How TMPF’s Youth Camps are Fostering Healthy Futures and Community Stewardship

By Dayna Genio

Here at the Parks Foundation, we facilitate educational, outdoor programming for students in our community to not only supplement the STEM education they receive in school, but also to emphasize the importance of taking care of our environment so that we all can have outdoor spaces to enjoy.

As Youth Programs Coordinator (through the AmeriCorps VISTA program), I work towards ensuring healthy futures for the next generation via our Student Stewards camps and programs. The title Student Stewards emphasizes how our naturalist educators and camp counselors integrate environmental stewardship into the curriculum they teach. 

With nature having numerous physical and mental health benefits, the Student Stewards Program utilizes local parks and open spaces as learning laboratories where students can discover their role as community scientists and responsible caretakers of the environment. 

Our camps are held at Idlewild Park, where campers discover the natural world along the Truckee River and, with recent access to the California Building’s kitchen, learn the science of nutrition and healthy foods! Check out Julia’s blog for the fun chips and guac recipe we made during Fall Break Camp. 🙂

The American Camp Association identifies various social-emotional benefits of camps for youth development, such as having a sense of community, developing intergenerational relationships, and learning through first-hand experiences. You can read more about them here. 

When I’m not in my role as Youth Programs Coordinator, I’m earning my Masters in Social Work at UNR, and otherwise spending my time interning at a substance use disorder treatment center or teaching yoga. With my background in mental and behavioral health, implementing social-emotional learning into our youth camps has been my jam lately. 

Simple activities like brief, mindful breathing exercises in the mornings can help our campers get grounded and ready for the day, as well as teach them skills that they can keep in their toolbox for moments when they’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious.

We’re also working on implementing a “Calm Corner” for campers who may be struggling in the big group environment and could benefit from some time away to reset. This will include alternate activities such as coloring materials and worksheets that encourage self-awareness, positive self-talk, and gratitude. By creating opportunities for campers to explore their inner thoughts and emotions, we hope to foster a culture that blends environmental stewardwardship with respect and kindness for oneself and others. 

As I mentioned earlier, my role with the Parks Foundation is through the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. Often equated as being the “domestic Peace Corps,” AmeriCorps VISTA members like myself serve in nonprofits or public agencies to alleviate the effects of poverty within their communities. 

By offering needs-based scholarships for our Student Stewards camps, TMPF works to increase access to outdoor, educational programs for children in our community. We also offer free monthly Junior Naturalist programs 11 months out of the year, which also emphasize time spent outdoors and the science of the world around us. Stay tuned for their 2025 return in January!

If you’re interested in helping us foster healthy, positive experiences for children in our community, consider donating to our Camp Kitchen! We’re looking for these new or gently used items for our Winter Break Camp culinary endeavors:

• Crockpots (at least 8 quarts) 

• Electric hot plates 

• Countertop roaster

• Stock pot (20 quarts)

• 36" wide, 24" x 30" deep x 60+" high rack

Donations can be coordinated with Camp Manager Julia (julia@tmparksfoundation.org). 

If you have any questions about our youth camps or programs, feel free to reach out to me at dayna@tmparksfoundation.org!

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About the Author

Dayna Genio  (she/her)

Youth Programs Coordinator

Born and raised in the Truckee Meadows, Dayna studied International Business Marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work. Previously holding a role in communications, Dayna is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation for another AmeriCorps term now as the Youth Programs Coordinator. In her free time, Dayna can be found practicing yoga, explori