Camp Chrysalis

We camp in splendid natural locales as a family of learners together. Our purpose is to explore and learn, as well as to play and enjoy. Around camp and on side-trips, we focus often on active study of the environment and wildlife, to develop natural science skills as well as appreciation; and on basic camping and wilderness skills. Our campers extend themselves in hikes, and then loaf around the swimming hole. Back at camp, they play chess and Capture-the-Flag, learn to whittle and sharpen knives, and just hang out together.

Campers’ exploration is as much of their own developing abilities as of what the world has to offer. One learns how to put his fork away and find it again; another, that she can make a tough climb; all learn to make new friends. Our very conscious mentoring of young people is one of the big draws of the camp as campers develop a strong knit and caring community of learners. We divide the campers into four small family groups of mixed gender and ages. In these small groups, they enjoy working and playing together, and taking care of us all. They deepen their feelings and friendships around the campfire with skits, stories, songs from our rich folk heritage; and complement their nature study with leaf-painting on T-shirts, and use saws and drills while working on woodworking, jewelry and other craft projects.

 We leave early by bus on the first day of each session and return by dinner on the last evening. The children bring sleeping-bags, tents (optional), and personal gear; and help us with meal preparation and camp maintenance. We provide good food and many resources, extra tents, much instruction and supervision, and insurance. The campsites have tables and toilet facilities. Beyond this, we’re roughing it; but the camp experience is pleasurable and is not arduous. All activities are paced to enable younger and less-vigorous campers to complete them enjoyably.

Session dates and fees for summer 2018

Big Sur: $1200            Sunday, June 17, through Sunday, June 24 (8 days)

 

Mendocino: $1400    Wednesday, June 27, through Friday, July 6 (10 days)

 

Sierras: $1700            Tuesday, July 10, through Saturday, July 21 (12 days)

 

Backpacking:  $1200  Wednesday, July 25, through Wednesday, August 1 (8 days)

For more information and registration forms visit our web site: www.campchrysalis.com or contact Lee Tempkin at (510) 843-6157 or lee@campchrysalis.com. Financial assistance is available for all camps.