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| Family Camping in Northern California- Summer Camp's not just for kids anymore. Family camps are becoming increasingly popular. In the past 15 years, the number of camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) that offer a family program has increased 215 percent. What’s the attraction? The overriding reason seems to be that the camps allow everyone to have his or her own vacation while also allowing families to enjoy a sense of “togetherness” through the things they do as a family. Adults and children can usually select from various possibilities — including horseback riding, waterskiing, crafts and mountain biking — or they can just choose to relax. Parents and children often pick separate activities and then share their experiences at mealtimes. The “hassle-free” nature of the family camp is definitely another part of its appeal. Parents state that they want the outdoor experience, but also appreciate the fact that meals, activities and supervision are provided. It is, essentially, an all-inclusive family vacation. Family camps provide all the usual benefits of the kids camp experience, helping children become more confident, develop social skills, make friends, and try new activities. But family camps also allow parents to bring very little ones along for an overnight camp experience (most family camps take children as young as three or four years old, and some even as young as six months). Some family camps also allow families who have children with special needs kids to enjoy the camp experience together. One such camp, Bearskin Meadow Camp, offers four sessions for families with children who have diabetes and their siblings. Camp Okizu offers many sessions for families with children dealing with cancer. Many traditional camps run family sessions, ranging from weekends to week-long sessions. In Northern California, more than 15 of those camps are accredited by the ACA. These camps are in some of the most wonderful areas of the state. For example, the Bar 717 Ranch Camp is in the Trinity Mountains; Kennolyn Camp is in the Santa Cruz Mountains; and Camp Augusta is near Nevada City in the Gold Country. Most agency camps, such as Girl Scouts and the YMCA, also offer family camp programs. As they have become more popular, some family camps are resorting
to lotteries and waiting lists to manage the demand. Fortunately,
more and more traditional camps are adding or expanding family
sessions, but would-be family campers are advised to make reservations
early. Otherwise, they might miss the chance to “sing the
same songs and be closer together” as a family. |
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