Each summer approximately 3,000 children from many different backgrounds, including the emotionally and physically challenged, are given the opportunity to attend residential and day camp programs. During their time away from home, they learn to appreciate the outdoors, participate in group activities, and experience, perhaps for the first time, the total joy and excitement of just being a child.

The Guardsmen does not maintain its own camp but sends the children primarily to accredited (i.e. American Camping Association) camps maintained by cooperating agencies. These "Guardsmen children" are enrolled in camp with other youngsters who pay their own way. No one except camp officials and the child knows that he or she is a Guardsmen camper.

In addition to traditional camp experiences, day-long excursions are organized and funded by The Guardsmen. Annually, these activities provide hundreds of children access to educationally, culturally and athletically enriching activities which they otherwise would not enjoy.

The following agencies are a representative sample of those which have received past funding from The Guardsmen:

Camp Mendocino
Each year, The Guardsmen sends children to Camp Mendocino through the Boys & Girls Club, which runs the Camp. The Camp dates back to 1931 and as the name suggests, the overnight camp is located in Mendocino. Through a guidance-oriented approach, the Camp counselors emphasize values inherent in the relationship between boys and girls and their peers and the boys and girls and adult leaders. In addition, counselors assist the campers in making appropriate and satisfying adjustments in their physical, educational, personal, social, emotional, vocational, and spiritual lives. Activities conducted at Camp Mendocino include talent shows, campfire programs, Indian Day, Rodeo Day, and Pioneer Days.

CYO Summer Camp
CYO Summer Camp is located in the Redwoods near the Russian River. It is a nonsectarian camp directed by Catholic Charities CYO and draws campers from throughout the Bay Area. CYO Summer Camp fosters the healthy growth and development of youth through the formation of positive relationships with self, others, nature, and God.

Ths Summer Program is a faith community of caring individuals dedicated to providing a playful, fun-filled, challenging summer camp experience in a safe, rustic setting. CYO Summer Camp helps youth discover their self-worth, develop their humanity, become comfortable with and appreciative of the natural environment and see these wonders as a reflection of their Creator.

Camp Jones Gulch
Camp Jones Gulch is a residential day camp run by the YMCA located in the coastal mountains near La Honda. The camp emphasizes outdoor life, living in cabins, with campers often enjoying overnight camp-outs.