Tracy Press

For many boys and girls, the summer will be remembered by carnivals, swimming and ice cream — and, in the case of a few lucky children, the American Red Cross’ free summer camp.

The San Joaquin County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its ninth annual Camp ARCHES, which promotes health, education and safety, from June 9 to 12 at Silver Lake High Sierra Camp.

About 70 9- through 11-year-olds will attend the camp, and organizers hope to strike a balance between having fun swimming, hiking and singing around the campfire, and learning basic first aid, gun and drug avoidance, healthy eating habits and CPR.

Applications are available at the American Red Cross office, 727 N. Pershing Ave., in Stockton. The deadline to apply is May 21.

"We’re really looking for people in the Tracy community," said organizer DeAnna Gesdahl. "It’s not just a Stockton camp — it’s for all of San Joaquin County."

To put on the camp, because there is no cost to attend, the Red Cross must work hard to raise money. This year, the Red Cross offers teddy bears of different sizes to those who donate $50, $100, and $150 in support of the camp.

At a glance

WHAT: American Red Cross Summer Camp

WHEN: June 9 through 12

WHERE: Silver Lake High Sierra Camp in Silver Lake

INFO: San Joaquin County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 466-6971