A series of fortunate outdoor experiences

In Elias Castellanos’ room, a bookshelf holds a well-worn collection of Lemony Snicket books, all 11 of them. In the novels, three young orphans use their inventions, knowledge and even their sharp teeth and cooking skills to save themselves from an onslaught of unfortunate events.

Eleven-year-old Elias is no stranger to unfortunate circumstances. Since he was 2, he has been moved in and out of a group home and lived with a foster family until his grandmother, Elena Thil, was able to take custody of him almost four years ago. He hasn’t seen his mother in more than a year.

“I don’t know where she is now or if she’s OK,” Elias said. “But now I feel happy and safe. I’m glad I have everything I have now and for everything I’ve done.”

Elias lives in a roomy two-story house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Huntington Beach, with a pool surrounded by tropical plants in the backyard.

He is thoughtful and eloquent, describing the pool as “feeling like a blanket when you first get in.” A sign warns “Beware of Dog,” but only a miniature poodle named Angel adorned with purple ribbons guards the property. Elias shares a room with his brother, Joey, 12. His 6-year-old sister, Carmella, has her own room across the hall. Another sister, Camille, 9, lives with grandparents in Woodland Hills.

For Elias, attending camp is the highlight of his summer, an event he looks forward to all year long.

This summer, he will attend Camp Edwards, a YMCA camp in the San Bernardino Mountains, for the third time, where he fondly recalls climbing a rock wall, making lots of new friends and hiking. He describes a tree he dubbed “Sleepy Hollow,” which was struck down the middle by lightning but survived. Elias remembers sitting in a hole at the bottom of the tree, looking up and feeling “amazed and impressed.”

The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet are Elias’ favorite channels on television, but at camp he gets to see the real thing. His eyes light up as he describes the snakes, frogs and birds he has seen there.

Since Elias started going to camp, Thil said he has become a more responsible and happier child, always working hard and aiming to please.

“He’s come a long way,” she said. “He comes back from camp with the biggest smile on his face. He loves camp, and the mosquitoes love him.”

This summer, Elias will be among the 12,000 children who will go to camp, thanks to the $2.1 million raised in last year’s Los Angeles Times Summer Camp Campaign. Donations this season will ensure that just as many deserving children get the camp experience next summer.

As of July 3, $617,000 has been raised toward this year’s goal of $1.2 million.

The annual fundraising campaign is part of the Los Angeles Times Family Fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, which this year will match the first $1.2 million in contributions at 50 cents on the dollar.

Donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call (213) 237-5771. To make donations by credit card, go to latimes.com/summercamp.

To send checks, use the attached coupon. Do not send cash.

Unless requested otherwise, gifts of $50 or more will be acknowledged in The Times