This is the best Camp my kids ever been to!! They absolutely loved it, staff was happy and…read moreenergetic with kids Leaving electronics and all the commotion of the Valley behind this camp is a secluded Natural Amazing place. I was apprehensive to leave my kids for the first time on a away camp but the camp staff assured me my kids would have fun and boy they did... fishing, fire camps, archery, rock climbing, lake kayaking, hiking, swimming and just being around nature took my kids breath away my son literally told me "I never felt so peaceful like this week before" Definitely will be signing them up next year, thank you Sandra and all the staff for providing such a fun place for kids to be kids again, definitely a 10.

We had a mixed bag of adventures at Camp Nawakwa. Lol…read more There were a wide variety of activities and we had a camp staff to lead us in each. We loved the nature hike we had "Jelly" (a couple of our groups got rained out-obviously to no fault of the camp), we enjoyed archery, paint ball sling shots with "Stitch", painting wood necklaces, drama circle, and an amphitheater with breathtaking views of the the sunset. We loved our hike to the lake for canoeing. I too thought the pool was chilly but it was clean! Their swim rules seemed to be really intense to me. "No jumping off the edge of the pool" hmmm ok. In my opinion overly cautious. However, the Rock wall was a blast, equipment was in good condition. Hatchet throwing was hard, but fun. I wish the hatchets were sharp enough to grab the wood. It was rare anyone stuck one into the log rounds. Some combination of wood being too hard or axes not balanced correctly made that activity a struggle. We enjoyed trying. The team building activities were thoughtful and stretched our girls as individuals and forced team unity. Maybe my favorite part of all of camp. They lost a star for food quality and portions but the staff was always in good spirit. I also wish our group had the entire cafeteria to ourselves as we often were low on space at tables and often went outside as our designated seating was full. But the food was served on time and they got a lot of people food in timely fashion. They were organized. Our cabins were dry when it rained and i felt safe from the elements and wildlife that can live nearby. Some mattresses were thicker than others. I was comfortable enough for a week of camping. The plumbing struggled at times but not sure that was the camps fault or the 85 GIRLS who MAY have not disposed of things properly. Lol Overall I think with some retraining on camp cooking and a minor tweak here and there this would be a 5 star camp. The location was beautiful. The staff was friendly. The activities were super fun!

My daughter went this weekend with girl scout troop to Wasewagan. This review is to warn anyone…read morethat drives a sedan and not SUV/truck as i dropped off my kid and you have to drive thru two rivers. The one in picture in a past post is the easier one closer to camp. The first river tho is a danger, it is all loose big rocks and hidden dips. Water was not so deep but no flat grounding. I had a sedan and rock punctured my transmission pan. Now my car is stuck in big bear for few days at a auto garage to replace pan. Unless u have at least 8" clearance i wouldnt drive to this camp, wish i knew as its a costly repair and car stuck on mountain. I can give feedback from the girls as there was alot of complaints but really just wanna warn others in sedans.

When I was browsing for camp, there were not too many for 6 years old, and Camp Wasewagan welcomed…read morekids from 6 years old. First time I let three of my kids in stayaway camp. Options are available for one week, two or even eight weeks. My kids, who are 6,8,9, loved it. They got to bike ride in nature while observing bugs and insects, lizard hunting, fencing, climbing, archery, ziplining, watersliding and horseback riding. Pretty much everything that they won't be able to do with me. O.O I was surprised that my 6 yrs old loved it and none of my kids were excited of me picking them up. Lol. The owner, "Crazzy" Craig, was very pleasant and responsive to phone call. He would give me update for the first three days by phone if we called him. There were lots of paperwork in the beginning and we need to send $500 deposit for each kid, with remaining balance due on the day of. They only accept check or cash. All the counselors were friendly and sweet. The kids got option to prefer top or bottom of the bunk bed and they would be placed together with other kids that was about the same age as them.

Camping in the summertime is absolutely a must! And with Alpine Meadows Retreat Center in Angelus…read moreOaks, California near the city of Big Bear Lake it's a place I trust! Alpine Meadows Retreat Center which borders Camp Mountain Chai (pronounced Hi) is a larger spacious multi-level and terrain center as well as site has several bunk cabins, buildings and a main lodge center with tons of ammentinities including soccer field, basketball court, fire circles, mini amphitheater, ropes courses, swimming pool, gathering spot cabin filled with board games, sound system, tv monitors, snacks, popcorn machine, etc. There's a main theater for announcements, shows, classes, etc which is connected to the kitchen and dinning areas not to mention several other facilities. Water areas for refilling bottles or jugs and usually cold water and beverages filled by staff daily. Vending machines with mainly soft drinks only. Plenty of restrooms throughout the entire space in cabins or various rooms and buildings. I was able to attend 9 day event for 4 days with an organization that rented out the area for the duration of 10 days (including set-up and clean-up/breakdown) with the Community of Men enjoying Naturism group and had probably the best vacation getaway gathering retreat camp experience ever especially as an adult lol The group organized some many great events, contest, activities (both in and outdoors), daily hikes, sporting, classes (including zumba and hip hop line dancing - I did both!) and much much more. The meals were amazing including the vegan and vegetarian options that were made available. Tons of BYOB/D made for a huge supply for any and all during social hours and throughout the evening. Everyone at Alpine Meadows, Camp Mt Chai and the C.M.E.N. group did such an amazing job accommodating and providing services through the duration that I can't thank every enough. I'm pretty sure I attended this site in my early teens for a youth leadership and development camp with the Red Cross of America back in 2001/2002 as I had such a sense of nostalgia the entire time including climbing up those massive steps on both the "treacherous" O.O and not so treacherous inclines from the bunk level up to the recreation and rope course areas. Unloading and loading vehicles can be easy as the paths and roads are wide enough for most vehicles to maneuver around, just try not to block the main road for the parking area so vehicles can pass going in or out simultaneously. Enjoy this retreat experience with your group to the fullest, soak of the stars, memories, human interactions and connections and cherish you semi-vacay. Looking up at the stars, spotting beautiful blue jays and breathing in fresh mountain air... It's easy for me to say... 7000+ ft up and away is the way!

Nestled in the mountains, this is a decent retreat center…read more There are a lot of cabins and meeting halls to accommodate multiple groups. The cabins can sleep up to 20 people, but it's not the most comfortable. It's very bare bones and feels old, but everything works. All the beds are bunk beds with a basic sleeping pad; make sure you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. The bathrooms run on a septic system, so be judicious about what you flush. All the cabins are left unlocked for the duration of your stay, and that's a bit unsettling. We spent 2 nights here, with 30 people across 3 cabins, and didn't have any issues with theft. The meeting rooms come with coffee machines, a giant cooler of water, a fridge, a microwave, and as many chairs as you'll need. There's also a projector, speakers, and a control panel to hook up instruments and microphones. Microphones and accessories are provided by the staff. A wide range of activities are available to help with team building or alleviate cabin fever. There's a basketball court with a bunch of balls, but a vast majority of them are deflated and/or have no grip left. Tackle the rock-climbing wall or the ropes course to overcome your fear of heights. Work on your aim and hunting skills in the archery range, or run around the synthetic turf ball field to improve your conditioning. There's also a pool, some swings, a small jungle gym, and a life-sized foosball table. Meals are buffet style and offered 3 times a day. Breakfast has a cereal bar, instant oatmeal, packaged yogurts, and fresh fruits. The kitchen whips up some scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes, soy based sausage, and potatoes. Lunch has some pasta, salad, and veggies. Dinner was roast beef and mashed potatoes one night, and rotisserie chicken with rice the other. A full salad bar is offered during lunch and dinner. The food is decent, and I appreciate the effort the staff puts into it, but it's not going to win any cooking awards. Out of everything I ate, the chicken was easily the best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. A walkie-talkie is provided to your group leader for communication with the staff, and there's someone available at all times. Basic first aid is offered, but anything more serious is 45 minutes away, or 75 minutes to the nearest emergency room. The grounds and facilities are well maintained, but the facilities are in major need of a renovation. The location has very little, if any, cellular service, so communication with friends and loved ones who aren't on site with you can be challenging.

My favorite place in the world! I always have an amazing time, the staff is always super friendly…read moreand helpful!

I went to De Beneville more than 50+ years ago. I was already fully engulfed in anti war and racial…read moreissues. Also, I had grown up in the Unitarian Church. But, my week(?) was mind blowing. The counselors really dug through very important issues of the times. It is also where I met Luis Javier Rodriguez. He was a tough guy back then, but, I knew he was special. We stayed in touch for a while....but kind of lost the connection. It has been great to see him on Sub Stack. Always Running Robin Field

Cedarbrook Camp So CA is the best, safe fun and a wonderful environment for children to learn how…read moreto grow in their Christian faith plus learn an appreciation of God's creation. Excellent Food, well trained Staff and perfect adult staff to camper ratio. My kids attended elementary through high school and now my grandkids are going and LOVE it.

Cedarbrook Camp Southern California is a Christ-centered year-round ministry established for the…read morepurpose of enhancing the lives of individuals and families, providing uniquely designed programs that stimulate personal growth through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Cedarbrook Camp Southern California (formerly known as Camp Cherith Southern California) is an interdenominational Christian camp located in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains above Redlands I have been a camp counselor with Cedarbrook for 3 years and I have enjoyed every minute of my time there. I have had both my children attend Cedarbrook, and they both love it. I must say that this camp is run like a family. The love and support that all staff show for each other as well as the campers is amazing, The age range of the staff ranges from 18 through 50+. The campers and staff receive three generous meals a day. The activities prepared for the campers are challenging and exciting. I think the best part of this camp is the focus on Jesus. Everywhere the campers go, play, and eat campers are learning about Jesus. This is a great place to bring your child. The actual site of the camp is on the website. The address above is the mailing address of the organization.

BEST WEDDING VENUE EVER!…read more My husband and I dreamed of a wedding where everyone could stay together onsite, immersed in nature, with no worries about driving after a night of fun, and Camp Osito Rancho made that dream a reality. Our families stayed in the health center, lodge, and electrified cabins, while our friends embraced the adventure of summer cabins and tents. The venue offers so many stunning spaces, from the spacious dining hall for meals to the stage/amphitheater with fire pits--perfect for s'mores and late-night stories. We exchanged vows at the top of a hill near the outdoor pavilion, with a gorgeous backdrop of pine trees and a view of Big Bear Lake in the distance. We were able to offer our guests camp activities like archery and a pool day, as well as had room to setup other activities like craft tables and lawn games. The biggest perk was the complete freedom to choose our own vendors, allowing us to create a truly personalized experience (huge shoutout to Scratch Kitchen for catering--our guests still rave about the food). We spent a year making signs, collecting décor, buying solar lights, and crafting to transform this Girl Scout camp into a full-blown wedding festival. If you're up for planning the details, this venue is the ultimate blank canvas. Last but not least, the Camp Osito Rancho team is absolutely amazing. A huge thanks to Angel for her help throughout the year, Ryan for his help throughout the weekend, and to Gerardo for the tour that sold us from the start. For a wedding that feels like an unforgettable getaway, this place is pure magic

Amazing camp!! Came with sweet elite Girl Scouts 2020. My daughter canoed, rode horses, zip lined,…read morelearned archery. So many activities. Well worth the work. Beautiful campsite.

I just want to say how much I love this camp! The Downey branch counselors and directors were very…read morecool with me and I consider them as one of my close friends, not to mention most of them have been going to camp since they were kids, and I wish I did the same as they've done! They are one of the most prominent people in my life and I'll most definitely return because I enjoyed being friends with them! Just want to show how much I appreciate their love and support! Also some of them went to Downey and Warren High School!

This year my 3 kids showed an interest in going camping and participating in a seven day camping…read moretrip through the Ymca . I was able to meet the counselor's and the directors of the camp and I felt very comfortable sending my kids away for a whole week. While they were gone to camp I had the opportunity of sending them a care package, writing them letters, sending them daily emails, and looking at pictures of them that are posted online during the trip. It felt really good to be able to go online and look at pictures of what my kids were doing during the day. When I picked them up and ask them how their trip went they were excited to say that they wanted to go again next year. They talked about all of the fun things that they did from swimming in the big pool with the waterslide, archery, canoeing, zip lining, walking ropes, camp fires , wrist rockets , playing games, dance contests, a dance party, a carnival and going to the lake. Thank you to Ymca for being able to put together a great vamp for the kids . Looks like we will see you next year!

Love love this place! Purely kind hospitable accommodating. Kind! Love the hikes and the…read moreprogramming. And I don't think there is a bad bone in any staff member there. In two words rare jewels! I especially appreciate the ability to eat! They met my families diet restrictions. I expected to starve but I'm happy that we did not.

I have stayed at similar camps, but there was something different about Woodcraft! It was…read moreexceptionally clean, comfortable, well designed, and the staff was wonderful and attentive. It was the most pleasant experience. The mattresses are comfortable! The food was great. I'll definitely be back. It's a gorgeous location and easy to stay.

This place is such an amazing place to hold a camp or retreat!…read more2 years in a row I have held a camp here and all my kids and parents love this place. Located right on big Bear lake there are so many things to do outside camp that it becomes a camp within a camp. Archery, kayaking, rock wall, slip n slide, hiking, swimming!!! Food is amazing... service is 6 stars and can't wait to be back.

My sons went to a Christian retreat there recently. They are both over 6'5 and had trouble fitting…read moreinto the small bunk beds. They were accommodating and friendly when I called to ask if they could plop the mattresses on the floor but it sounds like this place needs an update. The food was mediocre at best and the ping pong table was broken. They had no board games or cards and very little outdoor activities other than a zip line. No campfires at night and very little options for snacks.

Had the best time when I was a kid!!!! I Made great friends, an experience I'll never forget.read more

I was a camper for seven years and have just recently completed my second year of being on staff. I…read morefully plan on being a part of this beautiful camp family forever, this place has truly changed my life for the better. I was diagnosed when I was 12 and had no previous knowledge of diabetes. I felt alone and confused in it because no one I knew understood how it felt. This diabetes camp completely changed my perspective and point of view, and though you only see the friends you've made there usually once a year, the bond you all have with each other never fades. I've gone every year since I was diagnosed and I plan to continue to go for as long as they'll let me. Thank you so much to all of the wonderful campers and staff.