A summer camp offered for free to Richmond youth is now an award-winning program.
The city’s Community Services department was one of 12 California cities to win the Helen Putam Award by the League of California Cities for its Camp Achieve program.
The award, established in 1982 and honoring the League’s first woman president, recognizes and promotes “the outstanding efforts and innovative solutions made by city governments each year,” organizers said.
Camp Achieve offers free, constructive learning experiences during the summer for West Contra Costa youth from ages 6-12. The camp’s innovative approach to academics, enrichment, and recreation helps students combat summer learning loss and stay connected with their peers. They get to participate in all sorts of fun activities like swimming and field trips.
Rochelle Polk, director of the Community Services, said the city is honored to receive recognition for Camp Achieve.
“We have been able to serve over 300 children during the summer, to ensure their success for the upcoming school year,” Polk said.
Camp Achieve is a collaboration between the West Contra Costa Unified School District, the West Contra Costa Ed Fund, and local CBOs. Last summer, it operated out of the Booker T. Anderson Community Center, Nevin Community Center and Parchester Community Center from the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
