Through direct, hands-on experience all students reinforce classroom learning in our spectacular mountain site. We lead by our character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility for each other and for the Earth. These values are instilled throughout the program.
Our team is comprised of adults with an educational or recreational background and a commitment to our Y’s mission to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body so all can thrive while honoring our faith-based heritage. Our team are not only well-versed in various outdoor activities, but they also possess a passion for teaching and mentoring young minds. Their diverse expertise spans areas such as hiking, water sports, nature studies and team-building exercises, ensuring that each program is enriching and informative.
Beyond technical skills, our team excels in creating a positive and inclusive environment for all participants. They understand the unique challenges and rewards of working with children and are adept at tailoring their approach to meet the needs of every young person. This commitment to flexibility and understanding helps foster a supportive atmosphere where children feel encouraged to explore, learn and grow.
- The comfort and safety of everyone is our highest priority.
- The YMCA of San Diego operates in accordance with California law and the American Camp Association.
- We have a stellar reputation and proven record of protecting and safeguarding children throughout our 150+ years of history.
Our Commitment to Child Protection
As a youth-serving organization that reaches thousands of children and teens every year, the Y’s most important work is creating safe environments for young people. That any child or teen would experience harm in our care is unacceptable. Ensuring the safety and well-being of young people is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive.
How We Create Safe Spaces for Children and Teens
As an organization, we have taken the following actions to keep kids safe in our Y facilities, camps and programs and maintain the reputation of safety we have built during our 150 +-year history.
- Every employee is fingerprinted and goes through the National Sex Offender Registry daily for each location and programs operate above and beyond California and national Child Protection laws.
- Conducts State & County Criminal Record Checks (felony and misdemeanor), Inmate and Criminal Record checks, Arrest and Booking Records checks on all staff regardless of continuous employment annually. The Y also:
- Conducts interviews and work history checks prior to hiring.
- Conducts three reference checks for all applicants.
- Requires all staff to complete training on preventing, recognizing and responding to abuse.
- Prohibits staff from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others.
- Has a policy in place forbidding electronic communication between staff and youth.
- Restricts staff from sharing full names for child and staff protection.
- Restricts staff contact with children outside of Y programs.
- Reports any allegations or suspicions of abuse to the proper authorities in accordance with California law.
- Completes a comprehensive child abuse prevention self-assessment every two years.
- Requires all staff to complete annual training on preventing, recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse.
- All employees are mandated reporters.
Child Protection Resources
Learn more about steps everyone can take to help create a culture of safety and prevent child sexual abuse.