Family Camp

Because of the altitude (6,200 feet) and surrounding trees, it is about five to ten degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. You can expect cold nights and warmer days throughout the fall season. Be prepared for possible rain as the weather can change unexpectedly. 

The kitchen prepares hearty home cooked meals, served family style in each cohort’s designated eating area. With advance notice, we can usually accommodate most dietary needs (e.g., nut free; vegetarian; gluten free). If you are concerned about meeting dietary needs, you are also welcome to bring supplemental food and snacks. Families should bring their own coolers to store personal food overnight in the NatureBridge kitchen. 

Each family cohort will have a designated side of the bunk house with bunk beds. Linens are not provided, so be sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries and a fitted sheet (twin size). Refer to the 'Your Stay at Crane Flat' section above for more information about the facilities. For families that choose to tent camp, please bring enough tents for your family members.

Yes, there may be up to five family cohorts on campus during each session. Each family cohort will have a designated sleeping area, eating area, porta potty and hand washing station to maintain physical distance. 

Yes. There is a central bathhouse on campus and the NatureBridge site manager will help facilitate shower sign ups in an effort to maintain CDC guidelines. 

Educators will adjust hiking mileage based on each family cohort's abilities and comfort levels. While it is possible to opt out of an activity, we encourage everyone to participate to get the deepest experience possible. The educational program is an important component of Family Camp. Children should be under parent/guardian direct supervision at all times. If you choose to leave campus during part of your stay, you will need to sign in and out of the program so that we know where you are in the event of an emergency.

No. Families will need to meet educators at the trailheads using their own vehicles. 

Yosemite Family Camp is best suited for ages 3 and up due to the nature of our bunkhouse-style accommodations. Educational content will be geared towards learning in a multi-age family setting. Our educators can adjust hiking mileage based on each family cohort's abilities and comfort levels.

NatureBridge will serve a bottle of wine or beer with dinner on the first night and participants are allowed to bring their own beer and wine. However, hard alcohol is discouraged. NatureBridge's Alcohol Policy can be found here.

Cell phone service is spotty in Yosemite because of the mountainous terrain, but it may be available depending on your location. You will likely find connectivity on campus if you have Verizon Wireless or Sprint. AT&T does not have service at Crane Flat. Due to such limited cell coverage and internet access, be prepared to disconnect completely, unless an emergency arises. NatureBridge has a land line that can be used in emergencies.

We may be able to make special exceptions for later arrivals with advance notice, but encourage you to plan for the standard program arrival time. You are welcome to depart the program early; however, we do not provide program discounts for late arrivals and early departures.