If animal rights activists are wrong in their position on animal research, this is the university's opportunity to explain itself, and quell the controversy about animal research once and for all. I would like to let the campus and the local community know about the camp, and the upcoming ballot measure that would give us some desperately needed funds. Cal Aggie Camp is a residential summer camp provided completely free of charge to disadvantaged children, ages 7 to 15, from the surrounding communities. It is entirely student run and funded, and has been in existence for over 20 years. Among the many activities the camp provides are hiking, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts and trust-building exercises.
Many children return year after year and enjoy seeing returning counselors and old camp friends.
Unfortunately, providing two weeks of summer camp to 70 children each week is very expensive. Our reserves are just enough to keep the camp operational for the next couple of years, and then we will have to end Cal Aggie Camp. If, however, the Student Programs Assistance measure passes on the upcoming Feb. 22 and 23 election, Cal Aggie Camp will receive 10 cents per student and continue to serve disadvantaged and foster children for many years to come. I have been involved with the camp for the past two years as a counselor. It is a wonderful and very rewarding experience, and I feel that it is the single best thing I have been directly connected with here at UC Davis.