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HSC CAMPOUTS
NEW CAMPER Q&A
Welcome to the fun-filled world of HSC campouts!
We have compiled some information here to give you an idea of what to expect at our campouts.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the camp host for the particular campout you’re planning to attend or hoping to attend.
REGISTRATION
Instructions for registration will be provided when registration opens for each individual event.
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HSC membership is required.
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Campers who are staying the entire time get priority.
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Specific limitations or options will be provided for each campout, so read that information thoroughly.
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Registration payments are nonrefundable.
NEW CAMPER Q&A
New and inexperienced campers are welcome on all HSC camp-outs!
Are most people who camp with HSC experienced campers?
HSC camp-outs are for everyone! We welcome new and inexperienced campers. No need to worry. Once you have camped with us, you will know everything you need to know about camping. We’ll help. Feel free to either post your questions to the HSC yahoo camping list or Facebook group or email us at campouts@hsc.org.
How can I try out camping without spending a lot of money?
We suggest that new campers either borrow equipment or rent it. REI and other camping stores often offer reasonably priced rentals.
Are there electric outlets at our camp-sites?
Some have electric outlets and others do not. Please ask the camp host if having electric outlets matters to you.
Are there flush toilets are our camp-sites?
Most camp-sites have flush toilets. However, some do not. Joshua Tree, a favorite HSC camp-site, has vault toilets.
Are there showers at our camp-sites?
Many of our camp-sites have pay showers, so bring lots of quarters.
Are there stores at our camp-sites?
Most camp-sites have a small store which sells ice and other essential items. Some camp-sites are near cities with grocery stores. Others are remote. Ask the host about nearby amenities.
Do I have to pay for babies and toddlers? Children aged four and under are free.
Are there any planned activities at HSC camp-outs? There are both spontaneous and planned activities. Capture the flag, badminton, a knitting circle, a hike, are all examples of spontaneous activities.
I would like to plan an activity, would that be ok? We love it when campers want to organize activities! Let everyone know what you are planning so they can bring the necessary supplies. Tie-dying, foam weapon-making, friendship bracelets, or a side trip are examples of past activities
Pinnacles National Park Campground
May 27-31, 2024
PRICE:
$40 per person 4 years and older to camp. $35 per family for visitors.
ABOUT THE PARK:
Pinnacles Campground is located on the eastern side of the Pinnacles National Park, 32 miles south of Hollister, California in the Salinas Valley.
The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano.
Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North America.
A visitor center and a book and souvenir store are located within the campground. A general store with basic foods and camping supplies is located on-site. A swimming pool is located within the campground and is open from April through September.
National Parks Service-Pinnacles https://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
https://www.visitpinnacles.com
https://californiathroughmylens.com/pinnacles-national-park-guide
WEATHER:
Temperatures in May average a high of 73ºF and low of 49ºF, with a historical high of 104ºF and low of 26ºF. Average rainfall for the month of May is less than 1". Of course, as with every campout, prepare for anything!
ABOUT OUR CAMPSITE:
We will be camping in multiple adjacent individual sites. The camp kitchens and group campfire will be together in one site. The campground has drinkable water, restrooms, and coin operated hot showers.
**RV PARKING IS VERY LIMITED!**
Anyone interested in bringing an RV will need to first verify that spaces are
available by sending an email to:
CAMP REGISTRATION
Tahoe National Forest, Emigrant Group Campground
August 18-23, 2024
PRICE:
$45 per person 4 years and older, or $35 per family for visitors.
ABOUT THE PARK:
Emigrant Group Camp is on Stampede Reservoir in Tahoe National Forest, 25 minutes from Truckee. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as a disc golf course and lots of swimming access. In addition to swimming at the Reservoir, this campground is 25 miles from Lake Tahoe and 15 miles from Donner Lake Memorial State Park. Activities in the area include, visits to Historic Downtown Truckee, Arcade Gaming at Boomtown Casino, Sierra Hot Springs (Day use only Thursday to Sunday by reservation), Fishing, Boating, and lots of outdoor to explore including popular Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail. Cell service is spotty in the area, but available. Shopping and ice available in Truckee.
http://www.californiasgreatestlakes.com/stampede/stampede_reservoir.html
https://truckeetrails.org/trails/commemorative-overland-emigrant-trail/
https://sierrahotsprings.org/rooms-and-rates/
WEATHER:
Temperatures in August average a high of 82ºF and low of 41ºF, with little rain. But prepare for anything! We’ve had completely dry campouts to heavy rains (rare, but possible). The Sierra’s have a large temperature swing from day to night and evenings out of doors require warm jackets, hats, and even gloves for some. Plan for the coldest temps in the morning and come prepared. Warm sleeping bags and warm pajamas, including a sleeping pad that is rated for cooler temps. My kids sleep in hoodies to keep warm.
ABOUT OUR CAMPSITE:
Emigrant Group camp is a campground with 4 group sites. There is another site adjacent, Logger campground, with individual sites and a ranger. The campground has a kitchen area with picnic tables and a large campfire ring. The site has lots of shade and space for tents to spread out along the trail to the reservoir. I encourage you to bring your kitchen set ups if possible so that many of the tables can be used for day time activities and gathering. There are NO SHOWERS, and vault toilets (non-flushing, but we found them very clean when we went to check them out). There is parking at our site for 15 cars and RVs are permitted up to 45 feet. Each family will get one vehicle, additional vehicles are $5/night.
This event is NON-REFUNDABLE unless the event is cancelled.
Registration will open in Spring 2024, and will be announced on our Facebook page.
UPCOMING CAMPOUTS
ITEMS TO BRING
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Tent
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Sleeping Bags & Pillows
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Towels
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Food
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Cooler
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Plastic Bins to store non-perishable food
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Table
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Plates, Sporks, Cups
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Chairs
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Coleman Stove
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Lanterns
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A Lighter
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Garbage Bags
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Shade (canopy)
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Warm Clothes (often get chilly at night)
SLEEPING AREA
TENTS & SLEEPING AREAS
When you arrive at camp the host will point out the kitchen and tenting areas. Tents are usually around the perimeter of the camping area and away from the kitchen/campfire area if possible. Additionally, we also like to leave an open area for running games if the campsite allows.
I like to go to bed early, where should I put my tent? Put your tent as far away from the kitchen area as you are comfortable. Please do not expect it to be quiet by 10:00 pm in the kitchen area or around the fire pit. There will be noise in the kitchen area until the wee hours of the morning.
I like to stay up late, where should I put my tent? Put your tent in an area away from the main tent/sleeping areas; nearer to the kitchen area. You may not disturb those who are sleeping. Remember when someone is right next to you laughing and talking loudly, it sounds like they’re in your tent.
RVS, TRAILERS & TENT TRAILERS
I have an RV; can I bring it to an HSC camp-out? We are usually at a group site, and many group sites do not allow RV’s. If you have an RV, please let the host know and she will tell you if we can accommodate it. Many people with RV’s get an individual site near the group site. Please note, many places do not allow RV’s longer than 29’.
I have a Trailer or Tent Trailer; can I camp at the group site? Some group sites allow Tent Trailer and Trailers. Please ask the host if you can bring your tow vehicle. Please note that even if you can bring your tow vehicle, most likely you will not be able to park your car at the group site. You may need to park your car in an overflow parking area. You also may need to pay for parking.
FIRE PITS
We will usually use one central fire pit.
Why only one central fire pit? Because it is easier to manage and safer for children. It also brings people together. On occasion, we will have two fire pits going depending on the camp-site.
Do I need to bring my own wood? No, HSC provides wood for the campfire.
MORNING MEETINGS
What happens at Morning Meetings? We introduce ourselves, learn about our camp-site and discuss the week’s activities.
When is our Morning Meeting? On the first morning at a time announced by the host. There may be meetings on subsequent days to introduce late arrivals or discuss other camp activities or concerns.
Who should attend? All campers should attend, including those at individual sites.
KITCHENS
At HSC camp-outs we arrange our kitchen areas so that we have a Community Kitchen. You will need to bring your own table. Group campsites have only a few tables and those tables are for playing cards and games, doing crafts, setting out the potluck dinner and for eating together.
What is a Community Kitchen? Each family has its own kitchen and prepares their own food. However, we set up our kitchen areas next to each other in one area of the campsite.
Why do we have a Community Kitchen? Like the kitchen in your home, camp kitchens tend to be a great place to gather. Whether you're preparing your potluck dish or making a late-night snack, it's often just so much more fun to have some company while your cooking - and the kids like it too!
POTLUCK DINNER
The highlight for many is the nightly optional potluck. Potluck is one of the few times at camp when everyone is together. For those who are unable to eat potluck due to dietary concerns, we still welcome you to eat your dinner with the group.
How much should I prepare? What is the total amount your family will eat? Make at least enough so that you would fill their stomachs if they ate only that one dish. There should be enough for your family with plenty left over to share. You may serve yourselves before you put your dish on the potluck table.
What kinds of food are at Potluck? Anything goes. Some people are gourmet cooks. While others prepare simple, satisfying meals. Everyone always appreciates a huge batch of plain ole fresh vegetables, or mashed potatoes, or hot dogs. It doesn't have to be complicated. Don’t forget the kid-friendly meals of mac and cheese, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Most people enjoy fruit as well.
I am a vegetarian or a vegan, will there be food for me at the Potluck? Many of our campers are vegetarian or vegan and there is always lots of food for them.
How will I know if the food is vegetarian or vegan? The host will provide clothespins to identify vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. One clothespin is vegetarian, and two clothespins are vegan. Gluten-free clothespins are marked as such. Please be sure to use the clothespins to identify your food. The clothespins will be on the potluck table before meals.
Will there be enough food? There is usually plenty of food. However, make sure that your children don’t take too much before everyone has been served.
My kids are little, can they go first? The littlest kids are allowed to go to the front of the line. Parents may join them.
KICHENS & POTLUCK
PET POLICY
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If at all possible, please leave your animal at home.
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For the safety and enjoyment of all campers, the following rules must be followed at all campouts:
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Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, according to State Park Law.
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Animals must be kept at your campsite at all times or in the control of a responsible adult, i.e., dog on a leash.
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Campers must comply with all campground rules pertaining to pets (ie. only on trails, kept inside at night). Read park rules for any given campground.
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The campout coordinator will have the right to determine a course of action if there is a problem with an animal, i.e., growling, barking, aggression, etc.
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If there is an incident with an animal at an HSC event, that animal will not be welcome at any future HSC events.
BRINGING EXTRA KIDS/ TEENS
HSC Campouts are first and foremost FAMILY camps. We strongly encourage families to attend together. However, we do allow families to bring an extra friend or two along with them. Every child or teen must be staying with a registered responsible adult.
If you bring an extra child or teen, it is very important to understand your responsibilities.
You will be asked to sign a statement saying you are the “registered responsible adult” for each extra child/teen. You must be at least 25 years old. If you sign this statement, you are agreeing that any child or teen who is with you is entirely your responsibility. You should know the extra children/teens and their parents well. They should camp with you, and you should be supervising them the same way you supervise your own children. As the responsible adult, you are legally responsible for them and should be sure to have a medical release form from their parent.
We do NOT allow children or teens at campouts unless they are being supervised and cared for by a registered parent (at least 25 years old) who has invited them to camp with them and will take full responsibility for that child or teen’s safety, welfare, and behavior.
BRING EXTRA KIDS
SUPERVISING CHILDREN
Parents are solely responsible for the welfare and safety of their children or any minor children accompanying them to HSC camp-outs. Each parent must supervise their children and any children accompanying them.
Parents must supervise their children so that there is a safe and respectful atmosphere at HSC camp-outs. Parents should discuss with your children the responsibilities of being in a group that consists of a variety of ages -- young children, teens, and adults.
During the HSC camp-outs, do my children have to be with me at all times? Parents are solely responsible for the supervision of their children. Parents will need to decide what that looks like. Parents know their children and know how much or how little supervision their children need.
Can I leave my children with other parents if I need to run a short errand? If you need to lave the campsite for any reason, please ask another parent to watch your child(ren). Let your child(ren) know that you are leaving the campsite and who is watching them. Do not leave your children unsupervised.
If I see a child doing something that I think is dangerous, what should I do? Ask the child to stop. If the child says that “s/he is allowed to do it”, then ask the child to go to his/her parents and tell them what they are doing. Sometimes, you will see something that you think is dangerous; however, the parents know about it and are ok with it. If you are concerned, it is always good to let the parents know about questionable behavior.
Tigers, lions, and bears, oh my! Occasionally we go to places where there are dangers such as raging rives, high rocks or other natural dangers. In those cases, you should discuss with your child(ren) what is ok for them to do. Can they climb those high rocks? Can they be anywhere near the raging river? Become familiar with the area and let your children know what is acceptable to you.
SUPERVISING CHILDREN
CAMPERS IN INDIVIDUAL SITES / FAMILY PARTICIPATION
HSC offers GROUP campouts and hopes that all families will stay in the group campsite(s) together. When we camp together we have the opportunity to build community with our children, and as a large group we’re able to reserve unique and otherwise unaffordable sites and keep costs down.
But if a family finds they need to stay in a separate site, they can still be a part of our campout by registering with the Family Participation option. There is a $35 fee per family for each campout. This gives all members of the family full access to group activities, including the nightly group campfires and potlucks. To sign up your family, register for the campout as usual and choose “Family Participation” instead of “Camping”.
Remember, if you are in an individual site you must still make sure that your children are under the direct supervision of a responsible adult whenever they are in the group site.
CAMPERS ON INDIVIDUAL SITES
VISIT FOR A DAY
We would love to have you! Please let the Host or the Camp Coordinator know and we will explain to you how to complete your required forms online before your visit. No fee required. Email campouts@hsc.org
VIST FOR THE DAY
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