About SDYDC

San Diego Youth Development Center (SDYDC) has been committed to improving the lives of children throughout San Diego County since 1996.  The Center's strategy is to build foundational relationship with children (and their parents), ages 4 to 12, in a safe caring environment, while providing social, economic, academic, physical and spiritual interpersonal programs that pave the way for productive futures.

SDYDC provides the following benefits:

  • Programs that offer educational and recreational opportunities.
  • Basic needs assistance providing food, clothing and hygiene products.
  • A safe environment for classroom and outdoor activities.
  • Certified teachers to maintain high curriculum standards.
  • Many bilingual personnel, including a certified bilingual specialist for Hispanic children and families.
  • A pediatrician and registered nurse for medical emergencies.

SDYDC Programs:
  • Got Fun? Youth Program (1998 through 2006) for children, ages 4 to 12.
    • Weekend Workshops - 2 hours of classroom activities and instruction through music, art and drama.
    • Kids Camp - 3 hours of fun, and more fun, with outside activities focused on sports, games and other special events.
    • Up-Close Program - small group interactions with staff for special needs children - field trips, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, fishing and sports.
  • Rise to Reality (R2R) Program (1996 through 2006) Providing leadership development for Youth, ages 13 to young adults.
    • Activities - concerts, coffee house, music and art development, ice skating, skateboarding, roller blading, snowboarding, rock climbing and volunteer opportunities.
    • Community Services - student mentoring, skateboard team, entomology projects, canned food and toy collections, community concerts, advocacy projects and presentations.
  • Sponsorship & Career Planning Program (began 1996) for students seeking higher education.
    • Assistance with funding for undergraduate degrees and vocational training.
    • Job preparation courses
    • Job placement assistance and internships
  • Life = Fun Kid's Camp (December 2010 to present) for children, ages 5 to 12.
    • Spiritual Support Program - campers learn Biblical principles with direct every-day applications.
    • Recreational/Physical Support Program - campers participate in physical activities including Intramural Sports and other structured physical activities.
    • Enrichment/Social/Emotional Support Program - campers participate in group activities such as music, singing, sharing and field trips.


For the Children

For the Children

Camp Directors

Brad & Margaret Millen

Brad & Margaret Millen