KIDS-IN-NEED HIKES - HIKE EVERYWHERE/OC HIKING CLUB

Hike Everywhere/Orange County Hiking Club helps “at risk” kids connect with nature. This model program helps abandoned /abused youth and receives high praises from the community and agencies.

Why?

Across the United States there are hundreds of thousands of abandoned /abused kids that have been pulled from their homes.

Who?

Hike Everywhere/OC Hiking Club works with abandoned / abused kids of all ages from local and national agencies such as CASA, Orangewood Foundation, Foster Care Auxiliary, Social Services agencies and others.

How?

We connect kids with the outoors on local walks and hikes. These magical hikes take abandoned /abused kids out into nature in a supportive social environment. Time spent in nature is highly beneficial for children and creates lasting positive memories (read “Last Child in the Woods” www.richardlouv.com). Additionally, studies show that even a small amount of positive adult attention can make a big difference in the life of a child. Each trip is led by a hike leader with a Live Scan Background check and accompanied by club members. The youth are accompanied by staff or adults from the accompanying agency.

Kids in Need Statistics:

• More than 70 percent of all state penitentiary inmates have spent time in the foster care system.
• 1999/2000 Grand jury reports show that within 12-18 months after leaving the foster care system 27 percent of males and 10 percent of females had been incarcerated.
• Nationally, 25-50 percent of emancipated youth become homeless. Lack of early positive role models, life and job skills are major contributors

You!

Our goal is to raise community awareness of the need within our local Orange County area and to help these kids connect with nature. If you wish to attend these hikes and help our communities Kids in Need please join the club and read the calendar event text carefully.

Quotes from Children on Kids in Need Hike

• “Crystal Cove is so beautiful and close by – can we come back here again?!”
• “I can’t believe that was six miles – it didn’t feel that long!”
• “I can’t wait till the next hike! I’m definitely going.”
• “I spent part of the walk with a woman who was single and successful; it was really encouraging to talk to her. I’m not so afraid.”

Hike Information

• The kids are all ages up to 18 years from local youth in crisis agencies.
• Each event is tailored to the needs of the kids and agency, including location, length of hike and ability level.
• Most walks are 1 to 4 hours depending on agency requests
• Each trip is led by a hike leader and accompanied by hiking club members who care
• Safety and Confidentiality – All members of the hike are required to sign An Oath of Safety and Confidentiality for protection of the children

Rules & Safety Tips for Attendees

1. Stay with the Hike Organizer and members who know the route.
2. Know and follow the rules established for these events.
3. Bring a sun hat and sunscreen
4. Comfortable shoes with traction are advised. Tennis shoes are acceptable.
5. Dress appropriately for the weather: loose, comfortable clothing with wicking capability and layers for temperature variation is recommended.
6. Bring MORE than just one bottle of water.

What Hike Everywhere/OC Hiking Club Members Say…

• “No more worthwhile cause than being a friend to a kid for an afternoon...” – John (Hike Everywhere/OC Hiking Club)
• “The afternoon was very inspirational and I can't wait to partake in the next event!” – Sharon (Hike Everywhere/OC Hiking Club)
• “Did not do much hiking, but it was well worth seeing two children explore nature, laugh, and exhibit magical thinking.” – Laura (Hike Everywhere/OC Hiking Club)

If you wish to become more involved with Kids in Need please contact the Agencies directly:

• CASA of Orange County
  “Many of these children, who have been removed from their homes due to chronic or severe abuse, will never return home again. Their only “crime” is that they have been victims, and they now face the possibility of becoming lost in an overburdened system. These kids need advocates to speak up on their behalf. There is a waiting list of children who are in need of just one special person.“
  
  For more information on CASA, contact: Kendra Puryear, CASA of Orange County, (714) 619-5158, www.casaoc.org
• Orangewood Foundation
  Orangewood Children’s Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1981 and one of the leading providers of services to children in foster care. Through financial assistance, mentors, daily living skills workshops, transitional housing and college scholarships, we give these innocent victims of child abuse a chance at happy, productive lives. Last year alone Orangewood scholarships helped 241 former foster children attend colleges and universities throughout the United States. In our 28 year history we have helped over 62,000 kids find their wings and soar. Beyond our programs, for thousands of foster children Orangewood means “family,” “opportunity” and “hope.” We have a variety of opportunities to get involved including youth events, fundraising activities, PALS Night at the Children’s Home, workshops, mentoring, and more!
  
  For more information, please contact Kristi Piatkowski, Volunteer Services Program Manager
  at kpiatkowski@orangewoodfoundation.org or 714-619-0200 x248
  1575 E. 17th Street, Santa Ana CA 92705, www.orangewoodfoundation.org
• Foster Care Auxiliary
  Volunteer!
  · Camp to Belong
  · Be a Foster Family Friend
  · Entertainment for children at events
  · Helping at Thrift Store
  · And more…
  
  For more information contact: Kathy Harvey, 333 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, CA 92804, (714) 778-3383, www.fostercareaux.com

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