Eandi receiving one of the drama awards at Music Camp

One of our own, Eandi Sosa Valenzuela, had a chance of a lifetime this past Sunday, July 24, 2011. He got to sing the National Anthem in front of a sold out crowd at AT&T Park for the San Francisco Giants baseball game. What is even more amazing is that he is only 12 years old!

Through his involvement with Salvation Army programs, as well as the Seaside Police Activities League (PAL), he has had opportunities to better his singing abilities and be encouraged along the way.  He is actively involved with the Monterey Peninsula Corps youth programs, participating in Music Night, Teen Youth Group and leading worship on Sunday mornings. This summer is the 3rd year he has attended Music and Creative Arts Camp at Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley, CA. The past two years, he has taken home awards for Drama, performed on Soloist Night and this year was the featured soloist in the drama presentation, singing an adaptation of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.”

As part of the Junior Giants Program, through the PAL program, he had the opportunity to audition and was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the game as part of that program. Because of his community involvement, he has been given the opportunity to sing the National Anthem, among other songs at various events and competitions around the Monterey Peninsula.

We’re proud Eandi has taken his God-given singing ability and opportunities provided to him through things like Music Camp and is using it not only to share with others, but also to glorify God.

Summer is right around the corner and that means we are gearing for Summer Camp at Camp Redwood Glen, The Salvation Army’s residential camp located in the mountains of Santa Cruz.

Each summer we send approximately 30 local youth to one of eleven week-long camps offered. Camp activities include sports and recreation, swimming, campfires, arts and crafts, hiking and opportunities to earn badges for our Troops. We also offer more specialized camps for soccer and basketball, Outdoor Adventure Camp where teenagers spend some time at camp before embarking on a 3 day backpacking adventure through the Big Basin State Park, and Music and Creative Arts Camp where youth are provided with opportunities to learn a musical instrument or improve their skill, sing with a number of youth choirs, and take drama, dance and other creative art classes.

Many of the youth that attend these camps are from low-income families and are in need of scholarship support. The cost for Outdoor Adventure Camp and Music and Creative Arts Camp is $270. The cost of other camps is $205. As you may imagine, not all of our youth are able to afford the full camp costs. Our goal is to subsidize the cost of camp for each camper.

Would you help us give a child a lifetime of memories this summer?

Naturally not all individuals can afford to sponsor the entire cost of a child to camp, but many would be able to make a donation to the camp scholarship fund. These donations are critical to the success of the camp and are greatly appreciated.

Individuals who are able to sponsor the cost of camp fully for a child will receive a personal thank you card from the child they sponsored.

Donations or scholarships should be sent to:

The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps
PO Box 1884
Monterey, CA 93942
Please designate the gift “Summer Camp” and make checks out to “The Salvation Army”

If you prefer to donate via credit card, please call our office at 831-899-4911.

If you would like more information about summer camp, please contact Melissa Felkins at 831-899-4911 or melissa.felkins@usw.salvationarmy.org.