Frequently Asked Questions
Our site is designed to answer all the questions you may have about Happy Trails, but if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, or would like to see it all laid out in one place, please read on!
Jump Ahead: Friends & Supporters | Kids & Families | Counselors & Staff
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What is Happy Trails for Kids?
Happy Trails for Kids is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of cost free outdoor programs to children in foster care and other overlooked youth from the greater Los Angeles area. We provide fun and memorable experiences, and aim to be a stable presence in the lives of these vulnerable boys and girls.
What programs does Happy Trails for Kids offer?
We have three programs: Happy Trials Camp, Ranch and Farm. Happy Trails Camp is an overnight summer camp for children in the foster care system. In addition to the camp sessions, we provide year round reunion activities so that the children are able to maintain contact with their friends and staff. Happy Trails Ranch is for children in the foster care system who have disabilities and for children receiving Regional Center services. These boys and girls, along with their foster families, are invited to dude ranches throughout California. Finally, Happy Trails Farm is a day program in Malibu. A number of groups are invited to spend the day learning about nature and petting all sorts of fun animals.
How can I help?
There are a number of ways to get involved: 1. Volunteer! We are always in need of volunteers. If you’d like to volunteer for one of our specific programs, please follow the links above for more information. 2. Donate! We depend on the generosity of donors to keep our programs running. We greatly appreciate financial donations, as well as in-kind donations that assist us with our programs (water bottles, sporting goods, sunscreen, etc.).
While you’re at it, you can also join us on Facebook and Twitter.
Will my donation be tax deductible?
Yes! Our donors generally qualify for tax deductions based on our nonprofit status. Happy Trails for Kids is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is registered in California as a nonprofit corporation. Our taxpayer identification number is 95-4453586 and our California corporation number is 1858219.
Who can we come to Happy Trails for Kids?
Well, that depends on the program. If you are 7 – 13 years old and have an active case in the foster care system, you are eligible for Happy Trails Camp. If you are under 21 and have an active case in the foster care system, but have a disability that would make it difficult to attend summer camp, you are eligible for Happy Trails Ranch. If you are not in foster care but receive Regional Center services, you may be able to attend Happy Trails Ranch as well Please see the Ranch page for more information. If you are in charge of a group of children in the greater Los Angeles area, you may be eligible to participate in our Happy Trails Farm program.
What is the cost of each program?
All Happy Trails for Kids programs are cost free!
The camp does have a small application fee, but scholarships are available.
Sounds great! How do I enroll?
For Happy Trails Camp, you must submit an application. Happy Trails Ranch is currently invitation only. If you would like to be considered, please contact us. For Happy Trails Farm, please contact Joan Pankratz.
How do I get in contact with Happy Trails for Kids if I have more questions?
Email us: info@happytrailsforkids.org or call us: (310) 207-1544. We would love to hear from you!
I am interested in working with Happy Trails. Do you have any openings?
Yes. We currently have staff openings with our summer camp programs, you can learn more by visiting our jobs page. If you are a fulltime student with an accredited college or university, you may also be eligible for an internship position. More information can be found on our internship page.