The start of a new school year is an exciting time for most children, but for Sacramento’s homeless children, it is a time fraught with emotional and academic challenges. Without even the most basic supplies, these students start at a disadvantage that only gets worse as the school year progresses.

Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack, which runs June 25 to July 13, aims at providing Sacramento’s youth in need with new backpacks and school supplies – tools they need to achieve academic success.

“This is our third consecutive year of partnering with Volunteers of America on Operation Backpack, and we are thrilled to once again help our local students in need,” said Tri Counties Bank Marketing Specialist, Jessica Freitas. “While a new backpack is such a small thing to most of us, for these kids it really makes a big difference.

Our family lives near the river in Auburn, and we spend 3-5 days a week during the summer months dipping, swimming, and floating the hot summer days away.  As a regular to the confluence I see families with small children, toddlers and up, putting on sunscreen but no life jackets! Certainly the sunscreen is important, but why on earth would these parents let their children play in the river (they clearly can’t swim) without a life jacket on? There are jackets provided at the river, admittedly, they are functional not fashionable.

Rancho Cordova is a great place to stay and play during Father’s Day weekend.  There is something for everyone, and children of all ages can have a great time with Dad!

Here are 12 great things to do in or near Rancho Cordova during Father’s Day weekend:

1. Visit the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova (http://www.sacramentochildrensmuseum.org/).

2. Take a bike ride or hike on the American River Parkway trail.

3. Visit the White Rock Spray Park (10488 White Rock Road, http://www.crpd.com/)

4. Raft down the American River.<