Since the mid-1990s, Camp Wawona’s summer camp program has served several Fresno, Madera and Mariposa County community groups, including the American Lung Association and All About Care, an outreach program for women and children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.

“God has greatly expanded that outreach!” says President Jerry Page. “He gives to us so we can give to others.” With the experience of the conference fundraising consultant Brook Sadler, the conference established Yosemite Ridge, a non-profit organization for children with life threatening diseases and their families.

The dramatically expanded outreach now serves children with asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and obesity and their families. According to Camp Director Melanie Ruvalcaba, the many, life-changing stories tell the story. Like the elementary student whose family doctor decreed “No more soccer.” At the asthma family weekend they learned that soccer was possible and how to control the asthma. “We’ve got our family back” was dad’s teary response. Or the shy teen with epilepsy who lived isolated by fear. After encouragement from a Yosemite Ridge board member and involvement in the camp programs, this young man is now active at school and has even testified before congress. His mom says he is a different person.