GRANT REPORT - Sierra High School - YMCA Surf Camp
Sierra High School, a part of Mammoth Unified School District, is a continuation school that directly adjoins the District Office. The student population is a unique blend of youth, oftentimes faced with significant life challenges that have not always been supported with enriching educational experiences. Sierra High School provides the students with a safe and nurturing environment where students build positive relationships with their peers. Not only that, but they have positive adult role models on campus that will assist them with becoming productive adult citizens. Beloved teacher Erin LeFrancois saw an opportunity available to these youth that would give them a blend of education, personal growth and unbelievable fun - potentially changing their lives forever. The grant money was used to take the students on a trip to San Diego to learn to surf. We got a chance to talk with Erin and this was what she had to say.
“ As a teacher with 32 years of experience, I can confidently say this was one of the most powerful and meaningful weeks I’ve ever shared with a group of students. These kids are full of potential, and experiences like this remind me just how vital it is to invest not only in their academic growth but in their personal development through real-world, hands-on learning.”
Tell us about the YMCA Surf Camp and what the program offers
The YMCA surf camp is located right on the border of the Naval base on Coronado Island and Imperial Beach. The location is directly on the beach. They had cabins, counselors, and everything we needed. We did a ropes course, team building, archery, surfing, a bike tour of an estuary, and games. We learned a lot about the ocean and animal life. Adaptability to your environment. The program offers an overnight camp to students along with a full day of activities that are curtailed to your group.
Can you tell us about the youth population that attends Sierra High School and what everyday challenges/experiences they face?
Most of my students have not had success in the traditional school setting. Problems that affect them being successful range greatly from student to student. I have pregnant teens, kids with serious mental health struggles and many students come from a more non-traditional home life for various reasons (prison, drug addiction, or alcohol abuse is extremely common.) I have had a few students who just don't like school. Everyone is different. For these reasons, school has not been a top priority for them. Most kids come to Sierra High School because they are credit-deficient. I help catch them up in a safe, loving, positive environment.
What impact did the YMCA Surf Camp have on the community youths you are serving?
Many of the students at Sierra High School face unique challenges and have not always encountered supportive or enriching educational environments. This week, however, was different. I witnessed them truly come alive—engaged, curious, and joyful. For many, it was their first time trying new activities, stepping outside their comfort zones, and forming genuine connections with the incredible YMCA staff. What unfolded wasn't just a school trip—it was the creation of core memories. For some, it may well have been life-changing. As a teacher with 32 years of experience, I can confidently say this was one of the most powerful and meaningful weeks I've ever shared with a group of students. These kids are full of potential, and experiences like this remind me just how vital it is to invest not only in their academic growth but in their personal development through real-world, hands-on learning. Throughout the week, I kept thinking: Every student and every teacher deserves an opportunity like this.
How did this program offer personal growth and academic development for the student participants?
My students absolutely flourished in this environment. The camp counselors were amazing and really connected with the kids and made them feel like they mattered. In a larger environment like Mammoth High School, kids can get lost and fall through the cracks. This camp gave all my students an opportunity to shine, grow strong, and build their own confidence. They had to make choices, engage in new activities, and try new things. None of them had ever surfed before, and they all tried it. Overall, it was SUCH a positive learning environment that they completely thrived. Also, it was so much fun.
Did this grant improve the lives of the students and add educational and personal growth components with an opportunity they might not otherwise have?
100%. Most kids will not get to go to the beach and do these kinds of activities. Surfboards/bikes, and helmets were there ready to be used. The archery course had an instructor and targets. Who gets to do that kind of stuff in school?! More than half of my kids had never been to the beach. There were lifeguards at our disposal, and they even BBQed for us on our last beach day, right on the beach. One of the lifeguards was a yoga guru, and incorporated yoga into our week, so we were also fortunate enough to get to do that. This was life-changing for these kids. They fully engrossed themselves in the educational aspects of the camp by engaging, participating, and asking questions together. Personally, they felt heard, valued, and seen, and for these kids who are often looked over and dismissed for a variety of reasons in our community, this was the most valuable part of the camp.
You mentioned that these students have not always had the most supportive educational experiences. Can you tell us how this week was different and what you saw unfold with your students?
When we returned from camp, the kids were motivated and just so happy and fulfilled with a new sense of value and purpose. It truly was a life-changing experience for them. On our drive home, I remembered thinking every kid should have an opportunity like this.
Do you think the opportunity to experience this camp will have life-changing effects for these youth?
One of my students was so affected that the camp director offered her a job right out of high school as a counselor at the camp. Room and board and salaried. This was HUGE. The kids started to see a future for themselves and value.
Is there anything that you would like to convey to the MMCF donors?
This camp would never have happened without the direct support of MMCF. I would love to offer this camp every year for my students. My students change every semester. This is how impactful the MMCF grant was for my students. This educator is forever grateful for this kind of support for the kids in our community.
