If you've not yet experienced Family Camp, consider this an invitation from the Camp Committee to join us. The camp is not affiliated with Jack & Jill of America, Inc. but is an organized activity by Jack and Jill families. Membership in Jack and Jill is not required to attend.

Family Camp has grown and changed tremendously over the years. In the early years, recently-graduated Jack & Jill youths supervised activities for younger kids and the adults played Bridge and Whist. Everybody hiked through the beautiful Mendocino Woodlands and enjoyed ancient redwoods and had a great time.
 

Many of the early campers of the 1960s are now parent campers. Families have come from all over the country to spend a week in scenic Mendocino and participate in the activities which include outdoor educational programs, arts and crafts for the whole family, and a golf tournament. While camp has changed over the years, our goal remain the same . . . having a great time. Camp is a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. It's also a chance to eat some of the best food created on the West Coast. We are fortunate to have Harold LeBlanc (a J&J camper during his youth) as our resident chef. He is sharpening his knives now and is rarin' to go with more Gumbo, BBQ and other specialties. Folks have been known to diet in anticipation of the wonderful meals at camp. 

What Do We Bring?

A smile and a readiness to have a good time are the primary camping equipment needed for this camp. Of course, a few more practical items are needed such as sleeping bags, gas or butane lanterns, flashlights and a few items to make your cabin more comfortable. The weather is pleasant, often hot during the day and cool at night. You need clothes appropriate for the changing weather and shoes for walking and hiking. A detailed list of equipment, camp rules and planned activities will be mailed to all campers after registration forms have been submitted.

Be A Tourist

Families are encouraged to explore the Mendocino area. The town of Mendocino overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has many interesting art galleries, shops and restaurants. Mendocino is known as a popular weekend destination for the residents of Northern California. Additionally, Fort Bragg, one of the first army outposts in California, is just a few miles away. Campers can visit historic sights, take the Skunk Train through the National Forest to Willits and back, or tour the lumber mills. If the weather is nice, an afternoon at the beach is the perfect form of relaxation.

Cooperation Is The Key

Family Camp is organized and run by volunteers. In order to keep the cost low and the activity level high, families are asked to volunteer a few hours during the week. This means doing Kitchen Patrol "KP" at two meals and assisting with activities during two specified time periods during the week. We ask for your help because the cost of paying for help for a week is prohibitive. KP consists of setting up, serving and cleaning up after a meal. Usually three or more families are assigned to each meal so it is usually more fun than work. The demand for activities has outgrown the volunteer manpower, and we need a little help. We ask parents to assist with activities in which their children participate or if you have a special talent, we ask you to share it with us.

What Can You Expect?

Jack and Jill Family Camp is set in the redwoods of the Mendocino Woodlands. The Woodlands are located ten miles east of Mendocino. Mendocino is a scenic three and a half hour drive, approximately 180 miles north of the San Francisco/Oakland Bay area on Highway 101 and Highway 1.

 

What Do We Do When We Get There?

There are activities planned for all campers during the week. Some are for different age groups and others for the whole family. Each year we have a camp theme, which is incorporated into the week's activities. Typically, craft activities are planned for children after brunch. For three days of camp, the ever-popular Mommy Crafts convene after brunch in the recreation hall. It is a chance for the moms to relax, chat and do something unrelated to their usual routine. The creative results are amazing. One of our oldest traditions is the "Pinewood Derby." During the week, campers prepare their pinewood race cars in anticipation of the races held at the end of the week (and yes, it is also a beauty contest)!

No Dieting Allowed!

Eleven meals are prepared by our resident chef Harold Le Blanc and served in the central dining hall. You haven't lived until you have worked your way through a bowl of his famous gumbo. Typically, juice and cold cereal are served from 8 AM to 10 AM. At 10 AM, a full brunch is served. An afternoon snack of sandwiches and fruit is served at 2 PM and dinner is served at 6 PM Dessert is normally served after the evening activity. Leave your diet at home! 

Cabins

Families live in fully-enclosed cabins equipped with beds and fireplaces. Cabins accommodate families of 4 or 5 comfortably. There is no electricity in the individual cabins. They are lit by butane or battery-operated lanterns and are clustered in groups around bathroom / shower facilities which do have electricity. The dining and recreation facilities are at the center of the campsite. Family Camp has the exclusive use of the campsite and it is a safe place to allow even small children to explore. There are no family members too young or too old to come to camp. The record for the youngest camper is nine days old! A family is whatever you say it is, but must include an adult responsible for all minors. All of the children for whom an adult is responsible must be able to reside with them in a cabin. Teenagers are not allowed to come to camp without an adult.

Afternoon Fun

Afternoons can be spent on the field playing organized games or just snoozing in your cabin. A game of Bridge, Whist or Dominoes is always in progress in the dining hall. Many kids like the idea of not being programmed for a change and wonder through the grounds exploring and making new friends. One afternoon we enjoy a picnic at the beach which includes swimming, kite-flying and fishing. Evening activities are planned for children teenagers and adults. For those interested in environmental study, there is a resident naturalist who plans a week's activities just for our camp. Golfers, have no fear. The Camp Committee sponsors a golf tournament at the Little River Inn. The golfers have been known to practice a time or two before the tournament so they'll be ready. The Little River Inn also accepts reservations for tennis, so don't leave that racquet behind. Also available in the area are canoeing and horseback riding.