Frequently Asked Questions (Staff)

What is Happy Trails for Kids?  Who does summer camp serve?

Happy Trails for Kids is a non-profit organization that aims to provide stability, self-esteem and a sense of community to children in the California foster care system.  By offering adventurous overnight activities supplemented by year-round reunion events, Happy Trails strives to be a consistent and enriching influence on the lives of a vulnerable and overlooked segment of the youth population.  Happy Trails for Kids Summer Camp serves youth ages 7 and older.

When and where is Summer Camp?

Happy Trails Summer Camp is scheduled for two weeks this summer. Session 1 is Sunday, June 11-Friday, June 16, 2017 and Session 2 is Sunday, June 18-Friday, June 23, 2017.  Staff positions are available for one or two weeks.  Happy Trails is located in the Angeles Crest mountains, 29 miles above La Canada.

How can I apply for a position with Happy Trails for Kids?

Please complete the Happy Trails for Kids application and submit with a current resume to September Sucher, Camp Director.  The application deadline for new or returning staff is Saturday, March 11, 2017.  Applications can be submitted via email to september@happytrailsforkids.org or via fax to 1-888-741-5297.  If selected, candidates must complete an in-person interview.  All staff must complete reference checks and a criminal records background check (paid by Happy Trails).  Staff must attend mandatory training sessions on Sunday, April 23rd NEW STAFF ONLY; Overnight training for ALL STAFF on Saturday, May 20th – Sunday, May 21 ALL STAFF.  Please see position description for additional information. 

What is the compensation?

Rates for Counselors and Floaters: Please see “Summer Camp Staff Compensation Rates” for detailed information.  Please see specific rates for lead staff on position description forms.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Campers are separated by age and gender and assigned to cabins.  Each cabin has bunk beds, storage closets and indoor bathrooms and showers.  No more than 10 campers are housed with 2 adult Camp Counselors of the same gender.  Floaters will be assigned rooms in the staff cabin and will have at least one roommate of the same gender.

What is the daily schedule like?

The camp schedule is organized to allow campers the maximum amount of time to participate in activities.  Campers typically wake-up at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to have lights out by 9:30 p.m. 

What are the meals like at camp?

At Happy Trails, we serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the USDA’s meal pattern requirements.  Meals include breakfast at 8:00 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m.   and an evening snack. At Happy Trails, we can adapt meals for staff 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 Health History Form that will be reviewed during staff training.  Food preferences can only be accommodated within reasonable requests.