PROJECT AVARY INC

Programs: Project AVARY assists children of incarcerated parents develop social and life skills, learn to be physically fit and learn creative arts, and act as stewards of the environment. AVARY enrolls children ages 8 to 11 and thereafter strives to guide and support them into young adulthood. Project AVARY programs: - Camp AVARY - A 4-week, no cost summer camp for children who are introduced to the outdoors, learn conflict resolution skills, and develop a supportive network of friends and adults. - Adventure Days - Monthly excursions that introduce children (8-13) to cultural and recreational experiences and that teach physical, social and life skills. - Teen Leadership - The Teen Leadership Program includes four years of intensive training as youth counselors; overnight retreats that develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for environmental stewardship; instruction in valuable life skills; and participation on a Teen Board that reviews and endorses all programming. - Family Unity - Yearly activities that build community and mutual support among adults. These include a spring Family Picnic, a Family Camp in the early fall, and a holiday party. - Mentoring/Buddy Program - Teens are matched as Buddies to younger participants. Project AVARY serves 151 Bay Area children of incarcerated parents. Girls represent 48% of participants and boys equal 52%. Children and teens self-identify as Caucasion (12%), African American (65%), Hispanic (7%), and as Mixed (16%). Children reside in 37 cities throughout the Bay Area, in Alameda County (39), Contra Costa County (24), Marin County (15), Napa County (4), San Francisco (33), San Mateo (8), Santa Clara (1), Solano (6) and Sonoma County (6).