Empower Yolo’s youth programs are gearing up for another fun and enriching summer of activities for local youths. With community support, camps and leadership programs aim to empower kids and support families throughout the summer.
Shelter Camp – The Starkweather Family Shelter staff are preparing for the sixth year of its summer camp for children staying at the shelter. Activities this year will include arts and crafts, sensory and science projects, sports, a soccer clinic, and Fun Friday field trips.
“This camp is very unique and special for the kids at the shelter because it gives them a sense of normalcy and a safe space to continue their journey for healing,” says Carolina Jimenez, Child Advocate, Empower Yolo. “It’s a nurturing environment where kids can relax and enjoy being themselves without worries. Camp participation provides them with new experiences that they might not have otherwise, promoting empowerment and boosting their self-esteem. A break from their daily routine at the shelter brings them renewed hope and joy,” adds Jimenez.
Jimenez recounts a story of how happy one of the campers was last year. On a Fun Friday, after a day of splashing and laughter at one of the local pools, the kids enjoyed a picnic provided by a generous donor. The real excitement came when Davis Creamery treated the kids to ice cream. The kids were thrilled to choose their flavors and toppings. One camper exclaimed, “I’ve never been able to do this before with my mom,” and beamed with joy as he created his perfect sundae. At the end of the day, he said, “This has been the best day of my life!” Moments like these remind us why summer camp is so important and the impact of community engagement on the lives of these children. Each small experience contributes to their happiness and growth, and it fuels our passion to keep providing these unforgettable memories.
The camp will be staffed with local teens from Empower Youth, a community service club at Davis High School that supports Empower Yolo. Having Empower Youth students be camp counselors is beneficial for both the kids and the teen students. “The campers can see positive role models in the camp counselors and have someone to connect with. This relationship that they create during camp enables campers to have an impactful mentor whom they can aspire to become. Having the camp counselors be younger adults also allows the kids to see themselves reflected in them and aspire to pursue leadership roles in the future,” says Jimenez. Counselors will help support activities, including arts and crafts, games, and the soccer clinic they started in the spring.
“Empower Youth members are excited to be part of the shelter camp again this summer,” says Izzy Churchward, Empower Youth president. It’s meaningful to me to be a part of something so special for six years. It’s such a great experience for the kids and counselors to learn and grow together in a fun and safe environment. This summer, we’ll continue the soccer clinic to teach skills to kids who’ve never had the opportunity to play soccer,” adds Churchward.
After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Kids Day Camp – ASSETs will offer a free Kids Day Camp in Woodland for kids ages 6-12, running July 22-August 1 from 9 am to 12 pm. This camp is open to the public and will accept 30 children on a first-come basis.
“We have a fun and engaging lineup of activities planned for our campers this year,” says Daniela Talavera Rangel, Director of Youth Programs, Empower Yolo. “From hands-on crafts like making slime and building bird feeders to STEM-based projects such as shadow tracking and designing mini cars, there’s something for every interest,” says Rangel.
Campers will also enjoy soccer, kickball, and other team sports that promote movement and teamwork. There will also be weekly pool days every Friday, giving students the chance to cool off, have fun, and stay active in a safe, supervised setting. “Our goal is to offer a well-rounded experience that blends creativity, learning, and physical play—while making lasting memories,” says Rangel.
With rising costs and limited space in district summer programs, Kids Day Camp helps fill the gaps for families seeking engaging summer activities for their children. “This camp is incredibly important for local kids in our community, especially now, as many after-school and summer programs face cuts due to limited funding. With fewer options available, a lot of students are left without safe, engaging places to go during the summer months,” Rangel says.
“The camp is designed to reach students who may otherwise miss out, offering them the chance to explore, learn, and connect with peers in a supportive and fun environment. It’s also a lifeline for parents, many of whom are juggling work and family responsibilities,” adds Rangel.
Teens from Woodland High School will serve as camp counselors, which benefits both the campers and the teen mentors. “These counselors are more than just helpers—they’re leaders and role models,” emphasizes Rangel. “Our goal this year is to provide high-quality mentorship opportunities, and our high school counselors play a vital role in making that happen. They do an outstanding job forming safe, positive relationships with the younger campers, creating an environment where every child feels supported, seen, and safe. Their energy, empathy, and leadership make a lasting impact—and they often grow just as much as the younger campers do,” says Rangel.
Freshman Leadership Academy – ASSETs will also offer its Freshman Leadership Academy (FLA). “This program is all about empowering incoming high school freshmen with the tools they need to lead with confidence and purpose,” says Rangel. Through a strengths-based curriculum, students will explore leadership development, life skills, and pathways to higher education.
Participants will engage in activities that encourage them outside their comfort zones—building public speaking skills, learning to collaborate with peers, and practicing real-world decision-making. Students will gain valuable life skills, such as financial literacy, where students will learn how to manage personal budgets and make smart financial choices.
FLA offers teens a unique opportunity to get a head start on their high school journey—both academically and personally. Each student is paired with a current high school mentor for guidance and support throughout the program. “This built-in mentorship helps incoming freshmen feel more connected and supported as they transition into high school. They’ll have someone to turn to for advice, encouragement, and guidance—and someone familiar they can recognize on campus once the school year begins,” says Rangel.
Students also gain early exposure to college life through weekly tours to campuses like Stanford, UC Berkeley, Mills College, CSU East Bay, and more. “These trips give students firsthand exposure to a variety of higher education options, helping them envision their futures and set meaningful goals,” says Rangel. Many participants say the college tours were the most inspiring part of the program because, for the first time, they could truly see themselves on a college campus.
Get Involved – The community can support Empower Yolo’s summer programs through donations, supplies, snacks, or spreading the word. For FLA, local businesses and individuals can sponsor meals or transportation for college visits, making the program free and accessible for all. Guest speakers are also welcome to share personal or professional experiences to inspire and educate students, enriching the program and fostering lasting connections. For more information on the summer programs or to register for Kids Day Camp, visit empoweryolo.org.
Empower Yolo’s youth programs promise an engaging and enriching summer filled with fun, learning, and leadership. With community support, these camps and leadership initiatives will provide essential resources for families, create unforgettable experiences that empower children, and foster valuable growth opportunities that have a lasting impact.