History was made!  This is the first time since the inception of the Ventura Buccaneers, 8 years ago, that these two Ventura teams have meet in competition at the senior division level.  On August 23rd, the Ventura Buccaneers, coached by Jim Duran and The Ventura Packers, coached by Dave Winter, faced off in a competitive game of youth football.  After the scrimmage, the boys from both teams went out for pizza.

Enjoying Devin’s success was grandmother Lucille Kress, mom Ana Baker, grandmother Carmen Iraola and of course Devin himself .

On August 30 a ribbon cutting-celebration was held at The Museum of Ventura County for the opening of the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden, the Museum’s new experiential learning environment for children of all ages.

The highlight of the new garden is the Chumash dwelling constructed by Devin Kress with help from scout members, friends and family. The garden also contains Myrtle the Turtle sculpture, a stone gathering circle and beautiful murals.

Devin’s  Eagle Scout project was to build a Chumash Ap (dwelling) for the new Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Children’s Garden.

In accepting the recognition that he received at the opening he told the gathered crowd “Hi, my name is Devin Kress and I’m a student at Ventura High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 119.  I am also a lifelong resident of Ventura.  Over the last two months and with the help of family, friends, Scouts from Troop 119 and many other new people I met along the way, I was able to construct the Chumash ap here at the museum for my Eagle Scout project.”

“Let me just start by saying I had no idea what I’d be getting into. This was a great experience for me because I was able to build something that will help kids for many years to come.  Along with the museum docents and staff, I took a trip to the Chumash Indian Museum where we learned a lot about the Chumash people and saw some cool artifacts. I could not have done this project without the help of Gray Wolf and the staff at the Chumash Indian Museum. “

“Over 350 hours went into this project and there’s a long list of people that made this project possible. Including fellow Scouts and parents for also helping me gather materials that I needed from the riverbed. “

“I want to give a special thanks to Megan Gately, Museum Director of Education & Outreach for giving me the opportunity to do this project.  Back in April, Megan asked me to work on the project.  We put in many hours planning, discussing and working on it.  She gave me a huge level of trust and responsibility.”

“I am very proud that my project will help to give kids and adults a new learning experience about Chumash culture here at the museum for years to come and I am glad to have done it for the museum.”

Devin’s mom Ana had this to say regarding Devin’s project “ This was a very challenging project but the fact that so many people came together to help was heartwarming. This project will live on and be able to give a little piece of history to all. I am a very proud mom. Devin has a few more badges to earn before becoming an Eagle Scout (like his older brother Diego) but this project was the biggest part.”

On hand was Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann who presented Devin with a proclamation from the City Council and stated “ The round Chumash-style dwelling Devin created for the Children’s Garden as his Eagle Scout project is amazing and a wonderful addition to the space. “

The Children’s Garden is a wonderful addition to the Museum. It will serve as a teaching opportunity and will draw even more families to the museum.  Made possible by the generosity of Howard Boroughs and Barbara Meister, it is a gift to the city and especially the children.”

For more photos go to www.venturabreeze.com

Ventura Family YMCA Youth & Government teens in front of the California State Capitol building where they had the opportunity to practice their legislative skills.

The Ventura Family YMCA is paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow through its Youth & Government program.  Since 1948 this nationwide initiative has been the top youth leadership and development program for 9th through 12th grade high school students.  Through hands on experience, each participant is enlightened on how the U.S. government is run.  They review the passing of government bills, practice public speaking and case work, and they even travel to Sacramento to put all of their skills into practice at the California State Capitol Building.

This program is unique because of the impact from the Y’s leadership staff and the knowledge each participant gains. There is also fundraising in place to provide scholarships (while they last) for students who may not be able to afford the program otherwise, giving those students an educational advantage like no other.

“We want to make sure that everyone in our community has the equal opportunity to better themselves, and one example of us helping is through our Youth & Government leadership program or by raising money to provide scholarships so that those who would not be able to attend because of the cost, may do so,” says Alicia Cattoni, the Y’s Marketing and Communications Director.

The Y’s Youth Programs Coordinator, Sherry Gutsch, speaks about the importance of nurturing our youth to become future leaders.

Youth & Government runs from September through February and includes weekly meetings, two training weekends in Fresno and a 5-day trip to Sacramento.  Current Ventura Y members may join for a discounted rate of $198/month, while Program Members may join for $210/month. Scholarships are available, while the funds last.  Spots are filling up fast so make sure to register as soon as possible.

To learn more about Youth & Government, logon to ciymca.org/ventura, visit the Ventura Family YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road, or contact Sherry Gutsch by email at Sherry. [email protected], or call 642.2131 ext. 16.