Camp Chance

A Community Partnership for Kids

Camp Chance is a program created by the San Rafael Police Department in collaboration with the Marin County Sheriff’s Department and the Marin County Office of Education. The Camp is administered by the Community Engagement Unit within the San Rafael Police Department.

SRPD hosts the camp for youth, ages 11–13 every summer. Students that attend schools in the Marin County district are nominated by their teachers, counselors, or office administrators for an opportunity to attend Camp Chance.

Camp Chance is a 5-day residential camp that offers a structured camping and counseling experience with a mix of activities. Over 1000 middle school youth have benefited from this camping program since its inception in 1999.

The camp is held at Walker Creek Ranch, a Marin County Office of Education camp and conference center located in West Marin. The Ranch provides adult leadership for all camp activities, and facilitates workshops on topics relevant to today’s youth, such as anger management and bullying.

San Rafael police officers are joined by Marin County Sheriff’s officers to participate with the kids in all the activities throughout the week. This informal and personal contact with police personnel has proven to be a big win-win to bridge the gap between the kids, police and community. Our goal is for the kids to feel more connected and build good relationships with local law enforcement.

Counselors-in-Training Program

Teens who demonstrated the leadership characteristics needed to be a role model for the younger campers, may be asked to return in the Counselors-In-Training (CIT’s) alumni program. These 14-15 year olds have responsibilities that include mentoring new campers as well as assist senior staff with facilitating the program.

Staff and Counselors Create the Magic