Providing Youth Camping Gear Support Through Shared Mission and Collaboration

In the summer of 2025, a vision came to life: taking 50 youth and 10 adult leaders from La Habra on a three-day, two-night outdoor adventure at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, many of them for the first time ever. The trip was the centerpiece of the City of La Habra’s “Youth Outdoors” program, made possible by a second Parks California Route to Parks grant. But just weeks before the trip, the group’s gear plan hit a snag.

The organizers had planned to use equipment from FamCamp trailers, a resource often stationed at state park sites. But when several FamCamp trailers were unexpectedly removed from key locations, including Silverwood Lake, the team suddenly needed to source gear for 60 people. Tents, sleeping bags, and pads were no longer guaranteed.

That’s when Healthy Footprints Adventure Community (HFAC) stepped in.

With support from Outdoors Empowered Network and HFAC’s own Southern California Gear Library, the team quickly mobilized. In a matter of days, over 175 pieces of gear, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and day packs, were packed, delivered, and ready for campers.

“On behalf of our entire City of La Habra Community Services team, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support we received from you and your organization Healthy Footprints Adventure Community (HFAC) for this year's La Habra Outdoors Summer Youth Campout at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area June 4–6, 2025,” wrote Richard Rojas, Director Emeritus of Latino Outdoors.

The campout became a defining experience for the teens who participated, many of whom

were experiencing their first night away from home. Participants learned to set up their tents, prepare meals, go on guided hikes, and explore the natural beauty of the lake. Highlights included ranger-led talks, a beach day with water safety lessons, and a group pontoon boat tour around the lake.

“Our La Habra Outdoors Youth Campout was their first camping experience… Our staff of experienced outings leaders planned a campout that kept our participants super busy,” Rojas shared.

Beyond the scheduled activities, the camp also became a space for connection and reflection.

“The most memorable moments for me were the quiet conversations that I shared with several of our campers… They shared stories of family life, friendships, hobbies, personal interests in art and music, internet technology, social media and what they dreamed for their own futures,” he wrote. “By the end of our time together, I was both proud and honored to share quality time with such amazing and talented youth and young adult leaders from our La Habra Community.”

Three friends cozy up under a warm blanket while enjoying a fireside evening in foldable chairs.

This campout is just one part of the City’s larger 2025 grant-funded program, which includes additional environmental education trips to Lake Perris, California Citrus State Historic Park, and the Orange County Water District's Wastewater Recycling Center. The program is designed to connect youth from underserved communities with the state’s waterways while building knowledge around conservation and resource management.

And the partnerships that made it happen are continuing to grow.

“As Director Emeritus for Latino Outdoors, I am always excited to learn how Luis Villa, Executive Director for Latino Outdoors (LO), and our LO leaders continue to make incredible connections that morph into amazing partnerships with groups like HFAC” Rojas added.

We’re deeply grateful for the powerful connections we continue to build with passionate organizations like Latino Outdoors and community leaders in La Habra. Partnerships like these make it possible to respond quickly, share resources, and create meaningful outdoor experiences for youth who need them most.

At HFAC, we believe access to nature should never depend on whether someone owns the right gear. We are proud to support efforts like this one - where a few sleeping bags and tents helped unlock a powerful experience that will stay with these young people for years to come.

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Need gear for a youth trip? Want to volunteer, donate, or partner with us?

Whether you’re interested in borrowing gear, working with our Trail Corps in the Gear Library, or supporting outdoor access for youth, we’d love to connect.

Make a tax-deductible donation at PayPal Giving Fund.

Email hfadventurecommunity@gmail.com to learn more and help get more youth outdoors!