This October, a group of families came together for a weekend campout at Leo Carrillo State Park, just north of Malibu along the Southern California coast, making new memories while strengthening their connection to the outdoors. For several parents and kids, this was a rare chance to spend uninterrupted time outside. For one family, it was their child’s first-ever night camping—made even more special as a birthday celebration under the stars.
The campout was part of our Outdoor Connections program, which helps bridge the gap between communities and the public lands around them. When families experience wild places firsthand—and feel safe, supported, and welcome there—they are more likely to feel empowered to protect them.
A Weekend of Play and Belonging
Each morning began in a circle—sharing names, a moment of gratitude, and a few playful games to shake off any lingering shyness. Some adults hesitated at first, unsure about getting silly so early in the day, but laughter spread quickly. Parents and kids moved together, setting a tone of openness and fun that lasted all weekend.
On Saturday, the beach became both our classroom and playground. In a quiet cove tucked between the rocks, kids splashed at the shoreline, searched tidepools for hidden life, and sculpted the sand into castles and channels. Adults rested under the sun, tossed balls with their children, or plunged into the waves themselves. There was no strict schedule—just nature taking the lead and curiosity guiding every moment.
Fire, Food, and Community
That evening, families worked together to create a hand drill friction-fire—and for the first time ever on one of our campouts, the group got the ember without the guide stepping in. Through sheer persistence and shared effort, the flame finally sparked to life, and a cheer rose across camp. It was a fire they truly made together. That fire cooked dinner (warm street tacos prepared to order!) and kept the group gathered long into the night as they played games, laughed, and shared stories.
Why These Experiences Matter
Sunday morning began slow and sleepy. Then, as tents opened and children shook off sand, the whole group transitioned into a smooth, collaborative pack-up. Kids carried small gear with pride, adults helped break down shared equipment, and everyone ensured we left our campsite as we found it.
These moments of cooperation, shared responsibility, and confidence built outdoors are what help families recognize that they belong on public lands, and that they have a role to play in caring for them.
That’s at the heart of our Outdoor Connections program:
• Removing barriers to outdoor experiences
• Building confidence and safety skills
• Supporting mental and physical well-being
• Helping all families feel they belong on public lands
• Inspiring a commitment to conservation
By helping families build meaningful relationships with places like Leo Carrillo and the Los Padres region, we’re not only creating great memories—we’re cultivating the next generation of public land stewards.
And that is how we protect these landscapes for generations to come.