Family Camp
Make New Memories at Family Camp
The Lair of the Golden Bear will leave an indelible mark on your entire family. Lair campers of all ages enjoy a multitude of staff-led activities during each day of their stay. Others find adventure on their own. By the time departure day arrives, you will have fallen in love with our special corner of the Sierra Nevada!
Watch this short video to see what camping at the Lair is all about. (courtesy of Kevin Kitsuda)
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
When and Where to Camp
From mid-June through September, most of our summer sessions are Family Camp. We offer seven-night long family camp sessions, plus several weekend family camp sessions. Our weeks begin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and campers depart the following Saturday morning. Our weekends run from Friday afternoon to Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (or Monday during Labor Day weekend). For more information about our calendar and pricing, please see our Dates and Rates pages.
The Lair is comprised of three separate camps: Camp Blue, Camp Gold, and Camp Oski. Each camp operates with almost identical programming; all three camps have staff shows, camper talent shows, age group activities, guest speakers, swimming pools, Cub Corrals, art, hiking, and music programs. The primary difference between the camps is the size and the layout. Camp Blue and Camp Gold are very similar to each other, as each accommodates about 325 campers in tent cabins located throughout the camp. Both Blue and Gold have tennis and pickleball courts, while Oski doesn’t; however, Oski campers can use the courts at Blue or Gold. During the week at Blue and Gold, campers of all ages enjoy athletic tournaments and games such as tennis, basketball, horseshoes, bridge, backgammon, and trivial pursuit, and strive to win a wonderful little Lair trophy. Blue and Gold also compete against each other each week in softball and volleyball—no trophies, just glory.
Camp Oski has tent cabins are arranged in circles. Each tent circle has a fire pit in the center, providing an ideal camping atmosphere (great for making night time s’mores!). Camp Oski is smaller, holding about 190 campers, and has a large beautiful pool, but no tennis or pickleball courts and no tournaments. Oski has the same great children’s programs and campfire traditions as Blue and Gold, plus a higher staff to camper ratio.
Photo by Suz McFadden
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by Suz McFadden
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by CJ Poloka
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by CJ Poloka
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by E. Duncan
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by Lisa Newby
Photo by CJ Poloka
Photo by Lisa Newby
Photo by CJ Poloka
Photo by Liz Henderson
Photo by Erin Proudfoot
Photo by Erin Proudfoot
Photo by D. Hayes
Photo by D. Hayes
Photo by Caroline Lim
Photo by Caroline Lim
Photo by Caroline Lim
Photo by Caroline Lim
Photo by Suz McFadden
Photo by Suz McFadden
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Photo by Caroline Lim
A Day in the Life
Wake up early and go on a run to the lake, grab some coffee in the Lodge, or enjoy the quiet of camp. Head to breakfast in the Dining Hall, and get ready for the day. Drop your kids off at their age group programs, stop by the camp store, or head to the art area to start a lanyard or tie-dye. Stop and chat with a new friend along the way. After lunch, stop by the pool, shoot some hoops, or relax with a good book at your tent. Before you know it, it’s time for dinner. Bundle up for the nightly program, whether it’s a show at the stage or Disco Bingo in the Dining Hall! The magic of the Lair is that you can do as much or as little as you’d like everyday. With programming throughout the day for kids and adults alike, the Lair is simply the best all-inclusive vacation your family will ever know.
Kids Love the Lair!
Cubs of all ages will love making new friends, exploring their creativity, and diving into nature on their own terms. Children’s age group programs typically meet in the morning and afternoon, with a nightly program twice a week. The age groups are separated as follows: Cub Corral (diaper graduates through kindergarten), Teddy Bears (grades 1-2), Golden Bears (grades 3-5), Cal Bears (grades 6-8), Grizzly Bears (grades 9-12). Within each age group, two to four staffers organize a wide variety of activities ranging from arts & crafts, pool parties, and kickball to horseback riding, a hike to the lake, and more fun & games.
Parents Enjoy Endless Relaxation or Adventure
The Lair features a wide variety of offerings for adults looking for precious “me” time. Activities include hiking, music, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on the lake, athletic competitions, and tournaments with your kids. Or you can just hang out at the pool or in a hammock with a good book on a beautiful summer day. Let us take care of the cooking, cleaning, and planning while you enjoy your vacation.
For adults who prefer a gentle workout, the Lair Wellness Team offers daily yoga, Pilates, boot camp workouts (more active), and fantastic massages (at an additional cost).
Camp Schedules
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Dining and Entertainment
Meals
“Hands down the best family vacation with the best people.” – 2018 Camp Oski camper
Your Lair fees include ALL of your meals—three hearty all-you-can-eat meals each day. This year, meals will be served cafeteria-style in a common Dining Hall, typically including a hot entrée with side dish options. Breakfast is served buffet style from 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. with hot entrees, fruit, cereal, toast, yogurt, oatmeal — the works! Lunch is served at 12:15 p.m., and if you plan to hike during lunch, you can make a bag lunch at breakfast. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. with hearty options.
Outside of the three meal times, early morning coffee is available before breakfast. The Burger Shack at Camps Blue and Gold sells assorted food and snacks later in the evening.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies to certain foods (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, low-carb, lactose-intolerant), there are options for you at every meal. You can share your specific dietary needs with our Dining Hall Host or Hostess when you arrive at camp.
View MenusMeals are subject to change.
Nightlife
Stargaze or enjoy staff-produced musical campfires and a camper talent night. Families love Disco Bingo, complete with costumes and 70’s disco music. See “What to Bring” below for ideas on costumes. The Camp Blue and Camp Gold lodges are always a center of social activity with cards, board games, and evening snacks. At Camp Oski, tent circle campfires bring families together for s’mores, ghost stories, and good old fashioned sing-alongs.
Our Guest Speaker Program every Sunday and Tuesday night during full-week stays features prominent alumni and members of Cal’s esteemed faculty and administration. Guest speakers address topics from astronomy to intercollegiate athletics, the environment to politics and beyond.
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
What to Bring
Prepare for your stay in the mountains by bringing the essentials. From bedding and towels, to clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, there’s plenty to pack for your stay. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle for everyone in your family, and don’t forget layers for the chilly nights. Please see our detailed What to Bring page for more on what you should (and shouldn’t) pack for camp.
Accommodations
Most of our accommodations at the Lair are tent-cabins, wooden A-frame structures with a canvas tent top and door flap. Inside, you’ll find twin-size bed frames and mattresses for everyone, a set of shelves, an overhead light, and an outlet with two plugs. Shared bathrooms and showers are conveniently located throughout camp. Please see our Accommodations page for more details and photos of our tent-cabins and winterized cabins at Camp Oski.
All schedules, programs, and dates are subject to change.
*Please note that for week-long family camp sessions, CAA membership is required for a least one attending adult in each individual tent. CAA membership is not required for any of our adult sessions or Family Weekends. You do not need to be a Cal graduate to join the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). To join CAA, please call 888.CAL.ALUM.
Ready to Attend Family Camp?
Reservations open January 16. Make a booking request by our February 28th priority deadline.
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
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