Happy Campers: Santos Family Celebrates Sleepaway Camp 2021

Since 1922, Camp Woodcraft has built a reputation as an inclusive and affordable camp for all. For the first time this year, Camp Woodcraft, www.campwoodcraft.org, moved to its new permanent location in Mountain Center near Idyllwild, California.

The Santos family of Long Beach made sleepaway camp near Idyllwild a family affair this summer. One camp tradition is for every participant to receive an official camp name. This year Camp Woodcraft Director Helen Santos received the nickname, "Curly." Her toddler son was called "Little Bear." Even her husband, Emmanuel, who served as a basketball coach during Arts! Sports! Culture! week got a camp name: "Smiley.

Helen has been with Woodcraft Rangers for 12 years. She discovered a passion for the outdoors and nature-based education after seeing how transformative a week at camp can be for both campers and counselors. She has served in several roles, ranging from camp counselor to site coordinator, and now uses her experience to make camp a fun, engaging and safe space for kids to be kids.

A graduate of CSU Long Beach, Helen also holds a camp director certificate from the American Camp Association. A life-long learner, she enjoys spending free time with her family exploring Long Beach and reading books over and over with her two-year-old.