Your questions, answered
CAMP FAQs
Planning for camp is exciting, and we’re here to help! This FAQ covers common questions about preparing for a summer on the Bar 717 Ranch. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out anytime—we’re happy to assist!
CAMPER FAQS
Written just for campers all about what to expect for your summer session at Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch.
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Yes! You’re welcome to bring favorite stuffies or other things from home that help you feel cozy at Camp.
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You are welcome to bring these items with you while you travel to Camp, but we do not allow campers to have these items with them during the session. Once you arrive at the Ranch, we will store any electronics for you in the office for the duration of your time at Camp. That way you can focus on having fun, making friends, and enjoying a break from technology!
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Our counselors make daily announcements to let kids know what is going on in programs that day. Most activities don't require any sign up and you can pop in for a few minutes or a few hours. For programs that require sign ups, counselors give clear instructions and can help you get organized to try every activity you want to experience.
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Camp is a great place to make friends! You’ll have the chance to meet new friends on your platform, in program areas, and at your meal tables. Our counselors help kids get to know each other and our shared experiences adventuring around the Ranch provide lots of time for friendships to blossom.
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It is totally normal to feel homesick when you’re away from home and your family! In fact, most campers miss home in some way or another. We are here to support you–between your fellow campers, your counselors, and the Camp directors, you will have tons of support in working through any tough feelings of missing home.
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Our amazing kitchen staff whips up delicious meals three times a day. From delicious pancake breakfasts to spaghetti and garlic bread dinners, there’s something for everyone. We offer healthy snacks between meals and you can always stop by the garden to taste whatever’s fresh!
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We have lots of recommendations about what to pack when you come to camp. Check out our full packing list here.
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Our counselors are an amazing group of young leaders who come from all over the country (and the world!) to live, work, and play in the mountains with us.
FAMILY FAQS
We’ve done our best to anticipate and answer your questions, ranging from healthcare to homesickness and all the things in between. Please reach out with any additional questions!
HEALTH FAQS
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Our Infirmary, located in main camp, serves as the medical center and quarters for our on-site physician or registered nurse during Camp.
Equipped with a treatment center, private exam room, and beds for rest or overnight care, the Infirmary is available 24/7 with first-aid supplies. In emergencies, ambulance and helicopter services are accessible by calling 911, with hospitals nearby in Weaverville and Redding.
When you enroll, you’ll need to submit health forms, including a recent (within a year) physician’s exam and complete health history. Campers must also be up-to-date on immunizations or provide a medical waiver.
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All services provided by our Camp health care team, including prescribed medications, are included in your Camp fee. Additionally, all campers are covered by our Camper Health and Accident Insurance, which offers limited coverage for treatments beyond what our Medical Staff can provide at camp. This insurance is designed to supplement, not replace, your family’s medical insurance.
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We do our best to ensure every camper stays healthy and safe during their time at Camp. In the event of illness or injury, the Camp Director, Assistant Director, or medical staff will contact the camper’s parent, guardian, or designated emergency contact.
Parents will be notified for serious illnesses, injuries requiring stitches, sprains, broken bones, or any situation needing care outside of Camp.
POLICIES FAQS
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We strongly recommend purchasing camp tuition insurance through TripMate when you enroll your camper. This insurance ensures a refund of camp fees if your summer plans change, offering peace of mind.
Please note: TripMate camp tuition insurance must be purchased at the time of enrollment, and it’s the only way to guarantee a refund if your child cannot attend Camp.
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Cigarettes, nicotine products, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and weapons are strictly prohibited at Camp for both campers and counselors.
Anyone found with these items will be asked to leave immediately, and parents will be responsible for any additional transportation costs incurred due to this breach in contract.
As outlined in our Camp contract, NO REFUNDS will be issued if a camper is sent home for violating these rules. By signing the camper contract, your camper agrees to uphold and respect Camp policies.
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Counselors will collect money, cell phones, and other electronic devices from campers upon arrival, and all valuables will be stored in our main office safe.
We kindly ask that campers leave personal sports equipment, hair dryers, electronic games, fireworks, pets, food, drink, gum, or valuable jewelry at home, as these items aren’t needed at Camp.
Please note that Camp cannot be responsible for any items lost during your camper’s stay.
GENERAL FAQS
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Our Camp fee covers nearly everything: in-camp medical and nursing services, laundry, horseback riding, special food for backpack trips, and supplies for crafts like ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, and photography.
The only additional costs are transportation to and from Camp and any purchases made at the Trading Post. We also offer plain white T-shirts for tie-dyeing or silk-screening at cost, though you’re welcome to send your camper with their own.
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We offer a variety of overnight and extended backpacking trips, including multi-day expeditions into the breathtaking Trinity Alps Wilderness, located about 30 miles northeast of the Bar 717 Ranch. These trips range from 4 to 6 days, covering 25 to 40 miles on moderate to difficult trails, with daily hikes of 5 to 10 miles.
Campers carry their own gear and a portion of the group’s food supply, so participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with the challenge of backpacking.
If your camper has an internal or external frame backpack that fits them well, we encourage you to send it along to ensure their comfort on the trail. Questions about backpacking or what to pack? Send us an email or call 530-628-5992.
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We ask that campers arrive fully equipped with personal hygiene items, like shampoo and toothpaste, as well as extras such as flashlight batteries, shoe laces, writing supplies, chapstick, and plenty of sunscreen—all listed on the clothing and equipment list.
While our Camp store, The Trading Post, carries essential items for emergencies, it’s best to pack everything your camper will need to avoid extra charges. Don’t forget to include postage stamps or stamped envelopes to help your camper stay in touch!
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It’s normal for some campers to miss home during their first few days at Camp. Getting involved in activities is often the best remedy, helping them build confidence and find their place in the community.
If homesickness arises, we’ll work closely with you to provide support and guidance. In most cases, we ask parents to encourage their camper to embrace the experience by reassuring them that they can work through these feelings with the help of our staff.
Phone calls from home are discouraged, as they can make it harder for campers to adjust. Instead, frequent letters can help maintain a positive connection. We recommend focusing on your camper’s experiences at Camp—asking about their counselor, new friends, favorite activities, or the animals they’ve seen. Avoid emphasizing what they’re missing at home, as this can unintentionally deepen feelings of homesickness.
If your camper writes home about feeling homesick, please let us know so we can offer additional support. With teamwork between parents and staff, most campers find their footing and enjoy a fun, rewarding session on the Ranch.
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Riding is an integral part of camp life, and campers of all experience levels are welcome. Whether exploring scenic trails or learning skills in the riding rings, your child will be grouped by ability to ensure safety and comfort.
Campers also participate in grooming, saddling, and caring for the horses, fostering responsibility and connection.
Helmets are required for all riders—if your child has their own, they’re welcome to bring it to supplement our supply.
Rest assured, riding at Camp is safe, supervised, and an unforgettable experience for every camper.
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Parents are welcome to share any concerns about their child’s Camp experience with the Camp Directors—we’re here to support you. You’ll also receive a postcard introduction from your camper’s counselor at the start of the session and a personal note at the end. Visit our Enrolled Families page for more details on staying connected during Camp.
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We provide transportation to and from Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Redding on the opening and closing dates of each session. For campers traveling from outside California, we’re happy to help arrange special accommodations.
Transportation services include supervision, ticketing, reservations, and lunch en route, but please note that transportation costs are not included in the Camp fee.
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Family Camp is a week-long adventure where families connect, play, and relax together on a stunning mountain ranch, free from distractions and full of unforgettable experiences. Learn more about Family Camp.
Additional questions? We’re just a phone call or email away.
