Event: Pumpkin Patch
Date: October 11, 2025
Location: Animal Assisted Happiness, Sunnyvale, CA
Population Served: Foster youth ages 3+
Under beautiful weather, 35 of our foster youth and 27 Court Appointed Special Advocates celebrated the start of the fall season at our fifth annual Pumpkin Patch! From petting animals to carving pumpkins, there was a fun-filled fall activity for every youth.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed with a map highlighting all of the pumpkin-themed activity stations throughout Animal Assisted Happiness and an opportunity to partake in a scavenger hunt. Popular stations throughout the park included pumpkin carving and painting, beaded pumpkin crafts, face paintings and many other activities.
In addition to enjoying all of the arts and crafts stations, our youth had the chance to interact with many adorable animals—petting guinea pigs and bunnies and even saying hello to goats. As our day came to a close it was time for lunch. Our youth refueled with whole grain sandwiches, wraps, fruits and more.
Events like these provide our foster youth with enriching experiences that contribute to their emotional and social development and create positive childhood memories. Interacting with animals, nature, arts and crafts and the community around them can reduce stress, improve mood and build confidence. These positive interactions are essential in nurturing our youth’s resilience and self-esteem.
We extend our gratitude to Animal Assisted Happiness, Santa Clara University’s Future Child Advocates Club, Habitat for Humanity, staff and volunteers for LIFTING UP foster youth and making this event possible. We look forward to continuing to partner with local organizations like Animal Assisted Happiness to provide our youth with fun activities and access to nature.
Quotes from our CASA Volunteers:
“This event is very well-organized. I love how CASA incorporated with Santa Clara University students. Games, events and animals are great for kids and youth. I love this event so much.”
“My youth was super active and enjoyed this event. It was great to see multiple activities for him to experience. He also really seemed to enjoy interacting with other youths, CASAs and volunteers.”
If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring a youth-related event, please contact our development department at development@childadvocatessv.org.
