OL - Office of Community Involvement

Office of Community Involvement Purpose:
Office of Community Involvement (OCI) is the bridge that connects people to parks.  Our mission is to promote the means and facilitate the methods by which the Department of Parks and Recreation services, facilities, and parks become meaningful and relevant to all Californians.  To that end, OCI continues to develop and implement programs that increase services to non-traditional park users and under-served communities.

What We Do for California State Parks and Californians:
• Community Liaisons - We create bridges to meet the needs of the community.  Working directly with organizations, agencies, adults, and youth, we establish relationships, determine needs, and develop programs based on those needs.
• Representatives - we participate in relevant special events, shows, and conferences to represent and promote California State Parks programs and initiatives.
• Program Coordinators and Providers - We specialize in providing training, special events, and activities so that all Californians can have the opportunity to experience our parks and the benefits of outdoor recreation.
• Promoters - We actively market State Park resources to all Californians.  We’re especially focused on non-traditional park users or those kids and adults who don’t normally have the opportunity or ability to utilize state park resources.

Our Programs:
• FamCamp®
• Outdoor Youth Connection
• Collaborations for Synergy
• Training
• California State Parks Police Activities League
• Special Events
• Health and Wellness Initiatives

Our Programs Defined:
FamCamp® provides the opportunity to go camping for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on their own.  FamCamp® strengthens human relations by teaching a new form of recreation that promotes a safe and affordable recreation activity that involves all members of the family, and/or community group.

Outdoor Youth Connection provides teens age 14 through 17 who are involved in community based organizations experience in outdoor activities, camping, teambuilding, and leadership.  They are empowered with the opportunity to develop life skills so that they can organize and lead their own outdoor trips and projects for their peers and community.

Collaborations for Synergy is our program that links California State Parks with other park and recreation organizations and agencies, non-profit organizations, police and police activities leagues, and any other group or organization where teaming up with California State Parks will benefit Californians and their pursuit of outdoor recreation.

Training provides education for kids and adults in outdoor recreation skills and activities as well as leadership skills that will help them help their communities.  Our curriculum consists of Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Community Policing, Youth Leadership Institute, and Outdoor Youth Connection.

California State Parks Police Activities League is dedicated to building community relationships and enhancing the quality of like by expanding the horizons of young people.

Health and Wellness Initiatives are components of our programs that help kids and adults make healthy choices in their diets, activities, behaviors, and lifestyles.

Special Events:
• Beach Play Day
• Day Camp for Type 2 Diabetes Youth
• Camporees
• Kayaking
• And more!