Circle V Ranch Camp Receives $7,500 Donation

Mrs. Focht stated, “Our foundation is comprised of three generations of our family. We are committed to local philanthropy and are delighted to make this gift to the wonderful Circle V Ranch Camp”

Mr. Focht stated, “Our family has visited Circle V Ranch Camp and seen first-hand how children’s lives are transformed by attending a week-long summer session. We are very happy to make this donation to assure that more kids receive camperships and can enjoy all the traditional activities and care that Ray and his staff provide. We are very proud to support the mission of Circle V right here in our beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.”

Ray Lopez expressed his appreciation, “On behalf of all our camp staff, I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Focht and their Foundation for their incredibly generous donation to fund camperships for kids to experience summer camp. What a blessing!”

Santa Ynez resident Sally Corlett, founder of Friends of Circle V stated, “I am very thankful to the Focht Family Foundation for their generosity. ‘Friends’ are all volunteers who support the mission of Circle V Ranch Camp to provide a traditional, sleep-over summer camp experience in a safe, nurturing environment. There are no dues or fees to become a “Friend’ of Circle V, just a commitment to help; and the Fochts are incredibly open hearted with this gift.”

Founded by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Council in 1945, Circle V Ranch Camp has been located on 30 acres in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County in the Santa Ynez Valley near Cachuma Lake since 1990. There are eight Circle V Ranch Camp summer sessions, each six days and five nights of traditional supervised fun for boys and girls ages 7 to 13. Campers enjoy activities including hiking, swimming in the pool, learning about nature, archery, arts and crafts, painting, photography, playing games of baseball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, soccer, miniature golf and of course, campfires, skits and songs. (There is no TV, radio or internet access to affect the experience.) Campers stay in air-conditioned cabins or traditional canvas tents. Three nutritious daily meals served family-style in the Dining Lodge offer not only food but also more camaraderie and fellowship.

In 2012, the camp hosted more than 1,200 children for this time-honored summer experience. Spaces are still available for Summer 2013 sessions and families with children ages 7-13 are encouraged to apply. During autumn, winter and spring, the Camp is available for group rentals to other non-profit organizations.

For more information on the Camp, or to become involved in the volunteer Friends of Circle V, please contact Camp Director Ray Lopez at (805) 688-5252 or lopez@svdpla.org or visit www.circlevranchcamp.org