more http://www.ymcaoc.org/camp-elk/

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ABOUT YMCAOC/YMCARC/YMCASGV: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County, Riverside County, and San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Murrieta, and Santa Ana).  With an additional 150 after school programs, summer camps, sports & swim programs, Adventure Guides parent/child groups, and programs for youth and adults with special needs, YMCAOC is committed to serving our growing and diverse community needs.

YMCA staff and volunteers celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs. From youth basketball and swim classes to fitness programs and resident camp, Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org  www.ymcarc.org  www.ymcasgv.org