Rosa Parks Campout FAQ

Yes, folks, it's time (again) for the Fall 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.

WHERE IS THE CAMP LOCATED?
The Campout will be at Huddart County Park. 11000 Kings Mountain Road. Woodside, CA. It is about an hour's drive from Berkeley/Oakland.  Parking is $10.00 per vehicle and is not included in the price of the campout.

WHAT ARE THE DATES?
5:00pm October 7th -- 12:00 noon October 9th.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THE CAMPSITE HOLD?
We are limited to 100 persons, including staffers. 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 $60.00 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.  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?
This summer's menu included Hatch green chile, a mixed grill of chipotle marinated beef and lime chicken, stir-fried vegetables in the world's largest wok, an oatmeal bar, chocolate fondue.  Not to be outdone, we'll also cook up some fancy vittles.

Friday you will arrive to wine and cheese, followed by a barbeque with chicken, beef, and vegan specialties for  dinner and (of course) s'mores for all!

Saturday morning by popular demand, we'll bring back the oatmeal bar, with lots of fresh fruit, strong coffee, hot cocoa, hot and cold cereal. Then, we'll set out a spread so you can build your own lunch for eating at the park, or for packing to one of the nearby sites you can visit.

Saturday evening, return to a chili cookout with lots of corn bread, salad, and southwest fixins.  Dessert is a special surprise, but we promise it will match last summer's chocolate fondue.  Sunday morning, you can grab cold cereal if you're in a hurry; otherwise, we'll whip up something warm to start your morning.

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?
Three Ways:
1. Complete the form you were provided.  Then, bring your check for $60.00 (or what you can pay) for each person who will attend the campout to the Office at Rosa Parks (make sure to include an email address at which we can send you updates/details); or
2.  Mail the above information to Dan Abrahamson, 918 Parker Street, Bldg A21, Berkeley, CA 94710; or.
3. Use PayPal: Make your payment to Daniel Abrahamson and use the "comments" section to write the names of the people who will attend (and an email address).

WHAT ABOUT CAMPING EQUIPMENT?
Please bring the usual camping equipment you would need, such as tents, sleeping bags, bug repellant, etc.  There are no showers at Huddart Park.   If you've never been camping before, we'll send you a list. Email Dan at mailto: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 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. Huddert Park information can be found by clicking here. In addition, you can take the day to visit Memorial Park, 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?
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.
Please email your special talent to mailto:dan@abrahamsonfamily.com and we will coordinate with you.

ANY TIPS FROM THE LAST CAMPOUT?

• MUSIC. We had lots of singing and music.  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!
• GROCERIES. There is a full service supermarket 15 minutes from the camp if you need anything from diapers to dramamine.
•  CAMPING STUFF. If you forget something, there are several big box stores about 25 minutes from the camp.
• 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.