Camp Hollygrove turns summertime into an opportunity to help kids in Hollywood and South Central Los Angeles. A new group of kids comes in weekly to experience the safe enviorment, nurturing staff, and volunteer-supported activities that help replace the trauma in their life with new, meaningful memories.
Our dedicated volunteers are a valuable resource that we are so grateful for in helping to create these new, fun adventures: everything from a child’s first trip to the beach to the annual favorite ‘Olympics’ activities.
Children engage in powerful learning experiences, which support them with the tools that will empower them for the school year ahead. As a type of art therapy, they make plaster cast masks which they decorate as a form of self-expression and story-telling.
Other activities include fun-filled field trips to the movie theater to watch the latest blockbuster, Inside Out, which not only served the purpose of being an amazing source of entertainment and a wonderful lesson which taught them to recognize and manage a spectrum of feelings. Upon returning from the field trip, the children were split into groups to discuss the film’s content and how they reacted to it. This was a valuable learning opportunity for children who are often unable to express themselves openly.
Another week of camp was dedicated to celebrating literacy. In groups, the children read a book of their choice and at the end of the week, acted out their interpretation of the story and its inspiring lesson. This activity helped build confidence and provide the children with a chance to speak in public; an important tool for the future. The kids also spent a lively day at the pool, which for many was the first time they had ever been swimming.
Finally, many thanks go to all our volunteers plus extra special thanks to our volunteer coordinators, Sarah McTeigue and Sheri Weller, who have worked tirelessly throughout the summer to rally the surrounding communities. Sarah and Sheri engaged and raised awareness among many new volunteers and welcomed them into the Hollygrove supporter community. All of these volunteers have truly made all the difference!
We would also like to recognize these donors and organizations who contributed to many fun activities and experiences: the Jimmy Miller Foundation for another wonderful beach and surfing day; The Vikings for a fun trip to the Santa Monica Aquarium; Justine and Don Kennedy for the trip to see Inside Out; Raina and Henri Dragonas for bringing in soccer instructor Pete Knight; and Sprinkles Cupcakes for a sweet ending to the first week of camp.
