Re: Looking at Tuoulmne or Feather River
We go to the Feather River Camp about every summer for a few years. It is my children's idea of heaven. Living in the middle of nature, in Sierra Nevada, in the forest, next to the river. You can chose to leave in a tent or a cabin, with electricity or without. The river has many branchings, so there are places for kids to swim (with a lifeguard on duty), more challenging places to swim, diving places, waterfalls, river rafting.

They feed you buffet three times a day. Tables are not assigned so you can always shift around as you make new friends. Activities for the kids are on-going three times a day (for hours) - arts & crafts, boat building, storytelling, organized theater play, music. There is a separate supervised tot lot for younger kids, and activities for older kids (where we occasionally come in too b/c it's just so much fun).

There are campfires in the evenings, theater performances (by campers, directed by staff) on some evenings. There is horseback riding, rope course, bike riding. Lots of hiking in the woods, with organized nature hikes. On-staff nurse, storytellers, dance instructors. Organized games, table tennis championships. Very friendly staff - our kids look forward to receiving welcome back hugs every year, on arrival.

The camp has quite a history - it's been an Oakland city camp since 1926 and has photos and stories from that time (when you could only get there via Union Pacific Railroad). The place is completely safe. My kids run around on their own all day (with walkie talkies), and appreciate this freedom. I highly recommend it.

Great sleep-away camp for horse lovers and others
I just registered my daughter, age 11, for Oakland Feather River Camp's Wrangler Camp in July and found out they still have a few spaces available. Her friend went last year and loved it so I thought I'd share the news, though I have no direct experience myself. The new non-profit runs their Family Camp and also some camps for kids in July. They are very affordable and I only have heard good things. Their website is WWW.FeatherRiverCamp.com Soon to be happy campers

We have three great camp programs for youth ages 11 to 18 at Oakland Feather River Camp!

1) Camp Amandla! 7/11-7/17 Social Justice Camp for those interested in environmental issues, cultural activism and working to make a better world.

2) Teen LEAP 7/11-7/17 Leadership Education and Adventure Program is an Outward Bound styled program which focuses on self-understanding in terms of leadership style and potential

3) Camp Crescendo 7/18-7/24 Performing Arts camp for youth entering grades 6-12 with workshops in music, performance, dance and spoken word.

Join other teens from the Bay Area in a week of fun and learning! Programs for younger children and families too. See our website FeatherRiverCamp.com

Fees are from $400-$470 and include roundtrip transportation from Oakland to the camp located in Quincy, CA.

Terry Cullinane terbomom at hotmail.com

I'm looking for feedbacks on Feather River Camp. Is it worth it? mc

In the mornings there are usually arts and crafts activities - on setting for older children and adults and a separate setting for young children. You can leave your youngsters (2 to 5 or 6) at the Tot Lot for most of the morning. In the afternoons we've gone swimming in Spanish Creek in the camp or driven to other sites nearby. There are also places you can rent boats. Some people bring bikes for their children.

Each week of camp has a theme. We've gone to the folk dancing week both years. The kids love the music and some of them love the dancing too! There is dancing all morning and in the evenings after dinner. The teachers are very good and very encouraging. You don't need to know a thing - they walk us through the steps and then turn on the music. It's about fun!

Due to the financial difficulties created by the city's inattention and poor management of the camp facility, last year, a group of dedicated campers got together and pressured the city into giving the camp a chance to return to its former glory. This past year, 2003, the city contracted out the camp management and it went very well. Improvements were noticeable from the previous year. The food was better and more varied than it had been in 2002. There was more staff and more activities.

We'll be going back next year!

Has anyone been to the City of Oakland Feather River Family Camp? I saw just one post and wanted to hear from other folks who have been there about what they liked, did not like and any recommendations for what to bring, etc. Thanks! AW

Re: Grandparent-Friendly Family Camp
Feather River Camp is your place to go! It is a wonderful 100- year-old (and with that much history!) family camp in Sierra Nevada, owned by the city of Oakland. We discovered it just two years ago, and intend to include it in our summer plan forever. There are lots and lots of multi-generational families gathering there every summer - lots of grandparents and kids. There are always children's activities going on - organized games, crafts, campfires. They feed you warm buffet meal 3 times daily. You can chose to stay in a tent or cabin, with or without electricity, depending on your preferences. There is horseback riding, swimming in the river and lakes, oh so much to do and enjoy. It is about 4 hours drive from Oakland, and the route is quite scenic, too. Maria

I'm looking for perspectives on Oakland's Family Camp at Feather River. There aren't any recent postings on the website. If you or someone you know have been there in the last year or two, please let me know what you thought, especially regarding: available camp activities, food, appropriateness for an active, social 3 year old, etc. cathy

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