While I 'fell off the blog wagon' for a bit, a week of camp has inspired an update....
For the past 2 years we've heard a number of friends rave about Camp Mather - a SF Park and Rec sleep-away camp for the whole family.
Like many things SF, entry is lottery based. We entered our names in January & were thrilled to 'win' a week.
The camp is located a few hours east - near Yosemite - at a former construction camp for the Hetch Hetchy dam project. When the dam project was completed in the early 20's, the Supervisor of San Francisco - Margaret Mary Morgan - the first woman to hold that role - had a vision to turn it into a family camp.
It's pretty rural - as evidenced by the non-pigeon or dogs in outfits wildlife....
En route...
By the bath house...
By the dining hall....
Most of the cabins are originals from the 20's (camp opened in 1924).
We were assigned one of the 'new' ones. Built in the 50's...
Once you get there, it's pretty much 2 wheels all week - LOVED that!
The 90+ years of operation show in the impressive, extensive range of activities...
There were all the things I associate with camp
Horse back riding...
Canoeing...
Archery...
Abundant crafts...
S'mores...
And way more activities I hadn't really expected...
A ropes course...
Tennis ball machine....
(Soooo fun - until Q got a hold of the settings!)
All kinds of tournaments....
Outdoor movies...
(They showed Inside Out - I cried like a baby...again!)
And Bingo night..
Q played with dedication - 4 boarding it...
And it paid off...
...won an ice cream from the General Store!
While there were more activities than time, there was also lots of horizontal time...
Aided by the fact that 3 meals / day were provided!
(it's amazing how much more free time one has with zero meal prep)
AND aided by the fact we had no cell service or WIFI - SO fab to totally unplug.
Only way to connect is via the old school 'business center'.....
While I hadn't been to camp in several decades and never to a family camp, I agree with Zoe....when asked if she'd want to return again next year, she replied "I'd like to come again next week"
Here's to family camp, camp Mather & to Margaret Mary Morgan for having the idea
As they say at SF Parks and Rec - 'Get out and Play!'
