The Scott Newman Center is dedicated to
preventing drug abuse through education.
It also supports the Rowdy Ridge Camp,
which provides a life-affirming program
for families recovering from drug addiction
or are survivors of spousal abuse.
We welcome monetary donations.
For your convenience and we accept donations
via Mastercard or Visa.
Thank you for your support.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Summer Fest 2012
We look forward to seeing you on
August 12, 2012
The Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp has long been a very special place where children and families heal past hurts and discover a ...read more
The Scott Newman Center was founded on a sound and simple premise: to prevent substance abuse through education. Since 1980 the Center's many innovative media based educational programs have helped thousands of children and families worldwide prevent and overcome the serious threat posed by alcohol and other drugs. The Center is proud of its long history in the areas of education and prevention. We look forward to a day when demand for drugs is reduced to a point where services like ours are no longer required. In the meantime, we will strive to uphold prevention awareness and consciousness.
This long tradition of public service continues most prominently in the form of our most exciting and transformational program to date, The Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp. Paul Newman understood and personally championed the summer camp experience as truly unique and a most incredible way to bring joy, life, laughter and hope to ailing children and their families. As we approach each new season of camp at Rowdy Ridge, we are reminded of the many children and families who have passed through our gates and experienced the healing power and profound family bonding offered by the Rowdy Ridge. Our families leave our camp as stronger, happier and healthier people.
We invite you to learn more about our work and help us to continue this opportunity.
Welcome to the Scott Newman Center & Rowdy Ridge Camp - March 2012
A New Year! New Opportunities!
With 2012 here it's incredible to realize that the Scott Newman Center is entering its 32nd year of operation. Since our founding in 1980 we have not wavered in our commitment to making our communities and this world of ours healthier and happier. There are so many good things happening. Below is just a short list of some of those highlights. With that said, the one and only challenge that continues to face us and other worthy non-profits is funding. The Center is working diligently to attract new donors. foundations, businesses and individuals.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Help us spread the word about our work and the need for financial support. Contact us to share names, contacts and leads to individuals, businesses and foundations capable of helping our organization thrive and grow.
Where's the "Gang"?
Some of you may have noticed that we have begun phasing out the word "gang" from our camp name. The choice was simple. Although we have been known as The Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp for many years, we felt it was time to drop the word "gang" from our camp name. The word, especially in the Los Angeles area carries with it a negative connotation. Many of the families we serve at camp have themselves been the victims of inner-city gang violence. To continue to use the word in our camp name, in 2012 made no sense any longer. Does that mean that the power and lasting impact of our camp or the intention of our program has changed? Absolutely not! We're still the greatest little camp west of the Mississippi. We're proud to simply just be The Rowdy Ridge Camp or, as we say at camp, "Camp Rowdy".
Summer Fest; A Growing Tradition
Last August 14, 2011 we held our 5th annual camp fundraising event at The Depot Restaurant in Torrance, California. We are grateful for this opportunity by Depot owner, Chef Michael Shafer; a pillar of our philanthropic community. Summer Fest 2011 was a huge success. With over 300 guests in attendance, a massive silent auction, live auction and "Send a Child to Camp" Auction led by Scott Newman Center Board Member/Actor/Activist, Victor Rivers the evening could not have been more perfect, dedication and service of one of our most loyal friends, Rob Palmer. The evening of fun, food and music is also a tribute and celebration of the hard work of our selfless and devoted staff.
SAVE THE DATE! This years' edition of Summer Fest will be on Sunday, August 12,2012. It's never too early to join our team by becoming a sponsor, auction donor or ticket buyer. Stay tuned for more information or call 310/791-7627 for more information.
How Strong? Rowdy Strong! Howdy Beautiful? Rowdy Beauty!
Last summer season at Camp Rowdy were experienced one of the most wonderful seasons ever. Our theme was "strength". Camp Director Clete & Angie Walker led the way once again, along the the amazing RRGC Staff creating a summer like no other. Our campers were once again treated to a truly life changing experience and fortified with inner strength and confidence that many did not know they possessed. Clete would ask, "How Strong?", our campers and staff would answer, "Rowdy Strong!"
This summer we are going to celebrate BEAUTY; Summer of Beauty. In doing so we'll consciously acknowledge the true beauty within each individual person; adult and child. The beauty of family. The beauty of friendship. The beauty of nature.
Mike...Mike...Mike! If you ever spend as much as one hour at Camp Rowdy, this is a name you will hear. Mike along with his wife MaryJo have been a part of our Camp Rowdy team for almost a decade. As Program Director, Mike has helped guide our team through some incredible summer seasons. MaryJo has served as our most talented Arts & Crafts Specialist helping our families find their inner artist and achieve peace & tranquility through the healing power of art. Both of their lovely and talented daughters, Michaela and Alyssa have been an integral part of our camp family, too. Mike and MaryJo will be taking this summer off to spend it with their oldest daughter, Michaela who is heading off to college on the east coast. We are going to miss you all. Thank you Mike, MaryJo, Michaela and Alyssa!
Screaming Frog Films; The Rowdy Ridge Film Project
Primary filming for our first documentary on the Rowdy Ridge Camp took place last summer. The film team from Screaming Frog Films spent an entire camp session living with the staff and campers at Rowdy Ridge. The session proved, like all RRGC sessions to be incredibly powerful and moving. We are excited about this film and look forward to debuting the film at film festivals around the country and on broadcast television this Fall. The film team has created a 7 minute short video. See it here by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Np9IkeNdnA.
WHOA!
We are excited about a new opportunity in partnership with W.H.O.A. (Women Helping Other Women). Created by artist, Jenelle VandeMortel, WHOA seeks to heal, support and inspire. Jenelle and her team will visit Rowdy Ridge, meet our special camp women & moms, and empower them through art, talent, shared life experience and support. WHOA!
More Positive Change & Growth
The Center is pleased to announce the election of a whole new dynamic board of directors. Our board, through the leadership of Judith L. Borck, will take the Center into the next successful phase of our development. We invite you to contact us, learn more, get involved and help us bring healing to thousands more children and families. This past December we welcomed two more talented members of our communtity to serve as board members; Randy Ellen Ross and Alan Dettelbach. Welcome!
History of Service
We are proud of our long history of success and look forward to the day when the need for drug and violence prevention services will no longer be needed. And though The Center’s roots are firmly planted in prevention, we have successfully evolved over the last 18 years into an organization that delivers direct services to families and children through our Rowdy Ridge Camp. The Scott Newman Center was founded on a basic idea; to prevent drug abuse through education. Since our inception in 1980, the Center has held to that ideal and produced some excellent materials to help health care professionals, educators, law enforcement and parents promote drug prevention education in their communities and families.
