Our Objective

Kid Quest is an all-inclusive friendship group that is devoted to bringing unique experiences to children with unique needs. We believe it is essential for children with special needs to participate in the activities of their choosing--from rock climbing to art class--to integrate into pre-existing mainstream recreational programs and to learn social skills with same age peers, through shared experiences.

It is the intent of Kid Quest to design adventures that inspire children to explore the environment around them with confidence and companionship. Throughout the day, children are encouraged to develop teamwork, social skills, and a sense of autonomy. Kid Quest staff will identify the unique interests and needs of each child through interviews with the child and family. The job of the Kid Quest directors will be to identify, integrate, and support children with unique needs so they may fully participate in community programs, as well as in Kid Quest events and clubs, which offer new and exciting experiences in Santa Cruz County. 

The objectives are: to provide adequate modifications and supports to each child so that they may be successful in the activity of their choosing; to facilitate the transition into a mainstream activity; to provide adequate modifications and supports to each child so that they may be successful in the mainstream group; to train the community in acceptance and support through community outreach and community service; to train Kid Quest staff and consultants how to adapt activities and equipment; to provide support to families; and to train existing community program directors and their staff in adaptations and supports so that children with special needs may participate to the best of their abilities.

The Origins of Kid Quest

Cate and Colleen began working as BalanceSCC one-to-one instructors in the fall of 2002 and the spring of 2003 respectively. Then, in the spring of 2004 they began working together in a special day class in the Soquel School District. During this time they often found themselves discussing how much fun it would be to create a friendship group for children with unique needs and to take them on extraordinary excursions. They decided to design adventures that would inspire children to explore the environment around them with both confidence and companionship. Finally, they could no longer simply sit on their treasure chest of ideas. With the encouragement and support of Victoria George (Director of BalanceSCC), colleagues in the school district, and friends, they began formulating a plan. Kid Quest is the manifestation of six months of their day-dreaming, brain-storming and consulting with people of all ages. 

From September of 2005 until September of 2011 Nichole Griffin worked as one of the Kid Quest Program Managers. We want to thank Nichole for her years of dedication and hard work!

Services Provided

Throughout the day, Kid Quest staff encourage the development of teamwork, social skills, and a sense of autonomy for each child.

Kid Quest supports systemic changes in inclusive practice for children with disabilities by acting as a vehicle for children with unique needs to participate in mainstream recreational programs, building the capacity of mainstream program leaders to work with special populations, and increasing the visibility of students with unique needs in our community. Kid Quest coordinates and builds relationships with directors of pre-existing community programs and strives to include children with unique needs and their peers in mutually beneficial activities and relationships. Typically developing children will also participate in Kid Quest events. Through community outreach Kid Quest welcomes volunteers from private and public schools, universities and community colleges.

The design of Kid Quest incorporates flexibility to meet the specific needs of each child and supports their strengths through an adaptive curriculum and a rich sensory diet. Kid Quest strives to provide all the necessary tools that a child may need in order to successfully and happily participate in each activity.

Siblings and friends of children with unique needs are very welcome to participate, but it is preferred that parents allow their child to build independence by participating without the parent or guardian present.