By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego community leaders and thousands of campers gathered in early October in celebration of Campland on the Bay providing waterfront camping in Mission Bay for 54 years.
Through its fundraising program, Campland Cares, Campland supports organizations that help promote coastal access, animal welfare, recreational opportunities, and food security for underserved communities, and nonprofits that aim to protect natural resources. Local City of San Diego leaders declared October 5 Campland on the Bay Day during the 2019 celebration.
At the event, Campland Cares presented $30,000 to Mid-City CAN, Young and Prosperous, Ocean Discovery Institute, and Project New Village to support their missions. The donations are in addition to the financial support provided to Discover Pacific Beach’s Clean and Safe Program, I Love a Clean San Diego, San Diego Humane Society, San Diego Food Bank, Promises 2 Kids, and the Jacobs and Cushman Foundation.
“We hold events year-round for those seeking to get involved in their communities, provide training to foster local leaders, and have a Youth Council to inspire and prepare youth to take a more active role in their communities,” said Lexxus Carter, Mid-City CAN’s Program Director of Civic Engagement, who was at the event to accept the donation.
Diane Moss, managing director of Project New Village, says the donation will improve fresh food access in Southeastern San Diego, including through supporting their urban farming and community engagement programs.
“At Project New Village, we envision Southeastern San Diego as a community of active neighborhoods supporting and contributing to the health, wealth, and well-being of community members,” said Moss.
Jacob Gelfand, Chief Operating Officer of Campland, and Sean Schwab and Elizabeth Van Clief, Co-chairs of the local camping advocacy group Friends of Campland, spoke at the event to recognize the organizations and presented the checks on behalf of Campland Cares.
“As campers, we’re not only passionate about the outdoors – we’re passionate about giving back to the community. That’s why Campland campers are proud to contribute part of our stay to these outstanding organizations that are empowering and uplifting the community,” said Elizabeth Van Clief.
During the event, Campland on the Bay invited the public to take part in live music, games, food trucks, and raffles with prizes. Campland also recently introduced its Free Camping Program for underserved California youth and families to experience camping on Mission Bay. This unprecedented free program also includes complimentary camping equipment and watercraft rentals.
To learn more about Friends of Campland, an advocacy group composed of volunteers, campers, and community members dedicated to preserving waterfront RV camping on Mission Bay, visit www.FriendsofCampland.org.
