Pacific Southwest region - Regional Reports

Parks & Recreation, August, 2003

Project WRAP is a 21st Century After School program that operates in Long Beach, Calif., from 2:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m Mondays through Fridays. The initial focus is on completing homework. After homework completion, the participants are divided into four groups for activity rotations that include sports, games and arts. This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. For more information, contact Cynthia Fogg at cyfogg@ci.long-beach.ca.us or 562-570-3536.

The Kids Camp program in Monterey County, Calif., is a unique offering. It's open free of charge to low-income children between the ages of 8 and 13. The program operates not only during the summer months, but also during the school vacation periods.

This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. In this instance, the study will focus upon the school vacation periods. Participation averages 33 youth per session. For more information, contact Llorye Flores at floresl@co.monterey.ca.us or 831-7961392.

In Tacoma, Wash., a middle school program targets both boys and girls in an alter school setting. With approximately an equal number of both sexes who participate, the average daily participation is 35 youth. The recreational activities provided are almost entirely physical and include such things as 4 square, martial arts, and hip hop dancing.

This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. For more inormation, contact Michael Bradley michaelb@tacomaparks.com or 253-591-5321.

NRPAJs Pacific Regional Director, Pam Earle, attended a Mountain Summit June 27-29 called by Gene Zimmerman, director of the San Bernardino National Forest. The summit was a remarkable gathering of elected officials, community members, environmental groups, private industry, tribes, fire departments, timber companies, government and nonprofits. The intention was to develop a common vision and action committees to address common issues, including short-term issues such as fire danger to more long-range issues such as the relationship of various groups and community to the forest. It was facilitated using a process called 'Appreciative Inquiry." The results can be reviewed at www. mountainsummitvision.org.