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S.E.A. News
Camp Eaton - A place Kids Called Their Own
On August 28 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County as firefighters battled an out-of-control brush fire in La Cañada Flintridge. The “Station Fire” burned more than 5,500 acres in various directions, including S.E.A.’s Camp Eaton.
Today, S.E.A. is working with the Forest Service to rebuild the camp, but it could be more than a year before youth visit the natural sanctuary. According to Martin Bautista, a program coordinator who has been with Camp Eaton since S.E.A. purchased the property three years ago, the long wait could have a strong impact on youth who see the camp as their retreat from the city. “Before Camp Eaton, other camps were often afraid of renting to S.E.A. youth because they are high-risk,” said Bautista. They’d either not rent [to us] or have many restrictions. For example, our youth had to be confined indoors until other youth left the grounds, but Camp Eaton was a place that our kids could call their own,” he added.
 Each year, Camp Eaton serves 3,000 S.E.A. youth, and its schools visit twice a year. To learn more about how you can help S.E.A. find a temporary camp, or rebuild Camp Eaton contact Martin Bautista at 626.255.9950 or at mbautista@seacharter.net.
Discovering Art in Urban Spaces
S.E.A. Boyle Heights’ Annual Camp Tagger program provides youth involved in tagging/ tag-banging a safe space and fresh environment outside of the inner-city to express their art and learn its constructive aspects. Through the program, students not only learn the history of urban art and ethics, but are also well-informed about the law, consequences and dangers of tagging/ tag-banging. Participating youth are also exposed to the business aspect of urban art and its demand in the industry as a potential career.
Youth leave the camp feeling good about themselves and their art, and they think twice before vandalizing private or city property. More importantly, students have a better understanding of urban art, its history and culture, and its place in society.
Milestones Family Learning Center
Milestones Family Learning Center has produced remarkable increases in class test scores on state mandated tests thanks to its use of Technology-Based Blended Learning (TBBL) – a combination of many different learning styles that ‘blend’ virtual and physical sources.
TBBL is comprised of electronic technology, including the Internet and audio/ video conferencing in conjunction with face-to-face teaching. Through a series of reports, instructors are able to follow a student’s progress, highlight areas of concern, and inform instruction. Tutors then assign computer-generated engaging instructional materials that are aligned to state standards. The program emphasizes the merits of discovery learning, while promoting greater comprehension and retention, particularly for complex materials.
S.E.A. Joins Effort to Address Gang Epidemic
 Twelve “Gang Reduction Zones” have been identified by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office as the most gang-plagued communities in the City of Los Angeles. The zones are part of a Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) strategy developed by the mayor and Chief William Bratton to address the city’s gang epidemic.
Beginning April 1, 2009, S.E.A. can provide gang intervention services to four of these twelve zones, which include: Ramona Gardens, Boyle Heights, Florence-Graham and Newton. Each GRYD zone consists of 6 trained gang intervention workers that provide gang members between the ages of 14 to 25 with wraparound social services including:mental health therapy, education resources, substance abuse counseling, job skills, and social skills.
New Director Joins GRYD Family
S.E.A. welcomes its new GRYD director, Tony Zepeda.Mr. Zepeda comes to S.E.A. with a wealth of experience. He participated in the early development and implementation of the GRYD program as Program Manger for the mayor’s Newton GRYD Zone, where he demonstrated great organizational and networking skills. In addition, Mr. Zepeda has worked extensively with programs that target youth and families of incarcerated youth. Welcome to the S.E.A. team!
S.E.A. Director’s Message
 This year, S.E.A. staff, youth and families were dealt a blow when the La Cañada Flintridge “Station Fire” burned through Camp Eaton – one of our most valuable assets. Camp Eaton serves as a natural refuge and sanctuary for troubled at-risk youth who need to escape the harsh realities of urban life. It is a year-round campground through which S.E.A. provides parents and their children programs that build self esteem, trust, and safety. We are hopeful that through the help of the Forest Service and donors we can rebuild this much-needed facility. Please contact our offices to find out more about how you can help rebuild Camp Eaton.
I thank you for your support.
Cesar Calderon
Executive Director
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