Re: Family camp next year for 6 and 7 year olds?
We've had two amazing summers now at Camp Cazadero, near the Russian River past Guerneville. Cazadero is a children-only music camp for much of the summer, but for two weeks in August it transforms into a full-service family camp for all ages, humming with fun and creativity. It has an arts focus, but many non-artists and non-performers attend and enjoy it. You sleep in tent or tent cabins in a magnificent redwood grove. Campers can take up to four informal classes a day in music (jazz, taiko, piano, chamber music, harmony singing, guitar grooves, etc) or dance (salsa, African dance, yoga, tap, square dance, etc) or visual art (digital photography, stone sculpture, international fabrics, clay, etc) or other (clowning, circus, creekwalking, kids' swimming, environmental art, etc). But, you can spend all day doing free time if you want! Various families attend it as a reunion for far-flung siblings. There's an old-fashioned wacky talent show, campfire storytelling sessions, night-time dances and jam sessions. Kids have the run of the place and can explore endlessly, make art all day, play sports or ping pong... they love it. If you like a low-key vacation where you can explore and expand your horizons, this is the place. Session A seems to have a teen focus, while Session B seems more geared to younger kids. Happy Camper

Re: Family camp next year for 6 and 7 year olds?
My family has been attending Cazadero Performing Arts Family camp for many years. It's great for families who are interested in music, art, clowning, and drama. The food is pretty good and the classes are wonderful. If your family is not particularly interested in sports, this is a great camp. My sons, ages 23 and 20, still want to come to camp with us! Susan B.

Re: 13-y-o is resisting music camp - do it anyway?
Cazadero Music Camp has been wonderful for our 15-year old daughter. She plays flute and has gone to Caz every summer for 5 years, beginning the summer after fifth grade. It was her first experience away from home and she loved it.

I would recommend playing a band instrument, such as trumpet, rather than piano for a first experience. It will give your son a more gregarious experience than piano, which is a solo and small-ensemble instrument. Also, piano students are taken by special audition only. Virtually everyone has a blast at Caz. The environment is great. The people are warm and supportive. The music is amazing: The kids always learn a whole new program under a new conductor each week. The camp setting, along the creek, is also beautiful. I'm guessing he won't miss his video games after the first day. There's so much to do and so much fun to be had at Caz. Wendy

Has anyone been to the UCCR Camp Cazadero? This is not the Music/Performing Arts Camp owned by the City of Berkeley, but a separate location, beyond the town of Cazadero, on the back road to Ft. Ross. Our youth choir has the opportunity to use the facilities for our retreat or summer camp, but we wanted feedback on the location from those who know it. What did you think of the road there? How were the accommodations and the food? How was the surrounding natural environment? Any comments much appreciated! Natasha

To answer your questions: The road there, though a little rough at the end, is completely passable with any type of car. The accomodations are simple and rustic (bunk beds, wood floors, one shower, sink, and toilet per cabin) with the exception of two newer cabins. The food was always good! It is served outside, at picnic tables. There are hiking trails that connect to the camp that go into the woods or along the river. The stargazing at night is wonderful.

Other info: The main meeting room is large and comfy. The outdoor chapel area is set in the trees and is really lovely. There is a large outdoor ampitheater with a stage. It is perfect for campfires and nighttime entertainment. There is also a large cement slab atop a hill that is a fun place for dances. The swimming pool is great on hot days.

Camp Caz is not fancy, but it is a special place. Kids love it there...it's relaxing and easy to be there. If you need more info, I suggest you contact the UCC office directly. Their camp directors have all been working at camp for years and would probably be happy to give you their assessment of the facilities. Happy Camper

re: summer music camp for teens. cazadero music camp is a great place for a young musician. they have 2 week sessions, are set up for band, orchestra, jazz band, and piano. the kids play in the large groups, and also have opportunities for ensemble work, choir, and a variety of electives. my daughter has (13) has gone there the last 2 years and loved it. she learned a lot about music, and made friends that she stays in touch with throughout the year. this year we are sending our 11 year old as well. she is very excited to experience what she has head her older sister talking about. the camp is located in a redwood grove in cazadero, just outside of guerneville the camp office is in berkeley, and you can reach it at 527-7500
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