Family Camp
Memorable mountain adventures for the whole family!
June–September 2012
Camps Blue, Gold, and Oski
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Camp is for Everyone!
Are you thinking that the Lair of the Bear just might have too much dirt? Too much wilderness? Not enough creature comforts for the camper inside of you? Well, we’re here to tell you that our beloved family camp is an incredibly special place to so many, and you’re going to absolutely love it. With a backyard of incomparable beauty and an outstanding college-aged staff leading dozens of program options every waking hour of your stay, this mountain playground will provide a memorable time for each and every member of your family.
Kids love the Lair!
Cubs of all ages will love making new friends, exploring their creativity, and diving into nature on their own terms.
Our staff-led activities include arts and crafts, hikes, nature games, swimming, sports of all kinds, boating, story-telling, dances, creek walks, barbecues, and movies, to name a few. Even young children will enjoy their own program with crafts, games, nature hikes, and musical fun.
Our children’s groups meet multiple times daily and are defined by age:
- Kub Korral (diaper graduates ages 2–4): Arts and crafts, face painting, story time, snack time, nap time...
- Kids (divided into two groups: one for ages 5–7, and a group for ages 8–9): Hike to lake, arts and crafts, face painting, pool party...
- Pre-teens (ages 10–12): Capture the Flag, paddle boating, pool party, fishing, horseback riding...
- Young teens (ages 13–14): Hiking, swimming, paddle boating, horseback riding, rush-in softball...
- Older teens (ages 15–17): Hiking, swimming, paddle boating, horseback riding, rush-in softball...
- Anyone & Everyone: Hiking, tennis, horseshoes, softball, swimming, tournaments, arts and crafts, and more.
Parents: Are you Looking for Endless Relaxation?
Or high adventure? We feature both in a wide variety of offerings for the camping parent. Our programs include high-Sierra hiking, music, lake kayaking, athletic competitions, and tournaments with your kids. It’s also perfectly fine to choose to hang out in a hammock with a good book on a beautiful summer’s day.
For adults who prefer a gentle workout, our Lair Wellness program offers daily yoga, Pilates, boot camp workouts (not gentle), and fantastic massages (available at an additional cost). This programming is hosted at locations in each of the three camps, and sometimes for all three camps, at our Vista Lodge which is located halfway between Camp Blue and Camp Gold.
Meals
Your Lair fees include all of your meals. Three hearty meals a day are served family-style in a common Dining Hall. The food is all you can eat and typically includes a hot entree with side dish options. Lunches offer a full salad bar, homemade soups, and breads. For vegetarians, there are options at every meal, and for out-of-camp hikers or day-trippers, one has the opportunity to make a bag lunch to go. A continental breakfast is also available every day for late risers—and every night the Camp Blue and Gold Burger Shacks sell hot food and snacks.
Night Life
Evenings find families star-gazing at our incredible night sky, enjoying staff-produced musical campfires or camper talent night at the stage. Another family favorite is Disco Bingo at the dining hall complete with costumes and 70’s disco music. The lodges at Camps Blue and Gold are always a center of social activity as friends gather for card and board games and an evening snack. At Camp Oski, tent circle campfires bring families together for s’mores, ghost stories, or good old fashioned sing-alongs.
Every Sunday and Tuesday night during your full week stay, we feature a popular "guest speaker" program at the Lair stage. While your child is safe and sound in a program, you will enjoy a presentation by a prominent Cal alum or a member of UC Berkeley's esteemed faculty or administration. Our speakers run the full intellectual gamut, with subjects ranging from astronomy to intercollegiate athletics, from politics to Pixar, and beyond.
Week-long Sessions
The Lair family camp experience is best enjoyed in our week-long sessions. These run from mid-June to mid-August and are offered at all three Lair camps.
Mini-Weeks
A mini-week is the Lair family camp experience condensed into a four-night format. If your family has never attended the Lair, this is an ideal opportunity to see what all the excitement is about. Mini-weeks are offered in June at all three camps.
Getaway Weekends
Early to mid-June is a beautiful time in the mountains (usually!) and the Lair is the perfect place for a weekend getaway for families, singles, and couples. Arrive on Friday afternoon and leave after Sunday lunch. You'll have access to all Lair facilities along with many adult and age group activities.
During these four special, low-key weekends, the pool, a cozy Lair tent (or a room in Bosch Hall if in Camp Oski), Lair meals, and all the great outdoors await you.
This three day intimate vacation is a great way to enjoy the region in a smaller dose and is a perfect fit for a family reunion.
Lair Accommodations
Please visit our Accommodations page to learn more about your Lair tent amenities and some other limited lodging options.
Programs and dates are subject to change.
The Lair Welcomes All
You do not need to be a Cal graduate to camp at the Lair!
U.S. Forest Service
The Lair is located in the Stanislaus National Forest under Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, age or nationality.
Weather for Pinecrest, CA
Current conditions: Fair
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