Every summer, the San Rafael Police Department hosts a 5-day residential camp for youth, ages 11–13. They participate in a rewarding camping and counseling experiences with a mix of activities.

A Community Partnership

Build Trust

San Rafael Peace Officers and personnel along with Marin County Sheriff Deputies, participate with the campers in all activities during the Camp, resulting in a win-win for the kids, the police, and community.

Learn more

At Walker Creek Ranch in West Marin, they learn about law enforcement and first responders’ duties, participate during presentations, and get a glimpse of what it would be like if they decided to pursue such a career. 

Counselor-in-Training

Camp Chance provides an opportunity for Camp alumni, aged 14-15, who demonstrated leadership skills to return as Counselors-in-Training to mentor the new campers and further develop their skills.

Keep the Magic Alive

2024 here we come! Camp Chance is funded by local citizens and businesses like you. It is with your support that enables us to provide this camping experience for kids whose families are not able to otherwise afford residential summer camps. No contribution is too small.

DONATE

Watch Our Camp Chance 2024 video!

Camp Chance 2024: A Magical Success

The kids had a great time!

Fun exercises and adventures start on day one of camp.  Whether it’s fishing at sunrise, meeting the police comfort dog, Blue, or going to the beach, Camp Chance provides the kids with experiences and activities they won’t forget. The pictures tell the story.

Download 2024 Newsletter

Hiking
SRPD Ping pong
Campers & Police
Fire gear
Dance night
Dance night
Campers wrapped in blankets
Name tags
Dessert
Girls at art table
Art projects
Boys art projects
Search & Rescue transport
Search & Rescue
Helicopter
Campers & Helicopter
Search & Rescue
On the beach
Girls making art
Kite string
roasting marshmallows
Campers and officer
Archery
Mental health group
Gas mask gear
group photo
Swimming group
swimming
Fishing
Paddle boat
Fishing
Fishing
Fishing
Fish
Medical demonstration

Testimonials

Everyone has a great experience at Camp Chance.

Mi favorita casa del campamento fue los juegos, las actividades, las cabana me justo bustante y si volveria a venir de nuevo. Gracias por este vonito campamento lo disfrate muchisimo y espero volver pronto.
Camper
Camp Chance is a life-changing experience that provides underrepresented youth the opportunity to go to summer camp, leave their stressors at home, and for some to be a kid for the first time. They are able to engage and build friendships with other kids in their community as well as the law enforcement officers who work within their communities.
Counselor
Camp Chance is truly a remarkable experience. We had a great group of kids this year.  I enjoyed building strong connections with the campers during the whole week that by the end of the camp on the last day, I became emotional saying goodbye. I’m looking forward to next year!
Officer Sebastian Sanchez
Wow, just wow this camp was amazing. This camp is full of joy, Camp Chance. I wish Camp Chance was longer than a week. It feels like a second home to me. I met new people, I made new things here. The food here is good, pure good. See what different cops, seach & resuce, and many more do. I want to join Search & Rescue now. I love Camp Chance.
Camper
The best part about being a counselor is being able to support, challenge, and provide the safe space for these kids to actually enjoy being a kid. The laughs are endless and Camp Chance has become one of my homes. I have been a part of camp chance for more than 10 years starting off as a counselor in training and I’ve met some of my best life-long friends here.
Jordan, Counselor
I really liked my counselor because she would let us have fun and enjoy our week here at Camp Chance. I also really enjoyed skit night and the food was really good!! I also really enjoyed beach day and playing volleyball and the police car and fire truck, and helicopter were really fun.
Camper
Middle School is a challenging time for kids. Camp Chance gives campers the opportunity to enjoy the fun of sleepaway camp plus some incredible learning opportunities. As the Mental Health Liaison at SRPD, it was a joy to work with Marin Academy students to present a mental wellness component to the campers. This included tools to practice mindfulness and how to bring care and compassion for oneself through art, gardening, and simple breathing practices. Of course, Blue, our Comfort Dog helped with this, too!
Lynn Murphy, LMFT 51800 & Mental Health Liaison at SRPD