L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson and Mrs. Fabian Wesson enjoy camping trip with at-risk youth
Bringing some excitement into the lives of approximately 80 at-risk kids was the priority for Councilmember Herb Wesson and Project SAVE, who took them on a 3-day – 2 night camping trip to the Hansen Dam Recreational Area.
The boys and girls on the trip were between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, and they had a chance to enjoyed having a summer adventure not available to most at-risk kids.
Their great Hansen Dam adventure included activities like swimming, nature hikes, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and archery. They performed campfire skits and songs, and at night they enjoyed a Luau Pool Party. With the assistance of staff from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, they learn some astronomy and were able to touch the stars.
“It’s all about creating an opportunity for kids to get out of their environment and come to a place where they can just be kids,” said City Council President Herb Wesson, who has been the organizer of these camping trips for the past six years. “Our goal was to put a smile on their faces and give them a chance to make new friends.”
Wesson was joined at the camp by his wife Fabian Wesson. Along with Project SAVE, they partnered this year with the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City in making this successful project a reality.
Project SAVE is a non-profit gang intervention organization that was founded by Wesson and also sponsors the “Late Night Hoops” amateur basketball league, “safe passage” programs at local schools, job referrals, conflict resolution and anger management counseling.
