According to the Children's Defense Fund 2008 report, more than half of all poor children in the United States live in just eight states. Unfortunately, California is one of the eight. In fact, Los Angeles County is considered the "poverty capital of the nation." Nearly one in three of the county's children live in poverty. Children below the poverty line struggle in ways that reach beyond income: they are less healthy, trail in emotional and intellectual development, and are less likely to graduate from high school. In a time when so many are struggling to keep their heads above water, life is toughest for these kids at the low end of the income scale. So, how do we prepare our kids with the competencies they will need to overcome these challenges? We can start with giving them a positive camp experience. Camp is an equal opportunity life changer. It addresses universal childhood needs not specific to a particular racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group. Quite simply, nobody is left out. Camp promotes community where children are taught to care for one another by stretching their social, emotional and physical muscles - the tools childhood is supposed to provide.

It is the vision of the Harold Robinson Foundation to provide a level playing field for our community's underserved children. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of inner city and underprivileged children by providing them the means, free of costs, to attend a safe, nurturing and non-competitive camp environment where they will experience nature and participate in diverse recreational programs designed to strengthen confidence and independence, build character and develop leadership skills. Campers will be given the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living in a meaningful, engaged, and participatory environment that many of them never knew existed. Campers will be taught important leadership skills and applications. The camp experience offers kids a close-up look at compassionate leadership through camp personnel and positive role models. And, kids get numerous opportunities to practice being a leader themselves and experience the exuberance of success.

With your help, the Harold Robinson Foundation will send thousands of children each year to the Canyon Creek Retreat Center and quality camps like it in the most deserving parts of the nation. The HRF's unique partnership with the Canyon Creek Retreat Center (CCRC) provides us with a world class facility nestled in the Angeles National Forest. CCRC is a completely self-contained sports complex located within an hour's drive from Los Angeles and only twenty minutes from beautiful Lake Castaic. The 81-acre site features prime athletic facilities, state of the art equipment, and the ideal setting for children to escape the distractions of inner city life. Canyon Creek is among the top campsites on the West Coast. The facilities at Canyon Creek offer 250 beds, an executive chef, tennis courts, solar heated pool, mini-bikes, go-carts, archery, ropes course, climbing wall, hiking trails, astronomy, music, campfires, as well as soccer, football field, street hockey and basketball courts. Canyon Creek is a place where all kids feel safe, cared for and part of a community.

We need to advocate for our young people so they grow to be productive, healthy adults. But, we cannot do this work alone and rely on the community to partner with us on each child's behalf. The Harold Robinson Foundation is a non-profit organization that is supported by contributions from businesses, foundations, and individuals. Through these sponsors and donations, we will be sending much-deserved kids to camp throughout the year. Most importantly, through generosity such as yours the children know they are surrounded by a concerned and caring community that steadfastly wants the very best for them.