FAQs

general questions

  • Closed-toed shoes are a must! Wear clothes that are fun to play in and get dirty! Kids seem to be most comfortable here in shorts and a t-shirt.

    Tote a sweatshirt for cooler mornings and chilling out in the shade.

    Swimming happens daily, so they’ll need a swimsuit and towel every time they get on a Cali Camp bus.

    We have also converted all of our drinking fountains to water bottle filling stations, so all campers will need to bring a water bottle as well.

    Be sure to mark all clothing and items with your child’s name and group name/bus if possible.

  • Activities and all the great Cali Camp fun! Also included is more extensive time to meet and greet other campers and counselors. There will be a little less time for activities on these days but we’ve learned, that makes for time spent meeting each other, and knowing each other a little before activities start makes for a lot more fun overall.

    Every camper is welcomed by a Cali Camp staff member as they arrive; gets a special “First Day Name Tag"; and is encouraged to ask questions to satisfy their curiosity about camp and to comfort concerns.

    Click here to see our pre camp info sheet for all you need to know!

  • Campers ages 4 - 5 are placed in mixed -gendered groups with 10 -12 campers per group, with 2 counselors plus 1- 2 Jr. Leaders for supervision.

    Traditionally children ages 6 and up are grouped by age and gender in groups of 15 - 18 campers, with 2 counselors plus 1- 2 Jr. Leaders for supervision. We understand that gender is non-binary and some campers may prefer to be in a mixed-gender group. For that reason we also have a mixed-gender group option. We will always place a child in whichever group makes them most comfortable.

    Specialty Campers are placed in mixed-gendered groups of approx. 18 campers, with 2 counselors plus 1 - 2 Jr. Leaders for supervision.

    Group Requests : Coming to camp with a friend can be tons of fun, and so can coming solo! We have actually found that campers that come without an established friend are more likely to meet new people, try new activities and have a great time overall! If you do have a friend coming, we try our best to honor one mutual friend request.

  • Our waitlist is more like a “waiting pool” (like a wading pool, but less wet). Once you are on the waitlist, I’m sure you’re wondering “but, what number am I??” We fill our groups from the waiting pool based on availably per age group, gender specifications (see our FAQ above about gender and mixed gender groupings) and programs. Even someone who is 1st or 2nd on the waitlist may not get a spot because that particular age group or program is already at capacity. Alternatively, you may be number 20 on the list, but the first 8 year old boy, and we have space for 8 year old boys, so you get the spot!

    Also, we do not charge anything to be placed on the waitlist! So get on there for as many weeks as possible for even a better chance of getting into camp.

    During the month of April we play the biggest, most complicated game of Tetris to get as many campers in the correct group for them based on their age, gender preference, program, friend requests, etc. Keep in mind that as families cancel or move weeks around, you may get a call even the week before your waitlisted week.

  • Equestrians across the world follow these simple rules to keep it safe and fun:

    Boots with small heels or hard shoes with small heels. No child will be allowed to ride in sneakers.

    Long pants.

    Mark all clothing with your child’s name.

  • We have a weekly theme calendar full of fun! Most dress up days fall on Wednesdays. Let your camper come up with their own costume or give them the guidance they ask for. Once they arrive they’ll see counselors and staff in costume too.

  • Yes! We have our own Cali Camp App. The app is available to registered families to keep up to date on Camp Themes, Dress Up Days, Camp Photos and last minute reminders.

    To use the Camper Facial Recognition Software, you must upload your camper’s photo PRIOR to their first day of camp.

    Click here for more info on using the app.

lunch bunch & cali-cafe

  • Yes, we have hot lunches for $13 per day. And yes, you can also pack a bagged lunch for your child. Please make all packed lunches non-perishable and write your child's first and last name on it as well. We will stash it in a shady spot until lunch time.

    Check out more info about our meal program on the ‘MEALS’ tab.

  • Your child can purchase a lunch on a per-day basis as they arrive, they will just give their name and have the card on file charged at the end of the week.

  • Yes, Cali Cafe stocks whole grain, gluten free foods, as well as fresh fruits and more. Children will also have access to camp supplied water throughout the day. We suggest you don’t pack sweet drinks/sodas.

    No, gum is not allowed at camp or on the bus.

  • Complete all questions about allergies in our Health History form online.

  • A sweet treat is nice every now and then! The Snack Shack sells Ice Cream ($4), Fresh Baked Cookies ($3) and Fresh Popped Popcorn ($2) during lunch. All campers must show a staff member how much of their lunch they have eaten before being allowed to visit the snack shack. We accept cash only, as we find this to be a wonderful way for campers to learn money management. We also sell Cali Camp swag including stuffed animals, mini backpacks, towels, keychains and more ($1 - $25)! Sometimes campers do lose their money, so we suggest you only send them with a minimal amount of cash per day. Cali Camp is not responsible for misplaced money.

taking the bus to camp

  • One or two, with the majority of routes only having one stop. We’ve found that having only one or two pick-up/drop off station per route reduces the tedium for campers, keeps them together as one egalitarian community for each drive and helps them arrive at camp fresh and ready for an adventurous day.

  • Check out our Transportation Station List or the Transportation Page to find your perfect bus.

  • California law mandates special training for each bus driver. But we think, that person should be focused on one thing alone – driving. We have hired professional bus drivers to do just that for us and also that’s why we staff each bus with a counselor or equivalent Cali Camp staffer. The fun, Bus Cup Challenge and Cali community starts the moment your child steps on the bus.

  • On the first day of camp each camper receives a name tag with their bus name. Every bus is represented by a different tree, and the counselors display the bus info at the end of the day, as well as the morning, so campers know which bus is theirs.

    Counselors ride on each bus. And every counselor has a list of the campers assigned on that bus.

  • The transportation manager, camp director, team leaders and transportation staff are in the parking lot at the end of each day to assist any child that needs assistance.

    Tell your child: No one leaves until every camper is on the right bus, we've taken roll, and a final and correct count from each driver is confirmed.

    Every child is encouraged to seek help if they need it.

  • You are always welcome to drop off your camper(s) to camp. If you need to pick up early from camp, you must pick up prior to 2:45pm. Our parking lot is closed to all vehicles and pick ups between 2:45 and 4:00pm. When picking up early from camp please allow 15 - 20 minutes for us to locate your camper on property and have them arrive at the office.

inclusion & community

  • We always try to fulfill great summers for all kids, which includes kids who have challenges physically, different learning rates and more complex emotional needs. While we can’t guarantee enrollment for every child, our Inclusion Coordinator is here to discuss if there are specific questions and to help coordinate.

    We often compare the camp environment to an amusement or theme park full of lots of people, fun sounds and singing, silly games and costumes. This can be overwhelming to some children.

    If you are wondering if Cali Camp is the right fit for your camper, please call the office so we can work together as a team to determine if camp is the right place for your child to thrive.

  • Being in a gendered space can be really fun and magical. There is something intangible about having the “Coyote Bro Code” or the “Doves Flock” that feels really connective and special. Many adults experience this with the infamous “Girls Night Out” or having a “Man Cave.” However, from a child development standpoint, the benefits of gendered spaces can be even more significant. For example, when groups visit a stereotypical ”female” activity some boys are less inclined to participate based on social constructs surrounding boys dancing. If the 11 year old boys group is at dance, and there is a girl within 50 feet some boys will plaster themselves against the wall in the best imitation of a fly that they can muster. However, when it’s just the boys alone (with an out-going, “super cool” male counselor that shows them dancing is cool) those boys are out learning the moves to “thriller” like it’s their job. We are able to break that cycle of toxic masculinity much quicker when they feel “safe” in an all male group. We have experienced this same trend on the other end of the spectrum when a group of 8 year olds go play a game of ultimate frisbee together in a mixed gender group. At that age developmentally speaking boys and girls are in different stages of growth and abilities. We have seen time and time again that some girls will be content to sit off to the side, talking and enjoying the company of other females, often stating things like “the boys play too rough.” Those females are perfectly happy to sit out and socialize, however at Cali Camp we want everyone to feel comfortable to play, and play hard at their own level. We want the girls to get out there and have a great time playing sports and trying new things! When the groups are gendered, we see much more participation from girls in our sports activities.

    Of course this is all gender-generalizations, and we know there are plenty of campers that are happy to play or dance no matter the company that they are with. We also know that gender is non-binary, and that our gendered groups can be exclusionary to non-binary campers who would prefer a mixed gender group. This is why we also have mixed gendered group options for anyone who would prefer. Our directors are happy to discuss this philosophy further as needed.

  • At Cali Camp we strive for everyone to feel safe and seen. For this reason, we proudly display our gender pronouns on our staff name tags. We believe it’s never too early to shift the binary gender language, however we know that parents may want to introduce this topic to their children in their own way. We encourage you to speak with your camper about gender pronouns at home before attending camp. Most of the time we simply tell inquisitive campers “that’s a great question for your parents.”

personal property

  • No doubt kids can have a fantastic time using new technologies, but Cali Camp provides a child-community made better with fewer distractions. Cali Camp is also about experiencing a beautiful, fun outdoor environment which kids can’t always enjoy on a daily, school-year basis.

    Because of this, no personal toys, electronic games, phones, tablets, iPads, iWatches, iPods, or headphones are allowed in camp or on the bus.

  • The camp is out of range for cell phones and they are not allowed on the property. If you must send your child with a cell phone, please put their name on it. If it comes out of their backpack, we will hold the phone in the director’s office till the end of the day.

CAMP POLICIES

Operating for more than half a century has taught us that certain policies help keep camp running smoothly and ensure that staff time focuses on campers. It is highly recommended that you read through all of our FAQs fully before registering for camp.

  • There is a two week enrollment minimum per summer, per camper. Your child’s health history form, waiver and camper photo must be submitted prior to their first day of each summer. When registering after April 1st, all payments must be paid in full. All family ledgers must be paid in full prior to a child’s first day.

  • You may switch your scheduled weeks at any time, pending availability. Any weeks added to your schedule will be subject to the current price. If you have additional credits on your family ledger, you may use those credits for any enrolled siblings.

  • All tuition paid via credit card will incur a 3% processing fee.

  • Refunds or credits issued (for any reason) will always be subject to a 6% cancelation fee. Please note, the $50 per camper registration fee is non-refundable.

  • Due to our weekly enrollment, there are no absence credits for missed single or partial days. If you need to reschedule an entire week, you may do so up until the Wednesday before that week begins, pending availability.

  • An extended illness or injury is defined as being 5 or more consecutive camp days. A doctor’s note stating the child is unable to participate in camp is required for verification. In the event of an extended illness or injury (including Covid 19), you may reschedule the unused camp week for later in the current summer. If we are not able to reschedule you for the current summer, a credit will be issued for next summer. Be aware that a doctor’s note verifying extended illness does not qualify any registered siblings for illness credits.

  • Should you withdraw your child from camp prior to April 1st then you will receive your deposit or full tuition less the $50.00 registration fee and a 6% cancellation fee. After April 1st there are no refunds or credits for future summers.

  • There are times when a child is unable to acclimate physically, psychologically or emotionally to the camp setting. In these circumstances the camper will be evaluated by the counselor, team leader, and camp directors in partnership with the parents, to determine their continued fit for Cali Camp. While we do not give refunds or credits for partial weeks, we will issue refunds or credits for any future weeks that can be filled from the waitlist.

  • There are no refunds for any campers who are dismissed for disciplinary reasons. Disciplinary reasons include but are not limited to: bullying, violence, intentional damage of property, continued refusal to follow instructions, etc. Cali Camp is an alcohol, drug, and weapon free campus. Any camper found with any of these items will be immediately dismissed from camp.

  • Some children experience apprehension or nerves for their first time at camp. If that apprehension exists, then it is recommended that you enroll your child for the minimum enrollment of 2 weeks. You can always add weeks if they are available. On the rare occasion that your child does not want to return after their first day of camp, we offer a full credit or refund of unused camp days less the $50.00 registration fee and a 6% cancelation fee.