News

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year!

Congratulations to Randy "Lurch" Stamme, honored June 3 as the West Contra Costa YMCA's Rita Davis Volunteer of the Year!

Lurch has a long history with Camp Ravencliff, having worked as a counselor and, the first year that girls were welcomed at Ravencliff, as a camp director,

Over the past few years we have been very fortunate to have Lurch back at camp, helping on work parties in the spring and volunteering for 10 days as our maintenance person last summer. It’s a huge help to have him there, and an extra special treat when he sings "Ghost Riders" and tells the "Rapper" story at campfire. We're excited that Lurch will be joining us for another week this summer.

Thanks so much, Lurch, for all you do for us!

Online Registration Now Available!

We are pleased to announce that a new, easy to use online registration option is available for YMCA Camp Ravencliff summer camp programs.  Peruse our website for informaiton our quality program, check out our session dates and when you're ready click the Enroll Online links to get started.  All that is required to hold your child's space is a current membership (which can be purchased online for $35/year) and a $75 deposit per child per session.  The balance of fees aren't due until two weeks prior to the camp session.  If you're ready now, click here to get started!

Survey Results Indicate a Very Successful 2009 Summer!

Results are in from the Camp Ravencliff Parent/Camper surveys for the 2009 summer and the results are extremely positive!  We are very pleased that the feedback was so favorable and are also working to address the few items of concern that were raised.  Below are some ofthe highlights from what our 2009 parents and campers had to say about their summer experience.

What the campers had to say:
* 85% of campers rated their overall experience Excellent, the highest possible rating
* 88% of campers rated their Counselor Excellent, the highest possible rating
* 100% of campers said they made new friends at Camp Ravencliff
* 97% of campers indicated that they felt the Ravencliff staff really cared about them
* 95% of campers indicated the Ravencliff staff helped them feel good about themselves

What the parents had to say:
* 93% of parents said their child's experience at Camp Ravencliff built their self-confidence and independence
* 93% of parents said they could see a positive difference in their child as a result of their experience at Camp Ravencliff

In their own words:
"She really enjoyed camp and is excited about returning next year. She liked the range of activities and still sings a lot of the songs. Seems like all the opportunities to perform were very important to her. FYI - I felt bad about the heat wave, but she didn't even mention it!!! She liked her cabin mates... I was happy that she was able to meet city/suburban kids who have an entirely different living experience from her."

"My kids went to 5 different camps this summer and they said that Ravencliff was their favorite. They helped me clean toilets and do dishes without creating a ruckus, thanks to Ravencliff. It is wonderful."

"Camp Ravencliff has been a terrific experience for our son. He's gone to camp for two years now and each time he comes home more self-assured and independent. This year he said he had to face two of his greatest fears: heights (on the hike to Pilot's Creek) and spiders (daddy long-legs). Camp Ravencliff gives him the opportunity to experience new things in a safe environment which has helped to build his confidence in ways he never would be able to at home. We're so happy and grateful to the staff of Camp Ravencliff for enriching his life and helping him to develop a love of the outdoors!"

"My son is still talking non-stop about his experiences at camp. He loves Camp Ravencliff so much, he can't wait to go back next summer. He wants to be a CILT and a counselor when he is old enough.
You must be doing a great job because my son loves his time at camp."

"I don't know how you could improve, my son had the most amazing time of his life!!  Many thanks and much gratitude!"

With regard to constructive feedback, what we heard the most dissatisfaction about was the online registration process.  We know there were a numbe of problems with this system and are already at work to try to remedy this for the 2010 summer.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send us their feedback.  Your input is extremely valuable to us and each survey is reviewed individually.  If your child attended camp during summer 2009 and you did not have time to complete the survey, feel free to email your feedback to Bria Cartwright at bcartwright@ymcaeastbay.org. 

Ravencliff Alumni Reconnect Here!

With over 75 years of programming, YMCA Camp Ravencliff has touched thousands of lives!  It is extremely important to us to stay connected to our Ravencliff alumni and help them stay connected with each other.  We publish an Alumni Directory to help facilitate this and encourage all of our alumni to consider adding themselves to the listing.  To list, complete whatever information you would like to share on the Directory Listing form and send it to Bria at bcartwright@ymcaeastbay.org or fax to (925)455-7977.  By listing in the Directory, you will receive a copy as well as annual updates.  If you are already listed, please submit changes to Bria at your earliest convenience! 

Ravencliff also has a long history of alumni support through donations, volunteering for program, helping at work parties, and bequests and endowments.  For more information on how you can get involved, contact Bria Cartwright at bcartwright@ymcaeastbay.org or (925)371-8401 x31.