Family Camp

FAMILY CAMP

Family Campers spend the weekend enjoying the activities of archery, fishing hiking in addition to arts & crafts, nightly events, campfires, and lots of family fun for everyone. Each family will be housed in private cabins with a private bathroom.

Location: Camp Oakes Big bear
Days: Friday-Sunday
Ages: All
Cost: $160 per person Under 5 free
Dates: October 14-16


General Information

 

Arrival and Check-In:

Plan to arrive any time after 5:00 on Friday. Check In will be done at Flagpole.

 

Camp Oakes address is 

47400 Monte Vista Dr. 

Big Bear City, CA 92314

 

We recommend taking the route via HWY 38 through Mentone. When you arrive, drive to the check in area, will be guided where to unload by one of our staff. 

 

Check out time on Sundays is 11:00am, 

 

Things to do:

Hiking- Trail maps will be provided. Ping Pong Cornhole

Gaga (dodgeball game) Horseshoes

Volleyball Foosball

Balls are provided, or you can bring your own.

 

Program Activities 

Archery, BBs, Mine Chute, Crafts, 

 

Observatory- Get a view and tour of the night sky. 

 

Food:  

Meals will be provided during your stay. Pizza for purchase will be available for pick up on Friday’s. Orders need to be done in advance. Check your packet for the order form, please turn it in the Tuesday before your arrival. 

 

Mealtime Pick Ups will be as followed.

Breakfast- 8:00-9:00am

Lunch 12:15-1:15pm

Dinner 5:00-6:00pm

 

All meals will be picked up from the dining hall area. One person per household. They will pick up a crate with all meals for your household,  utensils and trash bags to take and eat outside with our picnic tables. No indoor dining.

 

Emergency: if an accident occurs, please inform Fredy Diaz at 909-521-5709 or inform the nearest staff you can find. 

Bear Valley Community Hospital: Emergency Room, 

41870 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Phone: (909) 866-6501

 

We have minor first aid supplies available if needed.

Wildfire: If a wildfire breaks out nearby, please be prepared to leave

quickly. Any camp emergency is signaled by an alarm that will alert all. If signaled, please send one member of your family to the main parking lot for instructions.

 

Natural Hazards:

Camp is situated at 7,200 feet elevation. Dehydration is common, be sure to drink lots of water. Tap water from your Dorms is drinkable. 

 

There is wildlife. They are more afraid of you than you are afraid of them. Some common animals in the winter are coyotes, mountain lions, bears. We almost never see them, but we know they’re out there. Stay together in groups, do not walk alone at night. If confronted by a “big kitty”, do not run away. Make yourself look larger, get together in a group, yell and holler.

 

There are snakes and rattlesnakes, but not common. 

 

Stay on trails and watch where you’re walking.

 

Weather: 

Winter is always a fascinating time here in the mountains. Weather can range from the 50s/70s in the daytime, to lows of 20s-30s at night. Be prepared for brutally cold with wind, rain, sleet or snow during the wintertime.

Check the forecast to help with packing.

 

Big Bear: Town can become quite busy, especially if there is snowfall. We recommend staying away from town on weekends as of 10:00am each day to avoid the crowds. If you want to enjoy town, be prepared for traffic.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  

 

What are your accommodations like?

At YMCA Camp Oakes, all of our cabins have 6 bunk beds with twin sized mattresses, electricity, heating, and bathrooms. We have 10 cabins, known as Bixby Village. Cabins are ADA assessible. 

 

Are accommodations shared with other families? Can I share a cabin with specific friends or another family?

To allow for social distancing and ensure the health and well-being of all families coming to camp cabins will now be private and only occupied by your family during a weekend. All family members that you register with will be placed in the same cabin.

       

What should I pack?

We recommend that you plan to dress in layers because temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, it can snow or rain unexpectedly at camp, so layers is always recommended. You will also need to bring warm bedding (sleeping bags, warm blankets, and/or), reusable water bottles comfortable closed-toed shoes, a flashlight, and a positive attitude. Please leave electronics, valuables, and any drugs or alcohol at home. We also recommend labeling your belongings, as many families bring similar looking items.

 

Where do I park when I arrive at YMCA Camp Oakes?

Upon arriving to camp please park in our main lot and observe a site wide 5 mph speed limit. Parking is allowed only in designated spots. Our parking lot is big enough to allow for social distancing room between cars. Please keep this in mind when finding a pot in the lot. During check in hours staff will be on hand to guide you to a parking spot. Please remain in your car and a staff member will come and check you in. Cars must remain in the main parking lot for the weekend. Please plan to move luggage between the parking lot and the cabin. We have a spot we can guide you to unload. We encourage you to pack only what you can carry. Our parking lot is not next to cabins and you may not drive to the cabins.

 

What time is check in and check out?

The first check in will begin at 5:00pm. In order for our maintenance staff to clean the cabins for our next group's arrival, please plan to have all of your belongings out of your cabin by 10 am on the last day of camp. We cannot accommodate early check in or late check out. On the last day of camp during family camp weekends activities will run until 11 am unless otherwise specified in your welcome email or at check in.

 

Do you accommodate special dietary needs?

We offer nutritious, family-friendly meals. Please be sure to visit our dining area during mealtimes, as we do not serve food at other times. We can accommodate vegetarian/vegan, lactose free and gluten-free diets; however, we do not have the capacity to prepare special individual meals or take meal requests. If you or your family has any special dietary needs or allergies, please let us know when you register or inform your group leader. Our meals are peanut-free, but may contain wheat, soy, egg, dairy or other allergens.

Will my cellphone or tablet work at camp? Is there wifi?

There is minimal cell phone service in camp. There are some carriers that have some signal in portions of the parking lot but generally cell phone service is limited at camp. Wi-Fi is available near the dining hall, and check in area. Please ask a staff member for assistance. To protect your valuables, we do not recommend bringing expensive electronics, and we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. We do recommend taking the opportunity to unplug, disconnect and enjoy the outdoors.

 

Are medical services available at camp?

Our camp staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR and can assist with minor medical needs. Several medical centers also are within driving distance of camp, including Bear Valley Hospital and Urgent Care options in Big Bear Lake. During the weekend, our health cottage is not open or staffed. If any emergency occurs, finds the nearest staff. 

 

What if there is an emergency at camp?

In case of emergency, please be aware of the following procedures:

  1. An alarm will announce the emergency.
  2. When you hear the alert, everyone should go directly to the flagpole by the check in area
  3. We will direct you in the next steps.

 

If you have an emergency, please contact a staff member immediately.

 

Does camp have quiet hours?

The Lake Williams community has mandated quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am seven days a week. Observing their guidelines, things like amplified music, drumming, and loud talking or singing are not permitted during these hours.

 

Should I bring money to YMCA Camp Oakes?

Money is not required for any activities during camp however, the Camp Store may be open during your stay. The Camp Store excepts cash, check or major credit cards. The Camp Store will be open during your stay from 9:00am- 3pm On Saturday and 8:00am-10am on Sundays.

 

What are your YMCA Camp Oakes guidelines?

  • Smoking (cigarettes only) is only permitted in designated areas and never in cabins.
  • Please do not move furniture from cabins to any other building.
  • Campfires are not allowed for the time being.
  • Pets, firearms and fireworks are not permitted at camp.
  • For sanitary reasons, cooking is not permitted in the cabins.
  • Alcohol and drugs (including vaping) are prohibited at all YMCA facilities.