Happy Trails Camp
Happy Trails Camp is an overnight camp program for children in the California foster care system. For only $50 (which is fully refunded after camp - scholarships are available), youth ages 7 to 12 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! Once again for 2012, we are offering two sperate one week camp sessions, which will allow us to serve twice as many kids!
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 counselors, as well as a nurse and therapist available on-site. Paid counselor positions are also 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.
Upcoming Programs
Would you like to enjoy the Happy Trails camp experience?
Then get all the information about our Summer sessions 2012 here!
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Got questions about camp? You've come to the right place!
Happy Trails for Kids summer camp is for children ages seven to twelve who have open cases in the Los Angeles County foster care system. Exceptions are made only for previous campers, who are all welcome to attend after age 12. Our 7-day sleepover camp is located in Idyllwild and is loaded with trained counselors, exciting activities, new experiences, and friendships to last a lifetime. Happy Trails for Kids provides transportation to and from a central Los Angeles location, as well as meals and camp accessories (sleeping bags, toiletries, etc) if needed. Thanks to many generous donations, camp is free! You must make a $50 deposit - however, as long as your camper attends camp or cancels registration by the deadline, this deposit will be fully refunded after camp!
For further information on applying for Camp, please visit the Enroll A Child section of our website.
When is camp?
In order to serve more campers, Happy Trails will have two different weeks of camp this summer. Each camper can only attend one session. Session 1 is Sunday, July 17, 2011 – Saturday, July 23, 2011 and Session 2 is Sunday, July 24, 2011 - Saturday, July 30, 2011. 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. Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, hiking, arts & crafts, horseback riding, campfire sessions, climbing and low ropes course, dance classes, organized sports, and much more!
What is the daily schedule like?
The camp schedule is organized to allow campers the maximum amount of time for camp activities. Campers typically wake-up at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to have lights out by 9:30 p.m. During the day campers receive breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack - in addition to hours of summer camp fun!
How much does camp cost?
Thanks to many generous donations, camp is free! You must make a $50 deposit - however, as long as your camper attends camp or cancels registration by the deadline, this deposit will be fully refunded after camp.
Who can go to Happy Trails?
Happy Trails serves youth ages 7-12 who are wards of the State of California at the time they sign up to go to camp. Exceptions for youth 13 or older are made only for previous campers, who are all welcome to attend. 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 a $50 refunable deposit. 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 the drop-off location and camp. You must drop-off and pick-up your camper at the assigned location. Detailed information about camper drop-off and pick-up will be available in your camper's Happy Trails confirmation packet. Campers cannot be dropped off or picked up at the camp.
Who are the staff members?
Happy Trails staff members are at least 18 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 12 campers per cabin, with 3 adult counselors.
Will you be leaving the camp at anytime?
No, we will not be leaving camp at anytime during the week.
Will my camper need to bring money to camp?
What are the sleeping arrangements?
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 can change meals for campers who have a medical condition or have requested a special diet due to food intolerance or allergies. Special diet requests must be noted on the Camper Health History Form that is included in the Happy Trails registration packet. Food preferences can only be accommodated within reasonable requests. Campers are not allowed to bring food to camp.
What does my camper need to bring to camp?
Happy Trails will send you a confirmation packet once your camper's enrollment is confirmed. Please see the packing list in the Happy Trails confirmation packet for more information. If your camper does not have a sleeping bag to bring to camp, sleeping bags will be available only for new campers or for returning campers who have relocated since last summer's camp. Please also carefully review the list of items that campers are not allowed to bring to camp. Happy Trails will not be responsible for any damaged or lost articles. Luggage is limited to one suitcase or duffel bag and a regular sized backpack per camper.
What is the Camper Behavior Contract?
The 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 packet. Inappropriate behavior will result in consequences such as time outs from activities. Serious behavior violations may result in dismissal from camp and you will be responsible for transporting your camper home from camp. Any behavior that is harmful to the camper, other campers or staff will result in immediate dismissal.
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. You will be responsible for transporting your camper home. Unfortunately, we will be unable to refund any camp fees.
Can my camper call home?
Campers are not allowed to bring cell phones to camp or to make calls home. Phone calls are only allowed in case of an emergency.
Can I visit camp?
For the safety of all campers there are no visitors allowed at Happy Trails.
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 happens if my camper needs to leave camp due to a medical or behavioral issue?
If your camper needs to leave camp due to a medical or behavioral issue, you are required to arrange for transportation to pick-up your camper in Temecula. Happy Trails staff will transport your camper from camp to Temecula for pick-up. Once you have been contacted by Happy Trails you must pick up your camper within six hours.
What happens if there is an emergency at camp?
The registered nurse on staff at Happy Trails will only provide minor first aid to campers. If there is a major emergency at camp, such as an illness or injury, you will be notified immediately and your camper will be transported to a local hospital. Please make sure that the emergency contact numbers and health insurance information listed on the registration forms are accurate. Happy Trails staff members are also trained to address other emergencies such as a lost camper or natural disaster.
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.
Ready to apply? Click here to apply for the 2012 Happy Trails Camp now!