Community leaders give high fives to a graduate of United Way California Capital Region’s West Sacramento KinderCamp at the graduation ceremony on Friday. Photo courtesy of United Way California Capital Region

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Forty incoming West Sacramento kindergarteners graduated from United Way California Capital Region’s KinderCamp program on July 18 amidst cheers from their family members, friends and local dignitaries.

The West Sacramento camp took place at Riverbank Elementary School from June 12-July 18 and helped prepare children for kindergarten who have not experienced preschool. 

“My heart is full – in just our second year of KinderCamp in West Sacramento, we welcomed 40 bright, joyful little learners and even had a waitlist. That tells you something powerful: Families are showing up, and our community is answering the call,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “This program is more than just a camp. It’s a launchpad – a space where our children discover the joy of learning, build confidence and walk into kindergarten feeling ready, capable and excited. To our KinderCamp families: We see you. We believe in your babies, and we can’t wait to keep walking alongside you.”

Run in classrooms at elementary school sites in Woodland and West Sacramento each summer, United Way’s KinderCamp gives students the chance to participate in a variety of learning opportunities focused on increasing skills in math, literacy, social interactions, problem-solving and cause and effect.

Every day a child attends, the child returns home with a new book. Children also receive a healthy lunch, participate in a weekly Kids Farmer’s Market and receive hygiene education. Each child then participates in a graduation ceremony.

The program is a partnership between United Way, Washington Unified School District and YMCA of Superior California, with support from U.S. Bank, Yolo County Office of Education and Smart And Final. KinderCamp has served nearly 1,000 children since 2012.

United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive.

Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts, launched the region’s first guaranteed income program and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento. To make a donation: www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.