La Mesa Rotary was pleased to welcome Melanie Navarro, East County YMCA
Camp Director, who shared an inspiring update on their new camping
program, Camp-I-CAN (Camp Including Children with Autism NOW).
Camp-I-CAN was created by the Autism Society San Diego in partnership
with the YMCA to provide a fun, safe, and nurturing camp experience for
children on the autism spectrum. This year marked the first time the McGrath
YMCA hosted the program, an ideal location thanks to its many amenities—
including a 50-foot climbing wall and a large grassy activity area.
The Autism Society selects the children who participate in the weekday
camp. Campers include youth who are unable to attend traditional camps
and who may be non-verbal, have speech delays, use assistive
communication devices, or have sensory-related needs.
The first week welcomed 14 campers ages 6–12, who enjoyed two exciting
field trips: one to the Scripps Aquarium and another to the San Diego Zoo.
The second week served 12 campers ages 13–16, highlighted by an
energetic outing to a local trampoline park.
The La Mesa Rotary Club’s Charitable Giving Committee and the La Mesa
Rotary Foundation were proud to present a $1,000 check to support
Camp-I-CAN. The donation was given to Melanie Navarro and Greg Erickson,
East County YMCA Director, in recognition of the meaningful impact this
program has on local families.
