Last weekend, 40 incoming Woodland kindergarteners graduated from the United Way California Capital Region’s KinderCamp program, amidst cheers from their family members, friends, and local dignitaries.

The Woodland camp took place at Tafoya Elementary School from June 12 to July 12 and helped prepare children for kindergarten who have not experienced preschool.

“KinderCamp holds a special place in my heart because it’s about more than preparing kids for school—it’s about building confidence, creating joy and reminding them that they are seen and celebrated,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “On Saturday, as I handed out certificates, I saw so much pride and possibility in their faces. That’s what this is all about. Congratulations to our Woodland KinderCamp class of 2025!”

Run in classrooms at elementary school sites in Woodland and West Sacramento each summer, United Way’s KinderCamp provides students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of learning experiences focused on enhancing skills in math, literacy, social interactions, problem-solving, and cause and effect.

Every day a child attends, they return home with a new book. Children also receive a healthy lunch, participate in a weekly Kids Farmer’s Market and receive hygiene education. Each child then participates in a graduation ceremony which took place on Saturday.

The program is a partnership among United Way, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and YMCA of Superior California, with support from U.S. Bank, Yolo County Office of Education, the Irma Ceunis and Simone C. Wynant Foundation, the Rotary Club of Woodland, and Smart & Final. KinderCamp has served nearly 1,000 children since its inception in 2012.

United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding, and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive.

Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts, launched the region’s first guaranteed income program and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento.