HAWKs (Hiking Adventures with Kids) South Orange County is an outdoor hiking adventure program that helps youth explorers grow through learning and the discovery of nature. Their primarily outdoor programs encourage children’s sense of wonder about the natural world, familiarize them with local plants and animals, teach them the fundamentals of hiking, trail safety, and LNT (Leave No Trace) while instilling a deep sense of connection to the outdoors. They utilize over twenty different open spaces throughout all of southern Orange County ranging from regional parks to community trails.
With 10 weeks of Summer Camp to choose from, HAWKs offers your child the opportunity to get outside and off of screens, while also encouraging their curiosity about the natural world and engaging them in imaginative play. Beginning Fall 2026, After School Enrichment will be offered throughout the school year in Ladera Ranch. Homeschooling families will have programming to choose from beginning in the 26/27 school year as well. HAWKs also offers day camps for school holidays, “in service days,” and more. Email Niki@HawksKids.com for more information on programs offered.
“HAWKs education and nature‑based programming continually remind me that learning doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom; it can be hands‑on, sensory, and rooted in real experiences,” says Niki McConnell, owner. “Watching children discover confidence, resilience, and joy through outdoor exploration is one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my work.”
A typical HAWKs day includes hiking local trails, playing active games, creating with natural materials, and plenty of time for hands-on exploration. No two days are exactly the same—activities shift based on the weather, location, and what explorers discover along the way, whether that’s tracking animals, building nature art, or learning about local plants.
Rain, snow, or shine, HAWKs year-round programs operate in a wide range of weather conditions, as long as it’s safe to do so, because HAWKs believes that experiencing nature in rain, cold, and sunshine is part of the adventure. When weather becomes unsafe, programming shifts to pre-planned indoor locations, such as nature centers or makerspaces.
One recent camp turned into a fun day under some make-shift forts after an unexpected downpour made the explorers scurry for cover. The wind and rain were fierce for about an hour. Instead of packing up and calling it a day, rope was strung up and forts erected for everyone to stay dry, play games, and create drawings. Once the weather cleared, wildlife was observed coming back out of their hiding places.
“The day was topped off with a healthy pour of some oatmilk hot chocolate with marshmallows–a HAWKs rainy–day tradition–and a fun game of tag,” says Niki. “What could have been disastrous turned into another wonderful day in nature!”
Safety & Supervision
HAWKs maintains a maximum ratio of seven explorers per educator, with at least two educators always present with each group. All HAWKs educators are background checked and certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and also complete training focused on child development, outdoor safety, and nature-based learning.
“HAWKs sparks curiosity, nurtures confidence, and helps children build a lifelong relationship with nature,” says Niki. “I’m energized by seeing how nature‑based programming encourages creativity, problem‑solving, and emotional growth in an authentic way that is accessible to every child.”
949.427.6951 / SouthOC@HawksKids.com
HawksKids.com / Instagram: @hawks.kids
