A note from Rick Russell:
I’ve been involved with 4-wheeling and motorcycling for a long time. The core group of people involved are family oriented, responsible and come from every section of our economy. After all, you don’t maintain the vehicles we have without having a job. Although clubs have donated time and money to many worthy causes, their efforts are usually overlooked by the mainstream media. We talk amongst ourselves, "preach to the choir" and become emotionally upset over road closures. Should we be satisfied with the results? I don’t think so. Are existing roads still being senselessly closed? All the time. Can we donate more money and time? Some of us can. Can we all work smarter? Absolutely! And that's what KOPL is about--working smarter.
In 1998, with the help of two devoted guys (Tim Crawford & Tracy Lenocker) and the support of 65 OHV volunteers, individual donations, local businesses, the Anaheim YMCA, the Forest Service and the Anaheim Police Department a dream came true. The idea is simple. Bring underprivileged kids between the ages of 8-13 to public lands and give them a positive experience outside their inner-city environment. I can say without reservation, everyone who has been involved with the Kids On Public Lands program feels the positive emotional impact we have on these kids.
The first objective of the KOPL program is to create a positive experience for kids. The second objective is to get general media coverage of the event. The KOPL Program can be duplicated in every city that has a public service agency—and I can’t think of a place that doesn’t have a police department or fire department.
I challenge any club, individual or organization that depend on existing roads on public lands to execute a project to gain positive general media exposure. Whether you use this program as a model or develop your own, work smarter not harder to keep public lands accessible to everyone.
You are cordially invited to be a part of the next KIDS ON PUBLIC LAND. We need volunteer drivers.
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
- The Anaheim Police Activities League (Cops 4 Kids) and the Anaheim YMCA bring 100 kids -- 50 boys on Saturday and 50 girls on Sunday up to Big Bear by bus.
- Upon arrival the kids are divided into two groups each day: one group goes on the trail ride and the other group enjoys activities at the Discovery Center. In the afternoon the two groups switch activities. More than 90% of the kids, ages 8-12, have never been to the forest.
- During the trail ride each child sits in the front passenger seat, chats with the driver, talks on the CB, and enjoys a 4WD ride in the San Bernardino National Forest.
EVENT TIME & PLACE:
- The next KOPL event is scheduled for a weekend in mid September Sat & Sun). Okay to volunteer for one day.
- Volunteers should plan to arrive by 7-8am at the Discovery Center for registration. If you are a driver, park in the upper parking lot. If you are a helper, park anywhere except the upper parking lot. Check-in is located in the upper parking lot. We expect the buses to arrive sometime around 9:00 am.
- The Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore, Fawnskin CA 92338 www.BigBearDiscoveryCenter.com
- Map: http://www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com/gettinghere.html
HOW TO VOLUNTEER:
- Either mail, fax or email your registration form before the event. Contact us for any additional information.
- We need male drivers on Saturday to escort the boys. We need female drivers on Sunday to escort the girls
- In addition to volunteer drivers, we need volunteers to set-up, help with lunch preparation, stuff goody bags, supervise children, clean-up, etc.
- You can volunteer either one or both days. It takes over 100 volunteers to operate the KOPL.
VEHICLE TYPES ON TRAIL RIDE:
- Any 4x4 vehicles. Should be in good running condition.
- Must have seat belts, first aid kit and hard top or roll bar. If you do not have a CB radio, we have some loaners. Should carry a fire extinguisher.
- This trail is rated Easy. (90% of these kids have never been to the forest or 4 wheeling so graded dirt roads are very exciting)
COMMUNICATIONS:
- Each child will be encouraged to talk on your CB during the trail ride. If you don't own one, we will have a few to borrow.
- If you are a licensed ham radio operator, we will notify you at the event as to what frequencies we are using.
WHAT TO BRING:
- A smile. Plan to get to know the child who rides with you.
- Bring a chair.
- Bring sodas and snacks for yourself.
- No dogs should be at the event other than the K9 Unit.
LODGING - CAMPING:
- We suggest Motel 6 (909) 585-6666 or other local motels/hotels
- Or you can reserve a campground at Serrano Campground (a short distance from the Discovery Center). Cost is about $60 for 2 nights.
FOOD:
- Free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, salads and drinks will be served to all kids and volunteers for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
- Free ICEEs will be served for dessert.
SATURDAY NIGHT BBQ:
- We usually have dinner Saturday night in the upper parking lot at the Discovery Center. This meal is catered. The cost is $5-$10 to help cover the cost (pay at the event - cash or check).
- Bring your own drinks and chairs
- All volunteers and their families are welcome to attend the Saturday night BBQ.
VOLUNTEER RAFFLE:
- Saturday night after the BBQ is a raffle for all volunteers.
- One ticket per volunteer, must be present to win.
DONATIONS NEEDED:
- Children's goody bags: We need small items for the kids' goodie bag (pencils, pens, candy, tooth brushes, company promotional items, toys, etc.) -- should be 100 items for both groups or 50 items for one day. On event day, each child receives the same gifts (for example, 100 stickers or 50 girls' brushes and 50 boys' combs).
- Money or in-kind donations requested: For food ($800), water bottle holders ($500), Volunteer t-shirts ($800), kid's hats, products for volunteer raffle ($400) and other miscellaneous expenses (any amount is appreciated).
- Do you know someone who may be interested in donating?
MORE DETAILS ATTACHED:
- A detailed description of this event is attached.
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEET ATTACHED:
- A registration form can be emailed to you.
- Then mail or fax your form before the event One form for each volunteer. Questions? Call (760) 961-9455.
The 2010 Kids On Public Land committee members want to thank you again for volunteering to help.
We look forward to a fun and rewarding experience.
Stacey Harrold- Chairman 2010 - 951-264-7812
Tracy Lenocker - Co-Chair
Rick & Marilyn Russell - Administrative 877-628-7227
Tammie & Tim Conrad - Logistics, Preparations
Debbie & Cass Ellsworth - Children's Activities
Robbie & Paul Mooney - Food preparation
Brian & Jo Ann Borella - Parking & Traffic Control
Frank Hayes, Steve Bass - Trail Assistants
Gary Heston & EOC members - Communications
Sandy & Keith Graham - Event set-up
Jodi Lenocker - First Aid
Chief John Welter - Anaheim Police Dept.
Dale Johnson - SBNFA - OHV
Helaine Cross - Big Bear Discovery Center
Georgina Meza - Anaheim PAL - Cops 4 Kids Program
Anaheim YMCA
| Original Memo This information is sent to our volunteers, 4x4 clubs and sponsors. | |
| Press Release We drafted a Press Release for the Anaheim Police Dept. to send out to newspapers, radio stations and TV. | |
| Final Agenda The final agenda and memo laid out the instructions for our Volunteers and the kids. | |
| More Articles (by Quinn Thomas) Sign-up form: |
