Happy Trails Camp
Happy Trails Camp is an overnight camp program for children in the California foster care system. For only $25 (scholarships are available), youth ages 8 to 13 are invited to spend an exciting and fun-filled week at beautiful campsites throughout California. Activities include swimming, hiking, storytelling, singing, campfires, arts & crafts and much more!
Los Angeles County alone has over 30,000 children in the foster care system - one of the largest populations in the country. All too often, these kids are robbed of the carefree joys and milestones of a normal childhood. Many come from homes where the challenges of daily life stand in stark contrast to their peers. Once removed from their homes, being placed in foster care creates a whole new set of anxieties, including separation from parents, siblings and/or extended family and friends, and moving in and out of homes and schools.
At Happy Trails Camp, we strive to help our campers explore new interests and develop self-confidence and independence, lasting friendships and undiscovered skills in a nurturing, noncompetitive environment. By taking part in camp activities with other children whose own life experience closely mirror their own, our campers can escape the stress and loneliness of foster care, and can focus on being kids. Happy Trails Camp is all about fun and friendship and memories designed to last a lifetime!
Under the supervision of our experienced Camp Director, we have a team of trained and enthusiastic volunteer counselors, as well as a nurse and therapist available on-site. Paid junior counselor positions are available for current or former foster youth over 18 years old. This provides our campers with the unique opportunity of being mentored by young adults who can relate to and address their problems and fears.
The Happy Trails Camp program does not end when the session is over. With year round activities available to the boys and girls who attend camp, our goal is to create a stable and energetic presence in the lives of our campers, so that the acceptance, hope, friendship, adventure and strength generated at camp can continue to be a part of these children's lives throughout the year!
For more information, please take a moment to review our Camp FAQ below. (Also available in Spanish here.)
Upcoming Programs
Would you like to enjoy the Happy Trails camp experience? Then check out our Summer 2010 dates here!
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Got questions about camp? You've come to the right place!
When is camp?
Happy Trails is scheduled for Monday, July 5, 2010 to Sunday, July 11, 2010. Campers must attend for the entire week.
Where is camp?
Happy Trails Camp will be held this year near Idyllwild, California. Bordering a National Forest, our 72 forested acre camp and private lake provide opportunities for hiking, exploration, self-discovery and fun. The camp meets the rigorous standards required for accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What are the camp activities at Happy Trails?
Camp activities are age appropriate and campers are typically separated into age groups (7-10 years and 11-13 years old). Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, hiking, arts & crafts, horseback riding, campfire sessions, climbing and low ropes course, dance classes, organized sports, and much more.
How much does camp cost?
We are committed to making the Happy Trails experience available to all eligible kids regardless of financial ability. To that end, the only mandatory fee is the $25 camp fee, which is due at the time of registration.
Who can go to Happy Trails?
Happy Trails serves youth ages 7-13 years old who are wards of the State of California at the time they sign up to go to camp. Campers must be in good health in order to attend camp. If you have health issues, please read about Happy Trails Ranch, our program just for foster kids with disabilities. You can help prepare your camper for the week by sharing details about camp life, packing together for camp and talking about coping with homesickness.
Can I send a 7 or 8 year old to camp?
Yes! You can send a 7 or 8 year old to camp and he or she will have many other children their age to interact with. Of course, it does help to talk with your child ahead of time and make sure they are prepared to attend camp and to be away from home for the week.
How do I register for camp?
Camp enrollment requires completed registration forms, including Camper Health History and all required signatures, as well as $25 camp fee. Refunds due to cancellation are available on a limited basis. For further information please visit the Enroll A Child section of our site.
How does my camper get to camp?
Happy Trails provides round-trip transportation for campers between designated drop-off locations and camp.
Who are the staff members?
Happy Trails staff members are at least 19 years old and are selected through an application process that requires reference checks, criminal records background checks that comply with State of California law and physical exams. All staff members complete extensive training on topics including youth development, behavior and conflict management and emergency procedures. Our number one commitment to the kids and families we serve is to provide a safe, secure and fun environment.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
We maintain a low overall staff-to-camper ratio of approximately 1 adult to every 3 campers. There are no more than 10 campers per cabin, with 3 adult counselors.
What are the meals like at camp?
They’re good! At Happy Trails we serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the USDA’s meal pattern requirements. (At Happy Trails, we like happy campers!)
What if my camper has food allergies or special diet needs?
At Happy Trails we make accomodations for campers who have a medical condition or have requested a special diet due to food allergies or other food intolerance(s). Additional information will be included in the confirmation packet you’ll receive once your camper’s enrollment is confirmed.
What does my camper need to bring to camp?
Please see the packing list in the Happy Trails confirmation packet for more information.
What is the Camper Behavior Contract?
The Camper Behavior Contract outlines behavior guidelines that all campers are expected to follow at camp. You and your camper must review and sign the contract as part of the Happy Trails registration process. Providing a safe and fun environment is a responsibility shared by everyone at Happy Trails – campers included.
What happens if my camper gets homesick?
Happy Trails staff members are trained to work with homesick campers to help them be more comfortable at camp and to encourage participation in camp activities. We will contact you in the very rare event that your camper is unable to complete the week at camp.
Can my camper call home?
Phone calls are only allowed in case of an emergency. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp.
What should I do if my camper takes medication?
Happy Trails will have a registered nurse on staff all week that will administer all prescribed medication and provide minor first aid. See the Happy Trails confirmation packet for more information.
What if I have another question you haven’t answered here?
Just visit the contact us page and get in touch. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.