FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Camp going to be open to new and returning campers in summer 2023?
Yes! Camp is open to campers ages 7 and up! This year we are adding more sessions to better accommodate everyone at Camp! Click here for more specifics on our session dates for 2023.
Why are there 6 and 8 day sessions instead of 10 day sessions this year?
By decreasing our session lengths and adding more sessions, it has given us the opportunity to have sessions that are targeted towards younger campers (sessions 2 and 3) and a teen only session (session 7). In addition, adding more sessions allows us to reduce the number of campers in each session, allowing us to keep groups smaller, give campers more individual attention, and keep everyone at Camp safer, both campers and staff!
What are the 6 day sessions all about?
Following on from our success last year with new-camper mini sessions, we are excited to offer two 6 day sessions, open to all of our new and returning campers aged 7 and up! It can be overwhelming for a new camper to go away for 8 days so our mini sessions include programming designed specifically to give new campers the full summer camp experience, but without being away for a full session! While these sessions have programming tailored to first time campers, we welcome everyone ages 7-14 as well as LITs and CITs, even if you are not a first time camper and have been coming to Camp for many years!
What if I want my 8 year old camper to go for the 8 day session?
The only option for 7-9 year old campers to attend a “full” 8-day session is to attend session 1. We recognize that it can be important to have all of your children attend the same session, so this is your opportunity! 7-9 year old campers are also welcome to join other campers in our shorter sessions, 2 and 3. In order to focus programming, and support the needs of our campers best, all other sessions are for campers ages 10-14 (session 4-6) and 13-17 (session 7).
Is session 1 still only open for youth of military and first responders?
Session 1 will be open for everyone, but there will be specific programming for those campers who are in military families, or families of first responders. This programming includes discussions of resilience, , if we will be providing specific transportation from Travis Air Force Base if we have enough campers who are attending and we will continue to have specific programming for youth of military and first responder families.
Session 7 is only for Campers ages 13+? Can you tell me more?
Yes! We found that many of our older campers either don’t want to be LITs or CITs and just want to come to Camp as a camper and enjoy everything that Camp Mendocino has to offer, without the extra responsibility. We are excited to offer this to our 13-17 year old campers. Please note, there will be no CITs or LITs during session 7 and there will be a fee to attend session 7. Additional discounts will be given to LITs and CITs who attended sessions 1-6
What is the cost for Camp?
Pricing differs depending on what you choose when describing your camper on the first page of the camper application. All below prices are all-inclusive, including transportation to & from San Francisco. Our pricing structure may look complicated, but it’s because we believe that all youth should have the opportunity to attend Camp Mendocino! For this reason, we always keep our prices below the actual cost of running Camp and do our best to offer as many scholarship levels as possible.
Due to the significant increase in prices over the past several years, we are raising the price of camper registration in 2023 so that we can continue to operate Camp for years to come.
If you are able to easily afford this price increase, please consider making a gift to Camp so that all youth can access this opportunity and we can continue to offer scholarships at many levels.
Sessions 1 & 4-6 (8-day sessions)
If your camper is a member of BGCSF and regularly attends a Clubhouse or School Based Club, we automatically scholarship your session fee from down from $825 to $275 - a savings of $550!). Additional scholarships are given as needed directly through your Club Director or Site Director.
If you are not a member of BGCSF, we have a no-questions-asked scholarship scale that you can choose on the first page of the application.
No Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, your 8-day session fee is $825
Minimum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $200 scholarship and your session fee is $625
Partial Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $300 scholarship and your session fee is $525
Maximum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $400 scholarship and your session fee is $425
If you are a military family (your camper’s parents/guardians serve(d) in the US military, we provide an additional $110 scholarship and your session fee is $315. Choosing this option will require you to enter the military sponsor’s name, branch, component, status, duty station, and rank later in the application.
Sessions 2-3 (6-day sessions)
If your camper is a member of BGCSF and regularly attends a Clubhouse or School Based Club, we automatically scholarship your session fee from down from $620 to $220 - a savings of $400). Additional scholarships are given as needed directly through your Club Director or Site Director.
If you are not a member of BGCSF, we have a no-questions-asked scholarship scale that you can choose on the first page of the application.
No Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, your 6-day session fee is $620
Minimum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $100 scholarship and your session fee is $520
Partial Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $170 scholarship and your session fee is $450
Maximum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $300 scholarship and your session fee is $320
If you are a military family (your camper’s parents/guardians serve(d) in the US military, we provide an additional $50 scholarship and your session fee is $270. Choosing this option will require you to enter the military sponsor’s name, branch, component, status, duty station, and rank later in the application.
Session 7 (5-day session - age 13+)
If your camper is a member of BGCSF and regularly attends a Clubhouse or School Based Club, we automatically scholarship your session fee from down from $620 to $220 - a savings of $400). Additional scholarships are given as needed directly through your Club Director or Site Director.
If you are not a member of BGCSF, we have a no-questions-asked scholarship scale that you can choose on the first page of the application.
No Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, your 8-day session fee is $520
Minimum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $150 scholarship and your session fee is $370
Partial Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $200 scholarship and your session fee is $320
Maximum Scholarship needed: By selecting this option, you automatically receive a $250 scholarship and your session fee is $270
If you are a military family (your camper’s parents/guardians serve(d) in the US military, we provide an additional $50 scholarship and your session fee is $270. Choosing this option will require you to enter the military sponsor’s name, branch, component, status, duty station, and rank later in the application.
If your camper will be an LIT or CIT in 2023 sessions 1-6, you are eligible for an additional scholarship (regardless of BGCSF membership) of $100 on our lowest scholarship level. Your session 7 camp fee will be $170. Please choose “Counselors In Training (CIT)” or “Leaders In Training (LIT)” when asked “What best describes your camper?”
What if I don't have access to a computer? Can I get a paper application?
Although paper applications won't be available this year as we are trying to digitize everything, we want to help you get your camper to Camp!
If you are a BGCSF member…
We will offer in-person camper application help in our BGCSF Clubhouses! Please feel free to drop in to meet the Manager of Camp Administration and the Assistant Camp Director and get your camper signed up. We will bring the computers and all you have to bring:
Your campers 2023 Doctor’s Physical
2023 Immunization Form
$50 application deposit (per session per camper)
(optional) Health Insurance/Policy Number
(optional) Government Food Program Number.
Even if you don't have these documents, please come and get enrolled, these documents will be due 14 days prior to your session start date.
Speak to your Clubhouse Director for application drop-in dates & times.
If you are not a BGCSF member…
You can apply on a phone or mobile device
You can call or email if you need help. We can set up a time to walk through the application with you on one of our internet connected devices.
Will my camper be able to attend more than one session?
Yes! This season campers will be able to attend more than one session. Please keep in mind that there will be a session break between Session 1 and 2 and session 4 and 5. so all campers that sign up for session 1 and/or 4 will have to go home at the end of their session and return for the start of session 2 or 5.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Camp Mendocino is co-ed; boys are located on one side of Camp and girls are on the other. This year, we are asking families specifically on the application to let us know what cabins their campers will feel most comfortable in, regardless of their sex assigned at birth. It is important to us that everyone feels comfortable and welcome where they live and sleep.
Age groups are separated into different “villages” and each village has several cabins located together with their own bathrooms and showers. Cabins have six bunk beds and are solid wood structures with canvas flaps covering windows and the door.
What are your transportation procedures?
We will continue to provide bus transportation from San Francisco this summer and from Travis Air Force Base (Session 1 only). We are working hard to ensure that transportation for summer 2023 is better than ever - more seamless systems, great buses, and an overall smooth experience. More information about transportation will be provided as we get closer to the summer.
How will I have contact with my kids?
Parents are encouraged to send emails to their children (campers@kidsclub.org) and campers will be able to send families a letter via email during their session.
If any family needs to contact the camp or their child because of a personal emergency, we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We recognize that, as loving and caring parents, you miss your children, but we have found that, often, telephone calls are counter-productive to the camp experience. One of the major benefits of camp attendance is for your child to gain independence. This can only happen when there is some separation between parent and child. Being in constant contact with your child will inhibit this. The leadership staff at Camp are always available should you have any questions about your child’s camp experience.
Will a doctor’s physical be required for Summer 2023?
We ask that you submit an updated doctor's physical (signed by a RN or Doctor prior to August 7, 2022) and immunization record to us 14 days before your session starts. You can either use the form provided on the camp application or the form your healthcare provider provides.
What is the refund policy this summer?
The "hold-your-spot" fee of $50 is non-refundable for any reason. Refunds of any remaining funds paid will be allowed up to 14 days prior to the beginning of your camper's session. If a camper is not able to attend Camp due to symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the start of the session, families should contact Camp Mendocino immediately. Every effort will be made to accommodate your camper in another session (when appropriate), and refunds will be given on a case-by-case basis.
No refunds are given if: families cancel with less than 14 days notice before the session begins, camper(s) do not show up for Camp, or if he/she is sent home from Camp for any reason.
How will all of these changes affect the C program?
If your camper is going for their Red C, they can attend any of our 8 or 6 days sessions to complete the requirements. If they are going for their Gold C, they must attend two sessions, but it can be either; two 8 day sessions, one 8 day session and one 6 day session or two 6 day sessions.
Campers age 7-9 will not be eligible to receive Green Cs. Rest assured, we have developed some great ways to recognize these youngest campers, and will be encouraging them to focus on getting involved in the Camp community, experiencing the activities, making friends, and enjoying their time at Camp!
Will you be accepting LITs?
Yes, we will be accepting both LITs and CITs! Teens can either apply to the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program or the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program.
Teens between the ages of 15-17 will be eligible to apply for the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program. In the LIT program, teens will be assigned their own village with 2-3 other LITs and work with village staff to support campers. Together with all LITs, they will participate in job readiness workshops (resume writing and money management), work in the dining hall and dish room ("clipper room"), and shadow different positions around Camp (activity specialists, maintenance staff, and kitchen staff). The LIT program requires a full session commitment, and upon successful completion, will receive a stipend of:
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8 day session - $100 and 54 community service hours (can be used towards high school graduation requirements).
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6 day session - $100 and 42 community service hours (can be used towards high school graduation requirements).
Teens between the ages of 16-17 can also apply to be a Counselor-in-Training (CIT). Teens in the CIT program chose one of three tracks to apply to: youth development track, maintenance track, or food service track (learn more about each track here). Depending on the track they chose, teens will learn the fundamental skills needed to get a job in their chosen track, and will leave with a certification that can be used to boost their job prospects. The CIT program requires a two session commitment (do not have to be back-to-back but one of these two sessions must be an 8 day session) and upon successful completion, teens will receive a stipend of:
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$300 and 108 hours of community service hours if doing two 8 day sessions (can be used towards high school graduation requirements).
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$300 and 96 hours of community service if doing one 8 day session and one 6 day session.
Please note: there will be no LITs or CITs in session 7. This session is for teens, ages 13-17, who would like to come to Camp as a camper.
More information about the options for teens this summer can be found on the "Teen Leadership" page of the website.