....a great big bear, oh way up there....
June 19, 2011 6:57 AM Subscribe
Have you been to Camp Mather? What was it like? What did you love? What did you not love? What are the highlights and what do we need to do to prepare for the best vacation ever?
We have a spot at Camp Mather in July and though I've heard great things, wanted to check to see if there are tips to make our week fantastic. I've seen the Friend of Camp Mather page and checked out various packing lists but what are the must-dos and must-haves? We have a 3-person cabin for two adults, one 3 year old. We've been to Yosemite before but will definitely spend a day or two there as well (day trips). We'd like to find some easy hikes and other stuff that we can do with our preschooler. Also, what's the word on alcohol? I think we can bring it to dinner but are there any other rules about it?
We have a spot at Camp Mather in July and though I've heard great things, wanted to check to see if there are tips to make our week fantastic. I've seen the Friend of Camp Mather page and checked out various packing lists but what are the must-dos and must-haves? We have a 3-person cabin for two adults, one 3 year old. We've been to Yosemite before but will definitely spend a day or two there as well (day trips). We'd like to find some easy hikes and other stuff that we can do with our preschooler. Also, what's the word on alcohol? I think we can bring it to dinner but are there any other rules about it?
Response by poster: Well, I'll answer my own question now that we've come back and no one else ever responded. Camp Mather was super fun and is basically the stereotypical idyllic summer camp.
Accommodations: Rustic. Our teeny tiny cabin had a double bed and a single bed, a dresser, a book shelf, and a closet. One bare bulb in the ceiling and a porch light. Everything was pretty well-used and in some cases not all that clean. The porch was ample and there were two plastic lawn chairs plus a picnic table outside. We lucked out with a cabin on the lakeside of the camp. It was super noisy and chaotic over on the other side near the dining hall but tranquil and quiet where we were, though we had a longer walk to meals. Bring your linens and maybe even a mattress protector/pad if you don't like sleeping so close to the somewhat nasty mattresses. Our bathhouse was fairly close but they could definitely use a few more of them to provide greater access. Showers, flush toilets, and sinks were basic and fine and there was abundant hot water. I think there's a bath tub somewhere on the premises but if you have a toddler who likes baths, be prepared to introduce them to showers.
Food: It was okay. Not stellar but passable. Some meals were a little less appetizing but mostly it was all fine though if you have a restricted diet you may find it a challenge. There's a vegetarian offering at each meal but they are sometimes not all that exciting. Salad is available at all dinners. Portions are adequate and seconds are available. You are allowed to bring alcohol in to meals. Lines can be quite long to get in to meals but this often meant that you had a chance to talk to your line-mates and the kids could run around and play while you waited in line.
Activities: There is an abundance of organized activity at camp. Depending on the volunteer line-up for the week, there are music sessions, arts & crafts, sports (tennis, badminton, ping-pong, basketball, horseshoes), horseback/burro riding (for a fee), hikes, naturalists talks, talent shows, movie nights, dances. There really was a ton to do and even our toddler had plenty of stuff to choose from.
Tips:
Get used to the lines for meals. They get better as the week progresses but there was always a line.
Consider ordering a bag lunch the night before at dinner for the following day. The bag lunches aren't exciting but it does eliminate the lunch-time line.
Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes weren't too awful but if they annoy you, be sure to come prepared.
If you want to swim in the lake or the deep end of the pool, you have to take a swim test.
Lots of people hang decorative lights on the exterior of their cabins which helps distinguish them at night.
Bring your bike. It's nice to have in-camp for getting to and from meals, the lake, and other nearby destinations.
No cell phone coverage or internet.
Staff was great and super helpful.
it was nice to have a shelter for the lawn by the lake on the sunny days.
The camp general store is well-stocked with basics.
We'll definitely be back!
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:30 PM on July 18, 2011
Accommodations: Rustic. Our teeny tiny cabin had a double bed and a single bed, a dresser, a book shelf, and a closet. One bare bulb in the ceiling and a porch light. Everything was pretty well-used and in some cases not all that clean. The porch was ample and there were two plastic lawn chairs plus a picnic table outside. We lucked out with a cabin on the lakeside of the camp. It was super noisy and chaotic over on the other side near the dining hall but tranquil and quiet where we were, though we had a longer walk to meals. Bring your linens and maybe even a mattress protector/pad if you don't like sleeping so close to the somewhat nasty mattresses. Our bathhouse was fairly close but they could definitely use a few more of them to provide greater access. Showers, flush toilets, and sinks were basic and fine and there was abundant hot water. I think there's a bath tub somewhere on the premises but if you have a toddler who likes baths, be prepared to introduce them to showers.
Food: It was okay. Not stellar but passable. Some meals were a little less appetizing but mostly it was all fine though if you have a restricted diet you may find it a challenge. There's a vegetarian offering at each meal but they are sometimes not all that exciting. Salad is available at all dinners. Portions are adequate and seconds are available. You are allowed to bring alcohol in to meals. Lines can be quite long to get in to meals but this often meant that you had a chance to talk to your line-mates and the kids could run around and play while you waited in line.
Activities: There is an abundance of organized activity at camp. Depending on the volunteer line-up for the week, there are music sessions, arts & crafts, sports (tennis, badminton, ping-pong, basketball, horseshoes), horseback/burro riding (for a fee), hikes, naturalists talks, talent shows, movie nights, dances. There really was a ton to do and even our toddler had plenty of stuff to choose from.
Tips:
Get used to the lines for meals. They get better as the week progresses but there was always a line.
Consider ordering a bag lunch the night before at dinner for the following day. The bag lunches aren't exciting but it does eliminate the lunch-time line.
Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes weren't too awful but if they annoy you, be sure to come prepared.
If you want to swim in the lake or the deep end of the pool, you have to take a swim test.
Lots of people hang decorative lights on the exterior of their cabins which helps distinguish them at night.
Bring your bike. It's nice to have in-camp for getting to and from meals, the lake, and other nearby destinations.
No cell phone coverage or internet.
Staff was great and super helpful.
it was nice to have a shelter for the lawn by the lake on the sunny days.
The camp general store is well-stocked with basics.
We'll definitely be back!
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:30 PM on July 18, 2011
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posted by pyjammy at 8:31 AM on June 21, 2011