Beach Camping Trip Targets At-Risk Kids
More than 500 young people from Police Activities Leagues throughout the state will gather in Huntington Beach today for two days of beach-related events and camping sponsored by the California state parks.
Billed as the first annual Beach Play Day, the event will be the first time many of the youths have gone to the beach and camped, organizers said.
The event, which will run today and Wednesday, will feature games led by Huntington State Beach junior lifeguard instructors, surf rescue demonstrations and appearances by members of the Women’s National Basketball Assn.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation and California State Parks Foundation teamed up with Police Activities Leagues about a year ago to promote outdoor recreational and educational experiences for at-risk youth, Ranger Michaele DeBoer said.
“Up until now, we’ve been a resource for PAL organizations to come in and use the state parks, and our eventual goal is to establish youth centers in Huntington Beach and San Clemente,” DeBoer said.
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