Michaela is back and is soDetails of Activities
How much fun can you have in a session at Plantation? Well, in a full camp session we run around
Hiking
With 500 acres of our own forest trails and gulches, in addition to the adjacent 6,000 acres of state park land, we have hikes for all level of hikers. Campers can begin with easy cruising half-day hikes around our lakes and work their way up to an all-day double-reverse gulch hike. Most hikes end up at the Pacific Ocean, providing a gorgeous landscape for a late lunch before heading back to camp.
Horseback Riding
We ride exclusively bareback at Plantation. Riding bareback develops a strong bond between rider and horse, allowing campers to develop their skills faster than with a saddle. We have horses and activities for all levels of riders from beginners to experienced equestrians. First-time riders begin in a corral with one horse and one counselor. They progress to a large fenced meadow where they can improve their gaits and handling. More experienced riders can progress to advanced trail rides through the redwoods.
Sports
Plantation is a non-competitive camp. Everybody has the chance to play and win and build new skills. We play a variety of games including soccer, ultimate frisbee, touch rugby, cricket, and quidditch. With counselors from all over the world we experts in a variety of sports to teach the campers and help them try something new or become better in their current sport. The all-time favorite, however, is Capture the Flag in our 20-acre wooded meadow. It starts with chants of "CTF in the BBD" then progresses to hiding flags and searching through the woods. This classic game is transformed into a wilderness adventure.
Waterfront
Swimming Pool
We have a heated swimming pool where campers can splash around, swim laps, and play. Water aerobics, pool basketball or just splashing around all make for a fun time. Even on foggy days or during Evening Activites the pool is a popular hub of activity because it is kept around 82 degrees.
Lake
An afternoon at the lake, surrounded by redwood forest is like no other. If campers are looking for a more natural setting, we have a spring-fed lake, where campers can swim, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or go fishing. Unique games like watermelon polo are also camp favorites. One of the highlights of camp is the three-day, two-night kayaking trips on the Gualala River.
Nature
We are surrounded by an amazing wealth of natural resources. From exploring the redwoods around us to combing the beach and discovering tidepools, there are opportunities to learn more about the world around us. Our counselors bring a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna around camp.
Adventure
Beside the hikes and capture the flag, we also offer archery and slingshot alley. In our archery range, you make your own target before taking aim with a recurve or compound bow. Our wooded Slingshot Alley provides the chance to take aim at targets nestled throughout the forest. We also have a parcel of the forest set aside to build forts in the redwood circles. Using twine and found natural objects, campers and staff have built many forts throughout the years, including a seven room fort with a balcony and a tunnel to a dungeon. Best of all, campers get deed to their fort and can "reclaim" them from year to year.
Arts and Crafts
Traditional Camp Projects
A favorite part of many camper's summer, our art program offers many ways for people to express their artistic sides. Our beautiful location provides inspiration for many watercolor paintings and charcoal sketches. You can make a classic tie dye, or create your own design and silkscreen it onto a shirt or pillowcase. Of course, friendship bracelets is a perennial favorite, and some campers will go home with bracelets from wrist to elbow.
Natural Crafts
Using the resources that we have around us on the farm, in the redwood forest, and the beaches is also a large part of our program. Campers have the opportunity to use the wool from our sheep: learning to wash and card it before we use it for projects. We do natural dying with plants that are gathered around camp. Campers can also learn how to wet and feedle felt, use a drop spindle or try their hand on a spinning wheel.We also do many crafts with natural objects, such as weaving, basket making, driftwood art, flower pressing, and sand painting.
Drama
Dramas at Plantation are a blast! Each show occurs entirely in a day and a half. Five campers volunteer to write the drama one afternoon. The next day, more campers are added to the cast. They get costumes from our costume loft. They make sets and props. They rehearse once or twice, and then that evening, the cast puts on the show for the rest of camp. Everyone who wants to can be in a drama, and everyone enjoys the five dramas throughout the summer. We also have a Variety Show at the end of each session where campers can share their talents with the rest of camp.