What may be just another ho-hum day at the beach to you is often the best day of their lives to others. I don't know why exactly but I like helping special needs kids (sometimes, an adult or two). The smiles are all the reward one could ask for in giving up a little time to help make these young lives enjoy our great outdoors. And we're so lucky to live in Southern California with year-round beaches to play on. The Best Day Foundation (http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/) enables children with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun adventure activities that expand their potential and connect them with diverse populations in their community. Volunteers offer activities including surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddling and snow sports. I'm no skier so I stay on the shore. This organization cannot survive without donor support and volunteer staffing. All of their activities are provided at no cost to any parent, child or participating organization. They're unique in providing activities for children with special needs from 4 to 24 with any physical or developmental challenge including: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, spinal cord injuries, cancer, sight or hearing impairments, and more. Not only does the Best Day Foundation make a difference in a child's life by giving them confidence to try new experiences, these programs also significantly impact the parents. "The look of freedom in his eyes is one I will remember forever..." Ian's mom, Rena. Parents can relax for a spell and know their loved ones are in good hands, or paws, as the case may be. Quite often at these special needs events, you might see a beautiful dog named Ricochet. He's a friendly girl (yes, Ricochet is a female) golden retriever and loves attention. Find her at http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surfdogricochet.com%2FWho%2520is%2520Surf%2520Dog%2520Ricochet.htm&rct=j&q=surf%20dog%20ricochet&ei=N0WrTYe6O4fgiALUg6DvDA&usg=AFQjCNFKldzyApJGPasPj56RSTPHhGyNwg&cad=rja Do you know a child or group of children who might like to participate? Would you like to earn some priceless smiles? Contact them or learn more on the website. Ph. (800) 309-2815; info@bestdayfoundation.org read more

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Some days you realize that all is in fact good in the world, and maybe you should get off your selfish narcissistic behind and give back a little. More often then not, when these days happen, I find myself up to my eye lids in saltwater, covered in neoprene trying to make it a Best Day for someone. Best Day Foundation is one of a handful of organizations which looks to encourage and celebrate the lives of children with special needs through action sports type activities. Not every parent is a born water woman or man, but that shouldn't mean that their child must go through life never to feel the incredible sensation of saltwater in their face and sand between their toes. Surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking... Best Day works to provide the best possible water mentors to make it the best day under the sun. You don't have to be a water person to volunteer. And I highly recommend it. It's the best thing you will ever do with a few hours of your time, I promise. If your child has special needs, please sign them up. I would love to see more happy smiling faces at the next Best Day! read more

I volunteered for this organization yesterday in Ventura, CA. I will say for the organization that it was well run by wonderful people. I will say for the day that it was one of the most beautiful days of my life. I was a 'beach buddy' to a young girl who was blind. She surfed, she body boarded, she kayaked, she canoed...all because of this great organization and all of us volunteered. She and 31 other kids (and that is just one day!) had the "BEST DAY". Donate, Volunteer, Participate. However you can get involved, please do! read more

We have participated in Best Day events from La Jolla to Ventura. My wheel-chair kid was paired up with a volunteer who functioned as his personal aide for the whole event. Got him fitted with a helmet and life-vest (he declined the wetsuit), and got him a spot on an outrigger canoe, kayak, boogie board, and even a specially outfitted surf board. The people who actually accompany the kids on the canoes and surfboards have serious water skills and a strong orientation toward safety for all the participants. The one-on-one volunteers moved my kid from activity and functioned as his companion and guide and took personal interest giving him a great day on the water. As a parent, my job was to sit on my beach chair (bring your own), take pictures, and interfere just enough to know that my son was safe (he was fine without my interference!). Fabulous day! I can't thank the volunteers enough. Who would think that my wheel-chair kid could be a surfer?! read more

Best Day Foundation - Wheel-chair kid on a surfboard. Yes! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Watsonville, California

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