St. Francis Center, Los Angeles

This year you can take advantage of our special offer with Circle V Ranch camp. For $500 you can send your child and sponsor an inner city child from St. Francis Center.

Contact Jose Ramirez at St. Francis Center, 213.747.5347 x.104 or [email protected] to sign up.

St. Francis Center offers programs throughout summer that leave a lasting impression on youth by not only connecting them with nature, but by engaging them in a variety of activities that can open their eyes to new opportunities and a brighter future. We provide everything needed for children to attend our Youth Summer Camp Program – including camp fees, required medical-exam fees, proper clothing (tennis shoes, sweatshirts and jackets), and transportation.

Camp Mariastella is weeklong leadership camp for girls ages 7-15 in the mountains of Wrightwood, hosted by the Sisters for Social Service. Activities include hiking, water sports, cooking, swimming, arts and crafts, drama and dance as well as spiritually oriented activities.

Circle V Ranch Camp through Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles is a weeklong camp near Santa Barbara that offers a variety of activities for children ages 7-13 including swimming, hiking, nature appreciation and conservation, arts and crafts, archery, campfire programs, sports, skits, and a field trip to the beach. The goal is to provide innovative and enriching outdoor experiences that build self esteem and expand knowledge and appreciation of others, nature and God.

Youth Cooking Camp is hosted on site at St. Francis Center in collaboration with a “Network for a Healthy California.” Open to youth in grades 4-6, this five-day camp focuses on food selection and preparation with a strong emphasis on education and making healthierfood choices. Youth learn how to be resourceful, creative and to cook and prepare various entrees.

Teen Cooking Camp is hosted on site at our Center in collaboration with “Cooking Matters.” This six-week program offers over 12 hours of curriculum teaching teens how to prepare healthy, affordable and delicious meals. The program also emphasizes nutrition education and how to shop for quality food items.

Clippers Youth Hoops Program-This LA Clippers camp is a five-day camp for youth age 7-17 designed to teach the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and positive atmosphere.

Dodgers Youth Baseball Camp is a four-day camp for youth ages 7-12 that will feature daily instruction by members of the Dodgers Major League coaching staff and Dodger Alumni with special guest appearances by current Dodger players. Dodger camp leaders work with campers on hitting, fielding, base running, throwing and pitching drills as well as team play, sportsmanship and conditioning.

LA Galaxy Youth Fantasy Camp is a four-day camp for children ages 8-14 and is headed by former Galaxy players. Campers get the full soccer experience by learning fundamental skills, experiencing plenty of game competition, and making friends.

Swimming Classes-Youth will get to participate in swimming classes through the Salvation Army for six Saturdays. This day camp is mostly for youth attending our overnight camps who must pass a swimming test in order to participate in various water activities.

Sports/Fitness Camps-Youth will be able to participate in a variety of activities during the day through the Expo Center including karate, capoeira, and boxing.

Mural day camp is led by international artist Guy Ellis who began his art career in Christchurch New Zealand when he became involved in a Graffiti Art Mentor Program. On a quest to clean up "tagging" around the city he mentored young people into mastering the art of Mural Painting. In 2011, he designed and painted St. Francis Center’s new mural to commemorate our namesake and our 40th anniversary. This day camp will focus on teaching youth the technical skills of mural painting, the dangers and consequences associated with illegal “tagging,” and mural painting as a positive outlet within your community.

Art Camp-St. Francis Center also will be hosting an on-site art class taught by our own talented artist and staff member, Pamela Velasquez Avila. She has studied studio art at Pasadena City College in the past and is currently continuing her art education at Cal State Long Beach. The class will focus on an introduction to basic art, perspective, and mainly on fundamental art.

You can give a child the opportunity to participate in St. Francis Center's Youth Summer Camp Program by making a donation today at www.sfcla.org or help sponsor one of our campers by providing one set of camping supplies from our wish list below.

Toiletries: toothbrush, comb or brush, shampoo, unscented deodorant, sunscreen, bug spray, unflavored lip balm.

Gear: water bottle, flashlight, warm sleeping bag, 1 gallon plastic bag, duffle bag, beach towel, batteries for flashlight, shoes, sweatshirt.