Our Story
How a small community idea became a thriving nonprofit serving San Francisco families.
WHO WE ARE
Mariposa Kids is a nonprofit organization providing play-based programming for children ages 1–11 in San Francisco. From our two clubhouses in the Mission District and Bernal Heights, we offer after-school programs, summer camps, holiday camps, and early childhood programming—all built around our belief in the power of play.
OUR HISTORY
Mariposa Kids was founded in 2007 in the home of our co-founders with a vision of building children’s services centered on democratic school principles—an approach that emphasizes child-led learning, shared decision-making, and respect for each child’s autonomy. Through community partnerships, the program moved to the clubhouse at James Rolph Jr. Park & Playground, where programming evolved toward a free play model better suited to out-of-school time.
In 2015, the co-founders stepped aside and hired the organization’s first Executive Director, and in 2021, the board hired Ryan Hazelton to lead Mariposa Kids through its next chapter. The organization launched the P.L.A.Y. Initiative, an 18-month strategic effort that formalized its Mission, Vision, Values, and Theory of Change while building a culture of data-informed programming.
Mariposa Kids launched its Power of Play three-year strategic initiative in 2024, opening a second clubhouse in Bernal Heights and increasing community impact by 50%. From 2021 to 2026, the organization’s budget has nearly tripled. What started at a kitchen table has grown into a thriving nonprofit serving hundreds of San Francisco children and families each year.
MISSION
To support and inspire children’s natural curiosity and independence through free play during their out-of-school time.
VISION
Vibrant communities that support the social-emotional growth of all children through friendship and play.
VALUES
Fun – At the center of our work, we value the social-emotional learning that comes from a child’s ability to freely play in a fun, supervised environment with other children.
Community – We honor the neighborhoods we exist in and do our best work to contribute to their well-being by bringing play and life to public spaces.
Belonging – Our communities are diverse, and fostering belonging among children and families is an important part of healthy child development.
Well-Being – We value the well-being of the children and families in our community and believe that when children are safe, both them and their families are more likely to have healthy futures.
Learning – We believe the opportunity to learn extends beyond the classroom, and we promote the self-discovery and social-emotional growth of children through our programming.
VIEW OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
Our Approach
Every child deserves a place where they feel secure, respected, and free to be themselves. Children need the freedom to play and the freedom of choice to develop important life skills. We grow stronger together. Our programs bring children and families into connection with each other and with the neighborhoods we serve.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We believe in inclusive, diverse environments. Financial assistance is available to families earning low-income.
