St. Vincent de Paul’s youth summer camp program, Circle V Ranch Camp, is one of the most valuable ways of instilling self-esteem into a child’s life. Through outdoor programs that help children grow and acquire essential social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills that otherwise would not be possible in a classroom setting. It takes an exceptional team of instructors, workers, and volunteers to keep this program running smoothly. We are especially grateful for our Circle V co-chairs, Jackie and Tony Yanez, who have been a Godsend to our camp.
Tony and Jackie began their faith journey in 2011 and have been on the path of helping their community in the Santa Ynez Valley ever since. You can find them working as a team in many volunteer roles, including serving in their parish, Old Mission Santa Ynez, they lead Safeguard the Children Committee, are VIRTUS facilitators, and a part of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, where Jackie is Vice President and a former Spiritual Advisor. However, it is their greatest passion and labor of love to serve on the Circle V Camp committee as Co-chairs. In this role, they coordinate resources for many special projects for the camp and support the camp staff as needed, amongst many other things.
Tony and Jackie have given a tremendous amount of time, talent, and treasure to Circle V. Just this year alone, Tony and Jackie sponsored and designed the outdoor kitchen area and the Ranger cabin kitchen remodel. They purchased blinds and frames for the new health lodge, and solar lights for the sports field. Jackie and Tony annually facilitate the VIRTUS training for all Camp Counselors. You will always find them attending mass with all the campers and giving high fives to everyone at the end.
We can count on Jackie and Tony to bring needed wish list items for campers who might need extra clothes, sleeping bags, or shoes. Their love for God and others shines brightly in all they do. They care deeply for others, especially the campers who attend, and they help remind us all that God loves you and stands with you when times get challenging. They have a genuine way of making you feel like you are part of their family. They make you feel seen, heard and loved!
Jackie and Tony make the journey just a little bit easier and the load not so heavy, especially during the aftermath of the Wildfire in 2017 and most recently during the pandemic. It is with great honor that they continue to support our youth summer camp program. As a small thank you, they were recognized at the St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles Benefit Dinner and Awards Ceremony with the Honoree Award. We can’t thank them enough for their service and care, and we look forward to seeing them again this summer at Circle V Ranch Camp!
