• TTFF became aware of a one-week summer camp that accommodated 35-40 HIV/AIDS children each year. Only the most ill and fragile children were selected to attend. Determined to make outdoor adventures possible for more children to experience, TTFF decided to build their own camp for children with HIV/AIDS.
• It took more than a year, but thanks to a long-standing relationship with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), TTFF found the right space – a wonderful 138-acre property in the Livermore Valley.
• EBRPD had planned on building a “sustainable science education camp” on the land that would be used during the school year. Since TTFF only needed a camp on weekends and in the summer, the two organizations partnered to raise the nearly $7 million funds needed to build Camp Arroyo.
• Construction began in 1998, and by spring 2000, the dining hall, swim complex, six duplex cabins and site infrastructure were completed.
The Next 10 Years
• When Camp Arroyo opened its doors in 2000, there were only 200 Bay Area children with HIV/AIDS. Although halting the spread of HIV among children was a dream come true, the reality was that TTFF wanted to fill its 144-bed camp facility.
• TTFF decided to open up Camp Arroyo to children with a variety of life-threatening and chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities and youth at-risk. During the summer months and several weekends throughout the year, the camp is a haven for children and their families to enjoy together.
• From September to June the YMCA directs an excellent outdoor educational experience that introduces 4th, 5th and 6th graders to important concepts about science, nature, and sustainable living.