After a brief hiatus, Help Group’s Spring Break Camps were back with a full schedule of activities that kept campers engaged, connected, and trying new things each day. Thank you to the more than 60 families who joined us and made this session possible. We are grateful for your continued trust and participation.
In our Kids Like Me Spring Camp, campers ages 6 to 17 participated in two tracks: Sunshine for campers with higher support needs and Village Glen for those with lower support needs. Campers spent their days exploring new activities, building confidence, and having fun in an environment designed for them to succeed. From the first day, participation was strong, with consistent opportunities for connection throughout each experience.
Each day included a wide mix of activities. Sports and fitness got campers moving, while interactive games and science experiments encouraged curiosity and teamwork. Creative outlets such as arts and crafts, music, and cooking gave campers space to express themselves. Sensory activities ensured every child could participate in a way that felt comfortable. Animal encounters were a clear favorite, and we closed the session with an end-of-camp glow party that brought everyone together.
For many families, the impact of camp extends far beyond the day’s activities. As one parent shared, “We’ve tried different camps and my son never felt comfortable. I’d have to drag him out the door. This is the first time my son has woken up excited to go to camp. He comes home happy and loves talking about what he did during the day.”
This session also marked the launch of our Counselor in Training program, a leadership development program for teens 13-17. Finn, our first CIT, stepped into the role with enthusiasm and responsibility. He supported campers across classes, helped with transitions, and stepped in wherever needed. He quickly became a steady presence for both staff and campers and showed the value of creating leadership opportunities within our community.
Families interested in the CIT program for summer can learn more and sign up here:
In addition to Kids Like Me Spring Camp, our AdvanceLA Spring Program for young adults also returned this year. This program focuses on building independence and strengthening social and daily living skills in a supportive setting. Groups of young adults engage either in community-integration experiences or structured activities on our campus that help them develop independence and friendships.
Across our camps, we continue to hear from families how much they value the range of programming and the care of our staff. Just as importantly, they highlight something central to our mission: access. Creating spaces where more kids and young adults can participate meaningfully remains a core focus.
As Fatima Gutierrez, Help Group’s Social Recreational Programs Manager shared, “Throughout our arts and recreation programs, our mission is to create a place where every child and young adult feels seen and supported. We are building a community where differences are understood, and every participant is given the support to grow.”
Spring Camp 2026 was a strong reminder of what happens when the right supports and programming come together. Campers built friendships, gained independence, and left excited to return.
If Spring Break is any indication, Summer Camp is going to be something special. Learn more here: