Yes, folks, it's time (again) for the Summer Campout. For those of you
who witnessed the majesty that comes of watching your children get dirty
in places they won't wash for a month, you know what to expect. For
newbies, read on.
WHAT ARE THE DATES?
June 13th (arrive when you can; dinner service starts at 5 PM)
through 12:00 noon June 15th, 2014.
WHERE IS THE CAMP LOCATED?
Memorial Park.
9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar
(San Mateo County), CA 94021.
(650) 879-0238
Our Group Campsite is: Wurr Flat, Group Sites # 1 and #2.
Memorial Park is about a 90 minute drive from Berkeley/Oakland.
DIRECTIONS:
When coming to Memorial Park from the bayside of the
peninsula, use Highway 84 west from either Highway 280, 101 or 35
(Skyline Boulevard). Travel westbound down Highway 84 from Skyline
Boulevard to Pescadero Road near the Town of La Honda. Turn left (south)
on Pescadero Road. Follow Pescadero Road to the park entrance.
When coming to Memorial Park from the coastside, use Highway 1 to Pescadero Road. Follow Pescadero Road to the park entrance.
Parking is $10.00 per vehicle and is not included in the price of the
campout.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THE CAMPSITE HOLD?
We are taking the first 120 campers to register from Pacific Boychoir Academy of Oakland and Rosa Parks Elementary School of Berkeley. We will accept
registrations on a first-come / first-served basis. You must be paid to
have a reservation.
I'VE NEVER BEEN CAMPING BEFORE. SHOULD I MAKE THIS MY FIRST TRIP?
Why not!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Pay what you can. The cost is on a sliding scale, but those who can we
ask that they pay $70.00 per person for the weekend. That includes
wine and cheese each evening, your dinner on Friday, three meals
Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday, as well as beverages, including wine
and beer and maybe margaritas if you are good. If you'd like to come but can only afford to pay a little, or
none at all, no worries: complete and submit your registration form
and come anyways. And the best part is, you don't have to cook.
NO COOKING? WOW, WHAT'S ON THE MENU?
Our menu-in-progress can be found below on this blogsite. There will be vegan options for the non-carnivores.
DO I HAVE TO BRING ANY FOOD?
Not if you don't want to, but if you want to snack between meals, or
feel like doing your own thing at your campsite, feel free to bring
something for yourself. Between meals, there will always be fresh fruit
and water, but if you're a snacker, that might not be enough. We don't
want to harsh your mellow, but we regret we cannot give you use of the
main kitchen (not even for a quick cup of tea or to boil an egg), so if
you think you'll want more food, you may wish to consider bringing a
camp stove for your site.
You will be responsible for bringing your own plate/bowl/cup and utensils for each meal, and for washing them yourself.
HOW DO I RESERVE FOR MY FAMILY?
Starting April 15, 2014:
Email
dan@abrahamsonfamily.com,
Subject Line – “CAMPING”, include the registration information from the Registration page of the blog above (which will be posted April 15), and
pay within 48 hours.
2 Ways to Pay:
1. Use PayPal: Make your payment to Daniel Abrahamson at dan@abrahamsonfamily.com, and use the
"comments" section to write the names of the people who will attend (and
an email address); or,
2. Make check
to Rosa Parks PTA and give to
Alicia in Rosa Parks Office.
WHAT ABOUT CAMPING EQUIPMENT?
Please bring the usual camping equipment you would need, such as tents,
sleeping bags, bug repellant, etc.
Memorial Park
does have coin-operated showers.
If you've never been camping before, we'll send you a list.
Email Dan at dan@abrahamsonfamily.com.
I HAVE LITTLE CHILDREN WHO DON'T EAT MUCH. DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT?
The County Parks Department counts everyone -- including babies -- as a person, so we do too.
I HAVE KIDS WHO GRAZE ALL DAY. CAN YOU MAKE AN ACCOMMODATION FOR US SO THAT WE CAN EAT THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
The campsites allow personal cook stoves, which you are welcome to bring
and whip up your own snacks at any time. We also are unable to babysit
your children, or watch them if they wake up early.
I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS. IS THIS THE TRIP FOR ME?
Possibly, but maybe not. We will make available a meat and vegan
option at each meal, but may not be able to accommodate most special
needs.
DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO BE A ROSA PARKS OR PBA FAMILY?
Not at all. Whomever you'd like to bring, we encourage you to camp with
people you'd like to share the experience with, and that includes
families who may not be part of our school family. The key is
registering soon, before spaces fill up. Check this blogsite for status
on the number of spaces left.
I WANT TO COME WITH A CROWD. HOW DO I RESERVE FOR MORE THAN JUST MY FAMILY?
By submitting the registration fee for each person who you will bring.
IS THERE AN AGENDA?
No, but events have a way of popping up. Camping is about discovering
new things in an unscripted way. The meals will be served at
predictable intervals (8am breakfast, bag lunch, 5pm dinner), but most
of the time, you will be free to do what you like with family and
friends. Memorial Park has 8 miles of hiking trails through magisterial redwood groves, an amphitheater for impromptu performances, and much more. Memorial Park information can be found by clicking
here.
In addition, you can take the day to visit Harley
Farms (a working Goat Farm), the bird sanctuary, and Pescadero Beach
during the day, all just a few minutes' drive from the park.
IS THERE CHILDCARE?
No. Your children will be your responsibility while you are at the
Campout, and we ask that you keep them from the kitchen area as there
are sharp knives, hot surfaces, and propane around.
CAN I HELP WITH SOMETHING?
A sheet with volunteer opportunities is posted on this blog, and accessible here:
CAMP VOLUNTEERS. We'd love some help. As always, we'll need a Dark Lord of O'Dark Thirty
to help with coffee. We'll require the dulcet tones of one or more
pied pipers. And we're always up for a sommelier and bar back.
If not on the volunteer sheet, please email your special talent to mailto:dan@abrahamsonfamily.com and we will coordinate with you.
ANY TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS CAMPOUTS?
- MUSIC. We tend to have lots of singing and music, including possible accompaniment by members of the two time Grammy-award-winning Pacific Boychoir Academy (which sports Rosa Parks alums). Feel free to bring musical instruments if you like, to the campfire.
- BEACH. Many people spent Saturday at the Beach in Pescadero. It gets windy and the surf can be rough. Pack a jacket!
- DISHES. Camp dishes look alike. Consider labeling yours. Sharpies, tape, etc.
- FLASHLIGHTS. Don't forget to bring them.
- DISHWASHING. Some people had some challenges cleaning up
after themselves. If you think this might be a challenge, you may wish
to purchase biodegradable plates, because leaving dirty plates around
brings unwanted four-legged evening visitors.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Feel free to email mailto:dan@abrahamsonfamily.com for additional questions.
