The Sunshine Camp Programs

Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps serves economically disadvantaged youth in Central Texas.  All of our programs strive to improve the lives of the youth we serve by working to meet the ever-growing demands of children during different stages of development.

Who We Serve

Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps is celebrating its 83rd anniversary this year! Since our inception we have served over 45,000 economically disadvantaged youth at NO COST to the participants.

 63% came from households with annual incomes of less than $22,050 (Federal Poverty Level) with 34% of those annual household incomes falling below $12,000, and a full 54% of children participating were from families enrolled in the state’s Food Stamp Program.

 Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps serves over 850 high potential, low income youths each year.  ASC offers programs to children from low-income households in Travis, Bastrop, Williamson and Hayes Counties.                                    

Summer Camps

  • To provide life skills and community building skills through week long residential summer camp experiences for youth ages 7-15 *
  • To deliver a pre- and post-survey to program participants to evaluate life skills and community-building skills. The goal is to measure if the camper feels safe, learn new physical activity, increase the ability to get along with others, learn new tools and communication techniques to use at home and at school
  • To provide three healthy and well-balanced meals per day to participants
  • To provide arts and crafts education and training to all program participants. These programs are excellent ways to provide artistic outlets for kids and teach creative communication. Research has shown that creative activities provide many positive results in children, including increasing self-esteem and self-confidence

Sunrise Leadership

  • To provide weekly after school tutoring, transportation and a meal to 30 program participants enrolled in Central Texas high schools.
  • To monitor report cards, attendance and progress to support all program participants to be successful in school
  • To provide mentoring and counseling to all program participants to serve them in making important life choices, especially for job training, career, and post high school education
  • To provide all participants with community-building skills to facilitate their participation in neighborhood and greater community activities To employ all Leadership students in a summer job program for Junior Counselors.
  • To provide an organizational structure for the participants to serve as officers and leaders, learning how to facilitate monthly meetings and propose/implement projects
  • To complete four community service projects with 50% of program participants during the program year

Sunrise Challenge

  • To foster skills necessary to succeed in school, life and in personal development.
  • To encourage development and provide support in achieving personal goals
  • Empower participants to make a difference in their community through volunteer and community service projects. To complete four community service projects with 50% of program participants during the program year.
  • Help members find activities that make constructive use of their time * Develop the life skills young people need to be independent, capable, and competent. * Teach members communication and interpersonal skills to be able to work through conflict
  • To monitor report cards, attendance, and progress to support all program participants to achieve success in school

2010 Acomplishments and Statistics

STATISTICS

·         90% direct benefit ratio

·         Cost per summer camper: $340;  Cost per participant in the Sunrise Leadership and Challenge programs: $2,400

·         63 percent of youth served come from households with annual incomes less than $22,050 (Federal Poverty Level)

·         44 percent of children participating are from families enrolled in the state’s Food Stamp Program

·         A near-equal number of boys and girls enjoy Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps’ programs each year,

·         Of the youth served, 38% are African American and 46% are Hispanic.

·         In 2010, 57% of the youth who attended summer camp came from single parent homes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

·         ASC has served more than 45,500 disadvantaged youth since we were founded in 1928

·         Our summer camp is the only camp in Central Texas that offers services FREE of charge to participants

·         Each year, we serve 880 Central Texas youth

·         Since 2001, all Leadership participants have earned a high school diploma

·         Our Leadership and Challenge students participate in more than 1,000 hours of community service each school year

·         Math grades have increased from 75.4 in 2002 to 81.5 in 2010.

·         More than ½ of our leadership students are enrolled in AP classes

·         Presently, there are 11 Sunrise Leadership program graduates in college on scholarship from YMBL