Orange County Nonprofit Offers Spring Break Camp for Families of All Income Levels

Children at the Youth Centers of Orange in Orange, Calif. (Courtesy of the Youth Centers of Orange)

An award-winning nonprofit in Orange, Calif., is opening its doors March 27 to 31 for its 6th annual spring break camp featuring themed activities, field trips, and fun—with free admission now available for families with financial need.

Organizers at the Youth Centers of Orange—an after-school program for families from all walks, including those struggling financially—have started accepting applications for its week-long camp for kids in kindergarten to grade 8.

The camp runs daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $100 for the week, with free spots available to parents unable to afford the fee, according to nonprofit co-founder Joanna Fermin.

Fermin says parents who require financial assistance to enroll their child may simply ask program staff, and the price will be waived or reduced based on need, thanks to a donor-funded scholarship.

(Courtesy of the Youth Centers of Orange)

“This program is accessible to anyone, regardless of who can pay,” Fermin told The Epoch Times. “We want parents to know they have a safe place to send their kids while they’re at work over break.”

The program provides free breakfast and snacks, though attendees are expected to bring their own lunch.

This year, Fermin and her staff have created a diverse itinerary packed with themed days, including a “heroes day” at the Orange City Fire Department, a “sports day” of playing games in participants’ favorite team jersey or colors, an “ocean’s day” with hands-on aquatic activities, and more.

Students from Chapman University in Orange majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math programs will also stop by to teach and inspire the children about the sciences.

“We have so much planned for the camp this year. This is our biggest, most engaged program we’ve ever had,” Fermin said.

Youth Centers of Orange was awarded “best nonprofit of the year” at last year’s Chamber of Commerce Awards for the city of Orange.

Located at Friends Church in Orange, the nonprofit expects to enroll more than 60 children in this year’s camp. Enrollment for the camp is now open at ycorange.org/programs, under “YCO After School Program.”