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].

Sunday, January 12, 2025 in Pasadena NOw

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

7 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM