Lair Open Houses & Pregame Fun Zones - Cal Alumni Association

Join a Lair of the Bear Open House Event!

We are hosting two upcoming Open House events and all are welcome (you don’t need to be a Cal alum to camp with us)!

If you’ve ever wondered what family camp at the Lair looks like, are curious about our adult specialty camps, or just want to see why campers return year after year, these free events are the perfect way to learn more. Join one — or both — just be sure to register (more on this below)!

Sunday, January 25 — 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Open House & Pregame Fun Zone at Alumni House, UC Berkeley
Saturday, February 7 — 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Open House & Pregame Fun Zone at Alumni House, UC Berkeley

A family of three sitting with big grins at a yellow table with a pinecone on it.

Lair Open House and Pregame Fun Zone Details

In addition to our virtual Open House on January 7 at 7:00 p.m., we are hosting two free in-person Open House events in early 2026 at Alumni House, UC Berkeley.

Whether you intend to camp at the Lair or are just curious, we invite you to join us! Meet Lair management and staff, learn what makes camp special, and get a feel for the place so many affectionately call “home.”

We’ll be there to answer questions about family camp, adult specialty camps, staff-led activities, reservations and booking, what Lair life is really like, and more.

Enjoy light snacks and drinks, a raffle, face painting, games, s’mores, and other family-friendly fun while you have fun and connect.

Both of our in person events take place before a Cal Basketball game, and we’re offering discounted tickets to those who would like to join us and cheer on Cal Basketball after our Open House! Go BEARS!

Sunday, January 25 — 3:00 p.m.
Cal Women’s Basketball vs. Stanford (discounted tickets)
Saturday, February 7 — 5:00 p.m.
Cal Men’s Basketball vs. Clemson (discounted tickets)

Young brother and sister with Cal face paint and bear paw face paint smiling, standing with arms around each other's shoulders

REGISTER BELOW FOR AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT!

We hope you bring family and friends with you to one or more of our Open House events! Please be sure to register, so we know to expect you and can send you a link to our virtual event — just click the links below.

January 7 — 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Information Session – View recording of this past event
January 25 — 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
In Person Open House & Pregame Fun Zone at Alumni House, UC Berkeley
February 7 — 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
In Person Open House & Pregame Fun Zone at Alumni House, UC Berkeley

a man and his daughter (wearing a Golden Bears tee shirt) snuggling and smiling

Lair Spotlights

Four staffers sitting in the cab of a truck hauling a load of split wood in the back.

News

Behind the Scenes at the Lair of the Bear

When family camp comes to a close, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes to keep the Lair running strong. In late August and September, the Lair hosts Bear Music Fest, an International House retreat, and late summer weddings. Then, once all the guests begin their drive down Hwy 108, a hard-working Closing Crew takes over. […]

chancellor rich lyons and spouse jen lyons

_{Chancellor Lyons and his wife, Jen, smile big, with Pinecrest Lake sparkling softly in the background.}

News

Chancellor Lyons Talks Lair of the Golden Bear

Chancellor Lyons, who’s known for carrying his guitar around camp, shared his personal stories, reflected on how the Lair fuels Cal spirit, and offered some words of wisdom for the staffers and campers to come.

close up of daisies with sunlight shining through

_{Photo by Kevin Kitsuda}

Lair of the Golden Bear

Highly Recommended: Trip Insurance

While no one plans to cancel their vacation, sometimes unexpected events can throw a wrench in our plans! This is why we highly recommend trip insurance as a way to get reimbursed should you have to cancel.

A Lair staffer instructing archery to a younger girl with her bow raised.

_{Photo by Kevin Kitsuda}

Camp experience for the corporate world: How a summer at the Lair builds success stories

Lair veteran staffer Jessie Fisher's Daily Cal article spotlights the highly desirable soft skills staffers hone through their hard work at the Lair. Working at the Lair opens doors and helps prepare college students for a range of careers both in and out of the corporate world.

_{Egan, a veteran staffer at Camp Blue, reads from a book of materials complied from past Creekside Sundays. Photo by Kevin Kitsuda.}

Introducing Creekside: A Sunday Morning Tradition of Song and Story at the Lair

Read Jesse Fisher's article about Creekside. It's not just another Sunday ritual. It's the the still, sharp moment where stories unravel and songs take root and, just for an hour, the world makes sense.

Mikey Day and his new husband walking up the aisle.

_{Courtesy of Mikey Day}

Weddings and Group Rentals

Make your event very special—reserve the Lair of the Golden Bear for your corporate retreat, family reunion, or destination wedding. We offer a spectacular mountain setting that allows guests to celebrate, recharge, play, and focus on what’s important.