Things To Do - Cal Alumni Association

Things to Do Around Camp

With a backyard of incomparable beauty and stellar college staff leading programming, 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 your 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!

a bear statue looking up with pine trees behind it

Photo by Kevin Kitsuda

Age-Group Activities

Cubs of all ages will love making new friends at camp, exploring their creativity, being in nature, and diving into camp activities on their own terms.

kids and staffer making a volcano in the sandbox at the Lair

Lair kids seated in a large circle at program

kids gathered around the campfire making smores

Young teens posing on a party boat activity on Pinecrest Lake

a toddler playing with red trucks in a sand pit

A group of kids drawing on a large banner on the floor in the dining hall at the Lair

Several young campers and a staffer keeping score during a softball game at the Lair's Camp Gold

A photo taken by someone riding a horse, so that a horse's neck and face (turned to the side) are in the foreground and a young child on a horse is just ahead of the photographer. They are riding on a trail in the forest.

A young girl looking off camera, while she crouches at the top of a slide.

Four young teen boys wearing matching blue Lair of the Bear sweatshirts.

A large group of young girls and their staffers assembled together on a sand volleyball court

Student staffers who run the Cub Corral pose with their Cubs at the Kiddie Campfire.

A group of young kids with three staffers on the stage performing a song at the Lair, with a blue curtain behind them.

A Lair staffer and a group of kids sitting together at a picnic table working on a project.

Several young boys playing tether ball at the Lair

Nature

Go for a hike on one of the many beautiful trails right in our backyard, or head to the lake for some paddleboarding, swimming, or kayaking. Whether you’re exploring the forest or relaxing on the water, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds the Lair.

A landscape photo of hikers standing around close to Blue Canyon Lake on a day hike from the Lair

an alpine lake surrounded by granite and trees with the sun shining in the upper left corner.

four kids standing on a log, spelling out LAIR with their bodies

forest scenery with pine trees and a creek

girl kneeling on a paddle board on the shorline

Boy lying on a rock ledge with a waterfall in the background

colorful kayaks lined up on a dock at the lake

Three young kids playing and swimming in Pinecrest Lake

Photo by Kevin Kitsuda

Archery

Once you’re at camp, sign up at the Store for an archery lesson!

Arts and Crafts

Get in touch with your creative side with our art program. From throwing a pot on the wheel to mastering a new lanyard stitch, and from tie-dye demos to adult art hour, there’s a welcoming creative opportunity for every camper!

A boy in wearing a Lair tshirt and hat working on the pottery wheel

A side view of a woman tie-dying an item at the Lair's Camp Blue.

Athletics

Play sports including softball, basketball, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and more!

Teens playing volleyball on the Camp Oski sand court

2 teams playing pickleball against each other

Campers and staff playing innertube water polo at the Lair

a group of kids playing volleyball, with one jumping up towards the ball

two adults playing cornhole, one mid throw

Two men playing ping pong with tents and trees in the background.

Two softball players touching hands during a game at the Lair

A camper aiming his arrow at the archery range at the Lair

Two teams high fiving each other after a softball game at the Lair

Photo by C. Lim

Pool Time!

Jump in for water aerobics, splash around with the kids, or just relax poolside with a good book. The pool is the perfect place to beat the heat and have some fun!