[San Antonio, TX] – In continuation of a national partnership dedicated to bringing water safety education to the communities that need it most, national water-safety organization, The ZAC Foundation has selected the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio to host the Foundation’s award-winning ZAC Camp for a fifth year through its grant program.

Since it began, ZAC Camps have taught more than 10,000 children and families the importance of water safety nationwide.
The San Antonio ZAC Camp – named in honor of 6-year-old Zachary Archer Cohn who drowned as a result of being entrapped in the suction of a swimming pool drain – is part of year five of a national partnership initiative undertaken by The ZAC Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bring lifesaving watersafety skills to thousands of Club members (aged 5-9) across the country.  Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio was selected through a rigorous application process and chosen based on its commitment to advancing water safety locally.

“Each year we are overjoyed to see Zachary’s legacy live on in each and every Boys & Girls Club member who attends ZAC Camp,” said Karen Cohn, co-founder of The ZAC Foundation.  “It is incredibly special to be back in San Antonio at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio to equip a new batch of campers and their families with the tools to live safer lives around water.”

The ZAC Camp program combines in-pool swimming lessons, safety classes with First Responders, and classroom curriculum based on tenets of water safety taught in a children’s book co-authored by Zachary’s parents – The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim.  By week’s end campers are equipped with critical tools to lead them on the path to safe swimming, including: fundamental stroke training, emergency preparedness and response, and basic lifesaving techniques.  The ZAC Foundation will also donate a copy of the book to each camper, allowing campers to spread the messages to friends and family.
 
The 2017 San Antonio ZAC Camp will host campers July 18, 2017 through July 21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Open to campers, family, and friends, the ZAC Camp will conclude with a special award ceremony that will take place at 11:50 a.m. with special guests.

“ZAC Camp brings a unique energy to our Club kids and truly enhances our summer curriculum.  Last year’s campers are still talking about the fun they had with their fellow campers, teachers, local First Responders, and special guests.  Witnessing the changes in their behavior and their eagerness to share the water safety lessons they learn with their families and friends reinforces how important this program is for the young people in our community,” said Sonia Lopez of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio.  “We are thrilled for another ZAC Camp year and the opportunity to make this year’s program even better than the last.” 
According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause in children 5-14.  Risk of drowning is highest in minority populations with the fatal drowning rate almost three times that of Caucasian children.  In Texas alone, drowning claimed the lives of 107 youth last year.  Many of these deaths are preventable if proper water safety measures are taken.  ZAC Camps aim to reduce these statistics through community engagement and education.

For more information, please visit www.BeGreatSA.org or contact Sonia Lopez at [email protected]

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About The ZAC Foundation
The ZAC Foundation was established in 2008 by Brian and Karen Cohn after the loss of their 6-year-old son Zachary Archer Cohn in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool.  Through education and advocacy, the Foundation has educated more than 10,000 children and their families on the importance of water safety and is dedicated to continue preparing more for a lifetime of water safety.  To learn more about The ZAC Foundation, connect with us on Facebook and thezacfoundation.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio (BGCSA) is to inspire youth, especially those who need them most, to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health and character development.  They provide after school and summer programs that develop Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character in youth, ages six-to-18 years old.  BGCSA provides program opportunities for over 8,000 boys and girls each year. The Clubs are open yearround, during critical out-of-school-time hours. Families interested in learning more about BGCSA programs can contact visit www.BeGreatSA.org or call (210) 436-0686.

Even the staff friendships are important to me. Mr. Derrick (a youth development professional) is like the older brother I never had. He keeps me honest and if I do something wrong, he tells me so I get a chance to fix it. 

Growing up with a father in the Navy Reserves meant that sometimes I didn’t see him for stretches at a time. I know his absence helped me relate with Club kids who didn’t have two parents at home or who had trouble with their parents. Sometimes it gave me a chance to be an older brother figure to them. I also think being a military kid has made me more independent.” 

Your support will give more military youth like Steven the chance to start their great futures. It will give them a safe place to connect with role models and make friends, a quiet place to do homework, and a support network that keeps them returning to the Club. 

You can help more kids begin their great futures at the Club with your tax-deductible year-end gift today.