“It made for a healthier community and people take pride in their community when it’s cleaned up.”
The Camino Community Action Committee Cleans Up
April 26, 2025 - Lori Mortenson
Last year it snowed. This year it rained. Yet, in spite of a cold, drizzly rain, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the dedicated crew of the Camino Community Action Committee (CCAC) came out and held its 20 th annual Cleanup Day in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 4622 Pony Express Trail, Camino. Car by car and truck by truck, residents of Camino hauled in and unloaded trash into six dumpsters provided by El Dorado County Disposal, separated into household trash, metal and green waste.
Tina Helm, President of the CCAC, explained that the Camino Cleanup Day was the brainchild of Keven House, a Deputy Sheriff in Camino. “They noticed that if you clean the trash, abandoned cars, appliances, and other debris” Helm said, “it made for a healthier community and people take pride in their community when it’s cleaned up.”
“One of the biggest challenges over the years,” said Helm, “is the unpredictable weather. When it’s rainy and wet, people don’t want to come out.” COVID was another challenge. Typically, 60-80 neighbors take advantage of this annual opportunity. This year, 71 residents seized the opportunity and showed up with their trash.
Sometimes there are surprises as well. Years ago, when the event was held on the backside of the mill site instead of the church parking lot, volunteers unloaded a trailer with trash—and rats! Several pianos have been donated as well.
The Camino Cleanup Day is just one CCAC community projects. Their mission is “to preserve Camino, California’s community traditions, history, and architecture and to improve the health, education, welfare, and appearance.” Programs include Camino Book Exchange, Julianna Memorial Scholarship, Mini Grants, Emergency Preparedness, and
Giving Programs.
CCAC works because the Camino community comes together. “The volunteers that help each year are an asset,” said Helm, “whether it’s the Sheriff Explorers or the church members—they are always appreciated.” For more information about CCAC visit
https://www.caminocac.com.