Recent recommendations/tips for Oakland Feather River Camp?

I can't recommend OFRC enough! We went to the first Labor Day weekend camp ever 4 years ago, brought some pre-school friends with us the next year, and have missed it the last two with the pandemic and fire, but look forward to going again this year. It's easy to make friends, meals are mess hall style so inevitably you are sitting next to across from others who you'll get to know, and after breakfast the kids are off doing counselor-led activities while the adults relax, read, hike, etc. In the afternoons many families head to the swimming hole to cool off - it gets pretty hot - which is also very social. My now first-grader is also picky, and you can always make a PB & J no matter what is served - not cooking is fantastic! Not sure about the theme weeks - we might try that next summer - but Labor Day camp may be a good, shorter introduction. I'd be happy to talk if you want to find a time to connect on the phone - just DM me. Feather River Camp is a true Oakland treasure! : )

We've been going to Feather River Camp for 7 or 8 years now - my partner and I have two kids ages 10 and 13. We first went with one family we knew. Now there is a group of something like 10 families we are close with because we all go the same week every year. It is super easy for kids to make friends, assuming they choose to participate in the organized, counselor-led activities. During our years of going, there have been some years where the counselors have been off-the-charts amazing and other years where they have been so-so. But our kids have been really happy every year. They love having the freedom to run around, play games, ride bikes, do all the activities, buy treats at the camp store, etc. It is heaven for them.

Among adults, I have found the vibe to be very friendly but not pushy. So if you are outgoing and like to chat, you will make friends. If you project that you are there for some peace and quiet, people will leave you alone. But mealtimes are very friendly; there are often adults sitting around playing cards or just chatting outside of meal times too. And there are some organized activities for adults (e.g., nature walks or arts and crafts or mountain bike rides. Some of those activities vary based on the theme of the week, tho.) One nice thing: almost all the folks we've met at camp over the years are actually from Oakland. So we see them around town; kids go to each other's birthday parties, etc.

Side note: we are white and heterosexual. I like to think OFRC would feel welcoming to anyone, but obviously my personal experience may not reflect everyone's. Fwiw, Feather River Camp is pretty white, relative to Oakland itself. But it is still far and away the most racially diverse place I've ever been in the Sierras. (And I have been spending time in the Sierras my whole life.) And there are always at least a few queer families and/or solo parents around too.

In terms of food... for each meal there is a meat-eater's option and a vegetarian option. (I think there might also be a vegan option at every meal, but I can't remember.) There's also a salad bar and supplies to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, if you don't like what's on offer. But it's not a ton of choice. The camp also has a small kitchen that anyone can use. So if you have an extremely picky eater (I have one), you can bring and store food in that kitchen and also do any of your own food prep that you need to. (But in my opinion, having to cook all my own meals would kind of defeat the purpose of going to family camp. The big draw of camp is not having to cook. Over the years, the food has gotten better, but it is definitely not gourmet. I DON'T CARE. It is just such a relief to not have to think about meal planning. They ring a bell, you line up, there is hot food at the end of the line, then you eat and talk with your friends. Someone else washes the dishes. It is amazing.)

Good luck with whatever you decide! Feel free to contact me if you have other questions - happy to talk more about camp.

Hi Nicole, my husband's family has been going for over 40 years (his mom worked there as a teen) and they love it. I've now gone a few times and last year was my first time there as a parent (with our then almost 2 year old). The not worrying about meals is definitely the best part. Food is decent, lots of options. I think they have a sample menu on their website. Lots of activities that you can participate in or you can do your own thing (hang by the water, read in your hammock, etc.) We typically go with a group of family so can't speak too much to the ease of making friends but it seems like a friendly place overall. Last year they did not have themed weeks because of COVID but my husband's family typically goes during Dance Week. Don't know much other theme weeks. Lastly, there are definitely some areas that require maintenance but it's been an Oakland institution for a long time and always nice to support the folks that run it. Super great crew!