Healing Together: LA County Offers Care Camps for Families Impacted by Fires

Los Angeles County Parks has launched free emergency care camps at four locations to support wildfire-affected youth and families with meals, activities, and emotional well-being resources while parents focus on recovery.

1 minute read

January 13, 2025, 12:21 PM PST

By Clement Lau


Japanese Garden section at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles.

Descanso Gardens is one of the Los Angeles County locations offering 'care camps' for youth and teens in the coming weeks. | Kit Leong / Adobe Stock

In response to the devastating Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has launched emergency care camps to support families affected by the wildfires. Beginning January 13, the program offers children aged 5-12 a safe and nurturing environment to learn and play while their parents focus on recovery efforts. Two locations also provide extended programs for teens aged 13-17. In partnership with organizations like the Dodgers Foundation, Natural History Museum, and LA Philharmonic, the camps offer free field trips, meals, and engaging activities.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger and LA County Parks Director Norma E. García-González emphasized the importance of community resilience and support during this challenging time. The camps, operating through January 31, are available at five locations: Pamela Park, Arcadia Park, Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park, Descanso Gardens, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum. With a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio and a focus on emotional and physical well-being, the camps provide personalized care, meals, and enriching activities for all participants.

In addition to youth programming, parent lounges are available at each site, offering flexible options for family involvement.  For registration and further details, families can visit the department’s website or contact [email protected].

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