By Carla Thomas
This Youth Generation (TYG), a non-profit headquartered in Fairfield sent a dozen students to camp in LaHonda this weekend. The group of boys and girls aged 11-16 will experience a week in the wilderness of LaHonda, California engaged in hiking, archery, swimming, horseback riding and other activities.
In partnership with the YMCA, TYG provided a viable way for students who may not otherwise be able to pay for camps costing nearly $1000 per week.
Founder of TYG, Deon D. Price an author and youth skills coach, began the collaboration with the YMCA to give students an opportunity to unplug from the day to day and connect with nature.
“My partnership with the YMCA is amazing. I’ve partnered with them for three years now. For many sending a child to camp is unattainable, especially low income families,” said Price. “It is important to give youth an opportunity to experience different environments for their development. Camp gives youth an opportunity to explore and learn in addition to making new friends.”
Price says upon returning back from camp, the youth are often transformed. “One student said he did not want to leave, he found that he really enjoyed the outdoors. Some students have never had experience kayaking or archery and at camp they can learn these skills in a safe environment with guidance.”
With over two decades of creating youth programs, Price says he’s committed to youth and community service. “Our youth are our most precious resource. We must continue to invest in our children and provide them with the tools and experiences early in life to succeed throughout life.”
Through his organization This Youth Generation, he provides motivational talks and workshops to youth, parents, educators and youth workers. Through his on-line youth life skills academy, Price has engaged over 1000 students world-wide. With his column “This Youth Generation” and book, “Raised In Hell”, a non-fiction family dramedy about the humor and hardship of a dysfunctional upbringing, Price informs, encourages and entertains.
“The gift of camp and the overall empowerment of our children is life changing. Please contact us to donate to send more children to camp.”
For more information on how to give a child the gift of camp and other valuable resources, call (707) 386-9178, email thisyouthgeneration@gmail.com or visit deondprice.com
This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.
