“At age 11, I had no idea that my first Arbolado camp session would lead to decades of memories that would be treasured well into retirement. There were great years as camper, CIT, and counselor at Arbolado, and also as a director in 1971, at the YMCA’s Day Camp at Tonner Canyon. I thought that a career in teaching would offer summers free to be at Arbolado, and it did. As an elementary school teacher and mom, I returned to Arbolado in 1983 as an adult volunteer with my young daughters Wendy 5½, and Robin, 7. That led to countless summer, winter, and Easter Camp sessions, volunteering as one of the session program directors. I was mostly known then as “Wendy’s Mom”. Wendy and Robin grew up as campers, C.I.T.s. counselors, and summer session program staff. Wendy developed the Native American program, and Robin, the nature program. During the 1990’s, Robin wrote the Camp nature book, Arbolado Trails, and Wendy and I compiled the Camp Devotions Book and song book. I also served 25 years on the YMCA’s Camp Board that became the Camping Services Committee. Camp has taught me the value of life-long friendships, and a deep appreciation of the forest. I will never forget how it feels at Camp to stare into a dark night sky with thousands of stars overhead, or to hear the sound of a hundred kids singing quiet songs at campfire. As an Arbolado Alumni Association member, I want to do my part to insure that Camp will be here for campers and staff for another 100+ years.”

Mr. Tenopir has been coming to Camp Arbolado since 1966 and served the camp in numerous capacities, including managing and executing the science program. He is the senior scientist for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD). Mr Tenopir holds an Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science degree in various engineering fields. He is an Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) board-certified senior coating inspector. His engineering work extends to various foreign allies, including Italy, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Turkey. Mr. Tenopir has received numerous scientific awards, including the Delores Etter Award from the Secretary of the Navy, which recognizes top scientists in their fields. He is listed in the Marquis Who’s Who publications, which highlights leaders and achievers in the United States and around the world in various professional areas. In addition to Camp Arbolado, Mr. Tenopir’s involvement with youth includes serving as assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge counselor for the Boy Scouts, youth coordinator for the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, one of the youth protection officers for the Oxnard Noontimes Lions Club, and youth chaperon for the American Legion Post 48 Boys and Girls State function in Sacramento.

Bob provides expert consulting for not-for-profit organizations in the areas of financial development, volunteer development, and strategic planning. He served as the East Whittier YMCA Branch and Camp Arbolado Executive Director and head of the camp committee. Bob has been very active in the Christian Leadership Conference, planning and running various sessions. He is also a White Ragger.