Website for Bar 717 Ranch: http://www.bar717.com/

Has anyone had experience with Bar 717 Camp? I would like to get an idea of what this camp is really like, what the counsellors are like, how well it is run, etc. Thanks.

It's a really incredible place. My son is kind of a loner and yet formed close friendships the first summer, even though everyone on his platform (cabin) had been going for many years except him. The culture of the camp is very inclusive. They do a lot of things that I would have thought a teen boy would find ''weird'' (like hold hands at each table before meals) but he just accepted them as normal. The counselors are great, and my son idolized his counselor each summer.

Very well-organized. Lots of activities to choose from. The kids do a lot of work on the ranch--digging, putting up a fence (and my son volunteered for these activities-totally different from his behavior at home!) Shortest session is two weeks, and I think many younger children are not ready for that, but that's an individual decision. Parents can go visit and spend one night there for a nominal fee, but book early if you want to go the weekend in the middle of the session. Happy Bar 717 parent

I am seeking a summer camp that's like a Boy Scout camp for a 13 year old boy. He goes to Boy Scout camp in California with his troop, but it's just 1 week. So I'm looking for more camp time (in addition to that week). He's not an sportsy, back-packer kind of guy. He likes learning skills, building fires, arts and crafts, hanging out with kids his age, swimming, canoeing. Recommendations anyone? Is it too late for this summer? anon

Hello, My twelve year old has just announced that she doesn't want to attend the eight- week camp that she has been going to for the past four summers any more. I told her that that was fine, but that we had to find something else regular -- the main problem being that I work all day. I've checked the archive for summer camps, but most of the entries for girls her age are fairly old. I'm looking for suggestions for day or overnight summer camps for pre teens. She is very academic and loves math, science, and reading, though likely wouldn't want to go to summer school; is physical and enjoys the outdoors, though has never really enjoyed team sports. The camp she has been attending is a drama camp; she has loved it, but most of her friends are leaving this year as well. I think though, that she would be open to trying something else in the performing arts. Please help. Thanks! anon.

Also recommended: Girls on the Go, Monkey Business Camp, Stage Door Conservatory

There is a wonderful summer camp up in Hayfork called Camp Trinity bar 717. My kids (age 12 and 14- they love it!) have been going there for several years and I've worked there too. Many of my kids friends have expressed interest in the camp and I will be having an open house for information in March (date not selected yet) but you may also call me. I also live in Albany. They have horseback riding , hiking, swimming, backpacking, caring for animal, arts and crafts, archery, photography, silk screening, fishing, wood shop and metal work. The kids sleep in open air platfroms and the food is quite good. Lisa from Albany

Although it has been several years since I have had contact with the Bar 717 Ranch in Trinity County, CA, as a former camper and counselor I found it to be one of the best experiences of my life. It is a place and group of people that continue to influence me in a positive way, and I am now in my thirties. I imagine that the staff and director have changed over the years, but I know it carries a very healthy philosophy has been unchanged for decades. Competitive sports are not emphasized. It is rather a rustic working ranch, where the children participate in farm animal care, creative activities, hiking, fishing, singing, dancing, and so on, in the tradition of homesteaders in CA around the late 1880s and turn of the century. The age range used to be 7-17, and younger children, I have found, need to be fairly independent and secure to attend. They used to hold reunion/orientations yearly in SF and LA. David