Summer Camp Scholarships

On July 13, 2008, KYDS’ Board President, Mr. Robert Ellis, passed away suddenly. During the very emotional memorial celebrating Mr. Ellis’ life and accomplishments, KYDS’ Director promised his children and grandchildren that “KYDS” would send 100 children to summer camp each year, in his memory.

Born into poverty and raised by a single working mother, Mr. Ellis spent most of his youth on the streets of the San Fernando Valley. Involved with drugs, criminal activity, and gang life, he had little hope of success or even surviving his youth. A local community based organization offered him a scholarship to attend a sleep away camp for an entire summer, which his mother forced him to accept. He begrudgingly went to camp and spent his summer surrounded by privileged children with aspirations of attending college. Mr. Ellis felt this experience turned his life around. He went on to finish his education and become a successful business man. When Mr. Ellis joined KYDS’ Board of Directors he was determined to “send as many kids to camp as we can possibly afford”.

Thanks to the generosity of the LA Times Family Fund and McCormick Foundation, “KYDS” has been able to fulfill our promise to Robert Ellis and his family. His legacy of philanthropy lives on with the “Robert Ellis Memorial Summer Camp Scholarship” program.

Scholarship applications are accepted in April & May. Each Summer, awards are made to as many children ages 8 to 17 as funding allows. MAKE a DONATION

What our Campers had to Say

Christopher, age 11: “It was fun and creepy at the same time. I had to go the bathroom at nighttime outside which freaked me out. I liked the rock wall and the polar bear swim. I learned not to throw trash and litter, how to hike, and how to pack a sleeping bag. I never wanted to go on rock walls before, it was kinda hard, but I still did it.

Damien, age 8: “I liked the sports and archery. Nature is nice.”

Priscilla , age 11: “It was really fun. I loved meeting new people and experiencing being away from my family. I loved the food, rock climbing, and ropes course. I learned how to get along with people. I tried to meet as many kids as I could. I conquered most of my fears, like being afraid of heights.”

Ernesto, age 14: (who had never been to summer camp and wants to be a soccer player when he grows up): “I was a junior counselor and I learned how to help other people. I liked everything, especially rock climbing.”

Maryanne , age 9: “I loved when we did the skits at the campfire and swimming.”

David , age 11: “I liked everything about camp. I met some kids from Montebello. I liked that we got to hike, go swimming, and see nature. When we were rock climbing, I didn’t think I was going to make it to the top, and I did. I learned about poison ivy during the nature hike.”