Youth Camping Program: Testimonials

Our youth and leaders were so impressed by the beauty of Lassen Volcanic Park. We enjoyed the time we had to spend in nature. We hiked, swam at Summit Lake, helped out at Manzanita Lake with a service project, and learned a lot during our Ranger led activities. Our youth learned that they play an important role in preserving and protecting our national parks. We are all more aware and appreciative of the gift of our national parks and we cannot wait to come back!

Students’ lives were positively impacted by the opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic relief of nature and the fun experiences of bonding with peers and classmates.

Although most teens won’t express a need to have a break from electronics, this life- changing experience provided peace, relaxation, and reflection time for the youth in this group. teens exercised mindfulness skills during their hike to Bumpass Hell and were able to fully immerse themselves in the majesty of nature.

The children learned many skills and discovered how much stronger they are than they thought. We hiked to Kings Creek and made our way down to the waterfall itself on the steep trail. Things like balance, leverage, and teamwork to help people get down were all used and learned.

This camping trip brought a positive impact to our youth members’ lives by meeting new people, making friends, and communicating in person, and not through computer screens. Especially during this pandemic, younger folk have not had the chance to safely enjoy outdoor activities and venture beyond their families and electronics.

With COVID, I think the program did a fantastic job at making sure everyone had a backup plan and keeping everyone informed.

This camping trip almost didn't happen because of the pandemic. We made many adjustments to our normal routine to make it happen. To be camping, to take this trip, made us all feel a little more normal again. These campers enjoyed it so much they did not want to leave and others wanted to return to camping more often. It also showed us that we were able to camp safely in the pandemic by making a few changes to the way we normally do things.

Our youth learned that they play an important role in preserving and protecting our national parks. We are all more aware and appreciative of the gift of our national parks and we cannot wait to come back!

This was our most successful year, yet which is surprising given the COVID restrictions, but the Lassen rangers do an absolutely amazing job and made all the girls so incredibly happy which is really rare these days. On behalf of Girls Inc. NSV, I cannot thank Lassen Park Foundation enough for providing us with the funding and opportunity to serve our girls in a safe and engaging way.

This camping trip increased youth and their parents’ awareness of the tremendous impact of National parks and public lands. Our youth and their parents understand that thanks to these special places they can experience and appreciate our beautiful country and nature.