Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your summer camp unique, and why should we choose you?
Plantation is FUN! Lots of fun! Like a great summer camp should be. What makes Plantation special is its unique combination of farm life and camp activities, and its gorgeous setting in the Northern California redwoods. Campers each have a farm chore making them an active, contributing member of the community. They then get to choose their own activities each day, designing their own program and taking responsibility for their own good time. By providing an environment that is safe, both physically and psychologically, Plantation also creates supportive relationships and opportunities for children to belong and feel like they matter. A former camper (who is now sending her two children to our camp) puts it best: “Plantation, with its emphasis on the whole kid, forming relationships, learning simple life, unstructured play, and giving kids responsibilities and choices is the perfect atmosphere to foster strong self-esteem and find the important things in life.”
What are the Plantation facilities like?
Plantation is situated on 500 private acres in the coastal Sonoma redwoods. Most of the buildings are original to the 1800’s when Plantation was a stop on the Wells Fargo stagecoach. Each unit is just a short walk away from the Front Lawn and Dining Patio and has private showers and toilets.
Activities occur around the farm in natural settings and in our original buildings like our shop and barn. We make extensive use of the thousands of acres of private and state forests around us. Our pool and spring-fed lake also house our swimming and paddling activities.
What are the living accommodations?
Boys and girls are separated by gender and age into living units. Each camper shares an 8-foot by 8-foot canvas platform tent with one other camper. Three counselors live in each unit, supervising daily life and camper well-being. In their unit, campers have a secure group to return to at the end of each fun-filled day.Everyone is provided with a foam camp mattress. We recommend bringing a pillow, sleeping bag, and a bottom sheet.
What is the food like at camp?
Meals at Plantation are an important part of the camp experience. Farm-fresh camp gourmet is the best description of our food. We don’t say that lightly, but our cooks take pride in creating the very best home-cooked meals using food raised on the farm. The beef, lamb, and pork that is served is all free-range and raised on the farm. Many of the vegetables and herbs that are served are grown in our organic garden. From the fresh-baked bread, homemade peanut butter and jam, to warm scones, and pastured free-range beef and lamb, the food at Plantation is the finest quality. The food is nutritious and the menu is planned with the camper’s active schedules in mind.
Campers are assigned to tables weekly where we eat breakfast and dinner family style. A lunch buffet with food such as soup, sandwiches, salad, and the ubiquitous peanut butter and jam is served. Throughout the day, we have fruit available and a snack at Tea Time to keep us going. For more information, see our Food section.
What happens if a camper gets sick or needs regular medication?
We have a registered nurse on staff and available at all times. The nurse dispenses regular medications to campers and provides general health care. Our camp doctor is always on call, and every camp staff member is certified in CPR and first aid. Emergency services are just minutes away. You can read about out nurses on our Staff Biography page.
What is a typical day?
Every day begins with a wake-up bell around 8 am that signals to everyone at Plantation that it is time to go take care of morning chores. With the animals fed, we gather on the patio for a family-style breakfast followed by morning singing, and announcements. During announcements campers select their activities for the morning from a slate of approximately a dozen options, which have been selected the evening before based on camper interest. After the morning activity period, we have lunch and a brief rest period prior to the afternoon activity period. Afternoon activities are followed by Tea Time where the entire camp take break before afternoon chores and shower time. We then all gather back on the patio for dinner. Evenings are filled with dramas, barn dances, or activities on the front lawn. Campers then return to their units to have camp fires, tell stories, and reflect on their day before bed.
How do you know if you are ready for sleepaway camp?
It’s very important to remember that every child is different and that a little bit of nervousness about a first camp experience is completely normal. The base sign of readiness is that a child has spent a night away from home without a parent under the same roof. Regardless of the camper’s age, it’s also great to practice before going away from home. For younger campers in particular, learning to shower and get yourself ready on your own are great things to do in preparation for camp. Be assured that our staff members are trained to work with kids of all ages to make their adjustment to being away from home much easier.
How do campers select their activities?
Campers select their activities three times a day. This allows campers to design their own program based upon their interests and how they are feeling that day. We put together a diverse program from dozens of activities and campers have multiple opportunities to try out whatever they like.
How do campers communicate with friends and family while at camp?
Regular mail is the best form of communication, and most find it to fit in perfectly at camp. We ask campers to write home once a week and have additional stationary available in the store. Campers may also receive, but not send, emails through our one-way email system. All mail is delivered after lunch each day.
Can campers call home?
We have found that it is best for campers not to talk with family and friends from home as it actually encourages homesickness. Therefore, campers may not use phones while at camp.
Can campers receive packages at camp?
Plantation has a no package policy to encourage its non-competitive environment. Please be advised that any packages sent to camp will be returned to sender or held until closing day. Absolutely no food will be accepted, as it attracts animals into the living units. If you need to send your camper supplies, please call the office to notify us.
Can campers bring personal electronics?
Plantation has a strict no personal electronics policy. Campers may bring cameras for use during the session, but be aware that life at camp can be hard on these items so please don’t send anything expensive. Campers who are flying in may bring cell phones for their travels and are required to submit them to the office for safe keeping while they are at camp.
Are visitors allowed to visit campers during their session?
Campers are not allowed to have visitors while at camp except on Visitors Day. It too easily disrupts their adjustment to camp life and typically encourages homesickness.
Will someone contact me if my camper is having difficulty adjusting to camp?
Plantation’s directors will check in with all new families in the first few days of each session and also keeps in touch with any parents whose campers are experiencing a higher level of homesickness or another other things a parent may need to know about.
Does camp offer tours?
Yes. Please call the camp office to schedule your tour. In general, our tours are scheduled for the first weekend of the month. If you can, it is best to come during the summer to see camp in action.
Does Plantation have any religious affiliation?
Plantation is not a religiously affiliated camp and welcomes campers of all religious traditions to attend. While we do have Reflections on Sunday evening, it focuses on more general life themes, such as community, nature, friendship, or responsibility. Our religiously diverse campers can all benefit from its lessons.
What is the camper to counselor ratio?
We have a 3:1 ratio of campers to counselors. This ratio does not include additional staff such as the directors, kitchen, support, or ranch management staff. Read more about our great staff who will be taking care of your camper.
Who are the counselors?
Plantation ’s staff is approximately 40 people who are exciting, vibrant, and committed to helping kids have a great summer. The counseling, support, and administrative staff come from all over the United States, as well as countries such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa, to name a few. We strive to have a diverse staff and to build a strong, supportive community with strong role models.
How do you handle "homesickness"?
We don't like the term homesickness, because we feel that it is a normal and natural part of growing up to miss your home. Everyone (including counselors!) can get a little sad when they are in a new place, and at Plantation, we pay a little more attention to our first-time campers. With our low camper to staff ratio (between 3 and 4 to 1), we are able to provide a lot of close supervision and care. Our counselors are trained in various methods, including engaging them in activities, setting realistic goals, writing or talking about what you miss at home, and often the most effective tactic, just listening to the camper and letting them know that we care about them. Typically, homesickness lasts for the first two or three days, and then the pace and excitement of camp draws everyone into the flow. Additionally, one of the directors will check in with the parents of each first-time camper during the first three days of camp to let them know how the campers are doing.
What does the ACA logo mean?
The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for nearly 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Use of the ACA logo certifies that Plantation is accredited.
Why is ACA accreditation important?
One of our directors, John Chakan, has overseen 18 years of 100% ratings at Plantation, which is a sign of the high standards that we set for all aspects of our program. The ACA accreditation is the only comprehensive review of a camp's operations and without it, you have no guarantee that a camp is using industry best practices.
From the ACA website: ACA Accreditation means that the camp you are considering for your child cares enough to undergo a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety. For more information please visit the ACA website www.acacamps.org
Does camp provide transportation to Plantation?
It is each camper’s family’s responsibility to get them to and from Plantation. Transportation is available from Oakland International Airport (OAK), Berkeley, and Rohnert Park for an additional fee. For campers flying to camp, we have counselors that meet them at the gate in Oakland Airport. If you are driving from San Francisco it will take you about two hours to get to camp (click here for directions).
How do campers get clean laundry?
Laundry is done once a week. So we suggest bringing clothing for about 10 days to accommodate a 2 day turn-around. The commercial laundry can be tough on clothes, so we recommend that campers leave their nicer items at home. Each camper’s laundry is done individually, but we still recommend labeling their clothes.
Can I request to have my friends from home in my unit or tent?
Unit assignments are based on age and grade, based on the discretion of the directors. We do not put friends from home together in tents their first year at camp to encourage them to make new friends and promote group dynamics.
What do the camp fees cover?
The session fees are all-inclusive. They cover room and board, activities (including horseback riding, ceramics, and out-camp trips, etc), activity instruction and equipment, and a camp t-shirt. There are additional fees for transportation, laundry, and campers can be given credit to use at the camp store.
Do you have any special deals with your tuition?
We offer a number of discounts. There is an Early Bird discount for all tuitions paid in full prior to December 1. We also offer a discount of $200 for siblings who enroll at camp together (not counting Family Camp).
Cancellation policy/ can I get a refund?
If notice of cancellation is received, in writing, prior to May 1st, your tuition will be refunded, less the $500 deposit. If cancellation occurs after May 1st, no allowance, refunds or rebates will be made on tuition due to the fact that all camping programs are planned in advance, including purchasing of camper’s supplies and equipment, and hiring of personnel based on confirmed camper reservations. We do offer tuition insurance through TravMark (www.travmark.com).