Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we have encountered.

General

Where is Camp Live Oak?

This year camp will take place at YMCA camp Jones Gulch . All students sleep in cabins (tents for 8th grade) with their grade (staffed by parent volunteers)

What ticks, bugs and other critters should kids be prepared for?

Please ensure to pack kids with insect repellent and sunscreen to protect them during the day. Additionally, please do not pack any food into your camper's bags as Camp Live Oak is very rustic and critters will find their way into the cabins to get to the food.

How can we share/see photos/videos of Camp Live Oak?

There will be lots of pictures and videos taken at Camp! We will be creating a shared Google Photo album for people to upload and share photos with the community.

Logistics

How do kids get to and from camp?

We HIGHLY encourage all families to carpool. There is limited parking at camp. Drop off and pick up will be a "curbside" experience near the basketball court to allow all students to unload/load their belongings. Middle schoolers will be available at the drop-off point to help younger students with their belongings.

Where do parents/families stay?

Students: Sleep in cabins/tents (8th only) with their classmates. No action required

Parent volunteers will be needed to sleep overnight with the children in the cabins. Sign-up!

Parents/Families:

Stay in a Student cabin/tent (8th only). Sign-up!
Tent camping at Memorial Park (nearby preferred site reserved for family camping). Register and select Memorial Park for your stay!
Stay at home and drive in to volunteer during the day.
Stay nearby at a hotel or other off-site option.

Where can parents/families buy off-site food/supplies?

There is a small market located a few miles from Camp in Pescadero called Arcangeli (Norm's Market). This market is 10 miles (roughly 20 minutes) away.
There are also bigger grocery stores such as Safeway closer to Palo Alto which is around 22 miles away (roughly 45 minutes).

Where is the nearest place for parents to find reliable cell phone/Wi-Fi coverage?

While we would all love to be 100% engaged in Camp activities, there are many parents that need to work at least some hours during Camp. The closest areas to get a Wi-Fi signal will be a coffee shop called Downtown Local in Pescadero which is 10 miles away (roughly 20 min) or heading to the Redwood City, Palo Alto, or Menlo Park which are around 22 miles away (roughly 45 min).

Can siblings come?

Siblings may be able to participate in some activities. More information will be provided with each activity due to liability reasons.

What activities can parents participate in?

In addition to volunteering, there are a number of activities for parents. There are several trails in the area to hike and enjoy nature. Parents can also enjoy the pool with the kids at Jones Gulch. There will also be a few social activities organized by and for parents.

Volunteering

What activities are appropriate/inappropriate for siblings, especially small ones?

Siblings can participate in some of the activities that you feel they might be suited for (provided they meet the camp requirements) and open activities such as arts and crafts and hiking.

Can I volunteer for back-to-back shifts?

Each shift has an overlap into the next shift to allow for transition. If you volunteer for back-to-back shifts, ensure that you coordinate with the other parents volunteering to make sure the activity isn't left without anyone there. We recommend that overnight cabin volunteers should not volunteer for Early Cabin/Field shifts or Polar Bear/Breakfast.