CAMP MATHER  - SUMMER 2013

Reservation Rates, Rules and Regulations 

You must read and agree to all of the rules listed below before applying for the Camp Mather Lottery.

LOTTERY REGISTRATION

There is a $100 fee for lottery registration.  If you do not receive a reservation and are placed on the waiting list, we will refund the lottery fee of $100.

Registration for the Camp Mather lottery opens on Monday, January 07, 2013 and ends on Friday, February 08, 2013 at 5 PM.  All registrations will be divided into  San Francisco resident and non-resident applicants and will be processed based upon a random selection process. All resident requests will be processed before non-residents. Please allow 4 weeks for your registration request to be processed. Visits and telephone calls before this time delay the process.

Only one registration per family or household, whether applying for an individual family reservation or a group reservation. You must have a Family Account set up in order to register for the lottery.  If you applied in 2011 or 2012, you should already have an account.  If you don’t have an account, you can create one online at sfreconline.org.

SF Residents  who receive a reservation: YOU MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF RESIDENCY TOGETHER  WITH YOUR $200 DEPOSIT PAYMENT ON OR BEFORE April  12, 2013.

San Francisco residents must RENEW proof of residency on or before April 12,  2013. Mail with $200 reservation deposit to: Camp Mather Reservations, 501 Stanyan St., SF, CA 94117.  Failure to renew  residency by this date will result in cancellation of reservation. The following are acceptable proofs of residency: (1) A copy of 2012/2013 secured property tax bill; OR (2) A copy of applicant’s California ID,  Drivers’ License that must be submitted with a Feb/March 2013 copy of one  of the following: gas/electric, home telephone, water, garbage or other utility bill.  All documents must have the same San Francisco address and show the name of reservation. Include the reservation contract copy with proof of residency and $200 reservation deposit payment.

GROUPS:

A family who wants to reserve a cabin or tent site during the same week as up to 2 other families may register to be entered into the lottery as a group. Each family will register individually, referencing the other family’s sfRecOnline Login ID(s) on the registration form. Failure to reference this number will result in the registrations being processed individually.  Each family can only be part of ONE group.  If a family is referenced by more than one group, they will be removed from all groups and processed as an individual family.

AFTER all parties in the group have registered in the lottery, the group must then fill out, sign and mail in the GROUP FORM in order to complete their group request.

All applicants in the group must be San Francisco residents in order for the group to be in the Resident Lottery.  The group will receive one lottery number. If you apply as a group, each family in the group must be able to be placed in their own cabin/tent site in order for all families in the group to receive a reservation. If one family in the group cannot be placed, then all families in the group will be placed on the waiting list as a group only.

We will try to book families of groups in the same vicinity of camp if requested.  However, this is not guaranteed and if either family gets a cabin that they don’t want, they will still be held to the rules regarding cancellations.

RESERVATIONS:

Reservations will be made for one-week (7 nights) with Saturday arrival and Saturday departures only.

Reservation holders may NOT swap, sell, or give away reservations or meals.  The registered customer must be present at check-in at camp and be able to show valid California ID in order to be admitted to camp and to sign–in guests.

The reservation holder must check in all guests.  Guests will not be admitted to camp unless reservation holder is present.  If the reservation holder is not checking in on the first day of the reservation, they must inform the Camp Office  at (209)379-2284 of when they will be checking in.  Failure to inform the Camp Office could result in cancellation of your reservation.

If you receive a reservation, you will not be placed on the waiting list.  If you do not receive a reservation, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list for your 3 week choices ranked by lottery number. Applicants on the waiting list must accept their first offer of any of their choices of weeks/cabin size or they will be removed from the waiting list.

Proof  of an ambulatory disability is required for guests requesting wheelchair      accessible cabins. Acceptable proof will be a copy of applicant’s disability card forwarded by mail and postmarked by February 8, 2013.

Proof of age for youths 12 and under is now required at check-in at Camp Mather.  Acceptable proof includes: birth certificate, immunization card, health insurance card, student ID card, or California ID card. If you cannot provide proof of age for youths 12 and under at check-in, you will be charged the full adult meal price for that child.

Applicants may rent EITHER one cabin or one tent site (bring your own tent!), not both.

Infants (under 24 months) are not included in the occupancy count. We do not      provide baby cribs.

WEEKLY RENTAL SCHEDULE

Week 1:      June 1 - June 8 (Inclusion Week!)

Inclusion Week:  During this week, Recreation and Parks will provide trained staff to help facilitate participation of children with disabilities in camp activities, and provide some great new specialized activities as well.  We invite you to register for any week at camp, but we encourage you to consider choosing Inclusion Week! We are confident the enhanced activities will benefit children with and without disabilities, as well as offer all the children the opportunity to make new friends!  If you register for this week, please indicate on the lottery registration if your child has a disability.  If you receive a reservation, our Inclusion Services Coordinator will contact you for more information.

Week 2:      June 8 - June 15

Week 3:      June 15 - June 22

Week 4:      June 22 - June 29

Week 5:      June 29 - July 6

Week 6:      July 6 - July 13

Week 7:      July 13 - July 20

Week 8:      July 20- July 27

Week 9:      July 27 - August 3

Week 10:    August 3 - August 10

Week 11:    August 10 - August 17

RENTAL RATES FOR CABINS / TENTSITES:

Please be aware that the minimum capacity for each cabin is one person (the reservation holder) and the maximum capacity for each cabin is the cabin size (including the reservation holder).  Do not request a cabin that has a capacity less than the number of people who will be staying in the cabin.

The rates below are based on cabin/tent site size for 7 nights (Saturday-Saturday) & do not include the required 10% state tax.  The cost also includes access to all facilities and recreational programming.

MEAL RATES:

Meal rates below are added to the reservation by the length of stay and number of guests. Meal rates are per person and do not include the required 7.25% meal sales tax.  The reservation holder is required to pay the full weekly rate for meals.  All overnight guests must pay either a weekly or daily meal fee.

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

A lottery registration fee of $100 is required using either MasterCard or Visa credit card only.

If you receive a reservation this fee will be applied to your balance due.  If you don’t receive a reservation, the registration fee will be fully refunded to you.

Once you receive your reservation confirmation, an initial deposit of $200 will be due by Friday,   April 12, 2013 in order to retain your reservation.  If you fail to make this $200 deposit payment by April 12^th, your reservation will be cancelled and filled by a family from the waiting list.

The final payment or a cancellation request must be made at least 30 days before the arrival date. If the final payment is not received or postmarked by the due date, you will immediately be assessed a 5% late payment penalty of the total amount due.

If your final payment is not received by the payment deadline, your reservation will be cancelled and filled by a family from the waiting list.

All cancellations will forfeit the $100 registration fee. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your arrival date, you will also loose 50% of your total payment plus the reservation fee.  If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your arrival date, your initial deposit will be refunded, minus the $100 registration fee.

CANCELLATION, REFUNDS, GUESTS, AND CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS:

All reservation cancellations must be made in person at McLaren Lodge unless otherwise approved.

Cancellations cannot be made over the telephone.

All cancellations will forfeit the $100 reservation fee.

If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your arrival date, your initial deposit will be refunded, minus the $100 registration fee.

If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your arrival date, you will lose 50% of the total fees plus the $100 reservation fee.

Cabin location preferences (Lakeside / Dining Hall Side) are not guaranteed.  If you do not receive your location preference and choose to cancel, you will still be charged the cancellation fee.

An administrative processing fee of $17 is charged each time a reservation is changed.

NO REFUNDS for reduction of days. All reservations processed through the lottery process are for one week (7 nights) only.

You may add or substitute guests up to your cabin/tent site maximum capacity up to one week prior to your arrival date but you will incur a $17 processing fee for each addition/change.

You may delete guest meals from your reservation up to 14 days prior to your arrival date but you will incur a $17 processing fee for each change.   There will be no refunds or downgrading of meals less than 14 days before your arrival date.

The number of meal days for guests can be reduced following confirmation of your reservation up to 14 days prior to your reservation. You will incur a $17 processing fee for each change.  There will be no refunds or downgrading of meals less than 14 days before your arrival date.

Guests may not exchange reservations, sell unused meal tickets or sell available cabin space for use of extra meal tickets. Reservations are not interchangeable.

Individuals who are not listed on your confirmation and do not have wristbands are considered unregistered guests. A day use fee is required for all unregistered guests. This fee allows access to camp facilities but does not include activities, meals, or overnight accommodations. Unregistered guests must vacate the Camp by 7pm.  Non-registered guests are not allowed overnight privileges and will be subject to fines of $81 per night.

No refunds due to leaving camp early for any reason, including due to acts of nature, except in the case of an official evacuation.

PARTIAL STATEMENT OF OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS:

FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL LAWS: All guests agree to abide by all Federal, State, and Local laws. The Camp Manager and staff have responsibility and authority for enforcement.

PLEASE REREAD the "CANCELLATION, REFUNDS, GUESTS, AND CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS" portion of the Camp Mather Rates & Regulations document posted on the Camp Mather page at sfrecpark.org.

FINAL PAYMENTS: Final payments must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival date at Camp. If the final payment is not postmarked by the due date indicated on this notice, the reservation may be cancelled without further notice. If your reservation is not cancelled, late payments will incur a 5% surcharge on the balance due.  This represents your only notice for payment due.

PROOF OF AGE REQUIRED: Proof of age for youths 12 and under is now required at check-in at Camp Mather.  Acceptable proof includes: copy of birth certificate, immunization card, health insurance card, student ID card, or California ID card. If you cannot provide proof of age for youths 12 and under at check-in, you will be charged the full adult meal price for that child.

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT: Check-in at 2p.m. Check-out at 10a.m. If you will not be checking in on the first day of your reservation, you must call the Camp Mather office (see number below) to let them know.  All guests of camp will be required to check-in and check-out of camp. The telephone number to Camp Mather is (209) 379-2284. You may send mail and correspondence to: Mather Family Camp, 35250 Mather Road, Groveland, California 95321.

MEALS: The first meal available upon check-in is dinner, served from 5:25p.m.-6:15p.m. We cannot hold dinner for you on that day if you arrive later than this time.

ADULT SUPERVISION:  All guests under 21 years of age must be supervised by the adult reservation holder in the cabin or tent site over night during sleeping hours.

NO VEHICLES:  No sleeping over night in vehicles or campers.  All vehicles must be parked in the approved space unless otherwise authorized by the Camp Manager.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If the roads leading to camp are closed by the appropriate authorities (CHP or local sheriff's personnel) then all paid-in-full applicants will be entitled to a partial refund. However, should the roads re-open and a refund is applicable and requested, then it will be based on the number of days that camp was accessible. Heavy rains or snow during the week of a Camp Mather session, will not entitle guests to refunds.

CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION: To check in, all registered reservation holders must provide the copy of their reservation contract and their California ID showing the same address as the contract.  If your ID doesn't reflect your current SF resident address, you must provide proof of residency or pay the non-resident rate.  Guests are not required to provide identification.

QUIET ENJOYMENT AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS: Camp "Quiet Period" begins at 10:30p.m. and ends at 8:00a.m.

BICYCLE SAFETY RULES: Each guest at camp will observe all bicycle safety rules of the road and park or ride bikes in the designated areas.   Children under 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

IDENTIFICATION WRISTBANDS:  All registered guests are issued an ID wristband upon arrival. These wristbands should not be removed while at camp. You may not obtain a meal without a wristband. Replacements are $10.

NO FIRES: Due to the tremendous fire risk, no camp fires, camp stoves, or open flame devices are allowed on the premises. All Camp Mather sanctioned camp fire programs will be supervised by Camp Mather staff.

PETS:  Pets are not allowed at Camp Mather.  Please call ahead to alert us to your bringing an ADA dog.

PROBLEM & INCIDENT RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

The Camp Manager will investigate all reported problems and incidents. The Camp Manager will meet with the involved guests/staff/visitors to resolve the situation. The Camp Manager will document all incidents, investigations and resolutions. If the situation does not resolve to the Camp Manager's satisfaction, the parties involved may be asked to leave Camp.

The Camp Manager may also recommend denial of the guest's ability to make future camp reservation requests for the next summer. In the case of destruction of property, payment will be requested for repairs and/or replacement. The proper law enforcement agency will be contacted if and when necessary.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND VISITORS

Your Registered Cabin / Tent:

Guests must reside in the cabin or tent they are registered in. Each cabin and tent site has a maximum occupancy. Children under the age of 18 are not to spend the night in a cabin or tent area without adult supervision.

Tents:

Tents are only allowed in the designated camping sites. Tents are not allowed around the cabins.

Porches and Picnic Tables:

It is your responsibility to maintain your cabin porches, picnic tables, and grounds near your cabin in an aesthetic manner. Many people reside near your cabin and would not enjoy viewing a mess. For the protection of wildlife, put all food and drinks away each night -- or during the day if you leave the area.

Litter:

Please do not litter and teach your children not to litter. There are green Bear-Proof garbage cans throughout Camp. Please "pick up" any litter in your area at the pool, lake lawn, stage, etc.

Candles, Tiki Torches, And Other Flames:

Camp season is hot and dry. Please never leave candles unattended. Candles must be in containers. Please be fire safe. Please do not bring Tiki Torches. Stationary candles are the only open flame (in container) allowed in camp. Cook stoves are not allowed.

Smoking:

Smoking is not allowed in any buildings, in line, on the Dining Hall Deck or the Store Deck, in the pool area, or at any organized activity. Be fire safe!

Unregistered People:

People who are not registered guests are not allowed to spend the night in Camp in a cabin, tent area, their vehicle, or on any of the camp property/grounds.

Day-Use Visitors:

Your friends and relatives staying at the Evergreen Lodge or Peach Growers, camping at Diamond O Camp Grounds or somewhere in the National Forest, or just passing through must purchase a day use pass at the Office if they wish to remain in Camp for the day. They will receive a day-use wristband and a Day Use Parking Pass. The Day-Use wristband entitles them to relax and enjoy the lake area, the pool, and the restrooms between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Organized activities are for guests only. Please make sure they follow all of the camp rules.

Pets:

Pets are not allowed at Camp. Please leave your pets at home.

Weapons:

Do not bring weapons to Camp Mather. Guns, Throwing Knives, Darts, Projectile "toys" such as BB Guns, BB rifles, Slingshots, etc... Weapons will be confiscated and returned to an adult in your party upon your departure. Archery equipment is allowed but requires adult supervision and the equipment must only be used only at the Archery Field with management approval.

DINING HALL AND MEALS

Dining Hall:

The Dining Hall will be open for meals and scheduled recreation programs only. It will be secured at all other times. Please do not enter during staff lunch or dinner to get a drink. The store is open and water fountains work if you are thirsty. Your first meal is Saturday Dinner.

Bag Lunches:

Order your bag lunch the night before at the ticket booth. Pick it up during breakfast.  When you order a bag lunch, your name is taken off of the lunch list for that day.

Wristbands:

Everyone entering the Dining Hall must be wearing his or her wristband. Please tell the Ticket Booth person your cabin or tent number. Please wear your wristband with the color side showing.

Meals Serving Times:

Breakfast -   8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Lunch -        12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dinner -       5:25 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Coffee is available at 6:30 a.m. every day

Dining Hall Cleaning Time:

The Dining Hall Staff start to clean up the Dining Hall approximately 1/2 hour after the door closes and the last person is seated. If you wish to enjoy your coffee for a longer time, please take it outside onto the deck.

Removing Items:

Please do not remove plastic glasses, plates, silverware, trays, from the Dining Hall. The Kitchen Staff will wrap a tray for an ill member of your party upon request. Please return those items the next morning.

Health Code:

Everyone must wear a shirt, pants/shorts/skirt/dress, and shoes. Please do not dine in your bathing suit. Infants in diapers must wear pants/dress. Smoking is not allowed in line, in Dining Hall or on the Dining Hall Deck. Anyone engaging in food fights will be asked to clean up the mess they created and may be asked to leave the Dining Hall.

Please help your young children at the juice and salad bars. For safety reasons, we want to clean up any spills as soon as possible. Please alert the staff to any problems they have not seen.

Day-Use Visitor Meals:

When available, Day-Use Visitors may purchase a meal. Availability of meals is not guaranteed. Visitors who wish to purchase a meal must also purchase a day-use wristband. If part of your party is staying at the Evergreen Lodge or Diamond O Campground, please do not assume that there will be meals available for them.

Recreation Programs Held in the Dining Hall (Bingo, Games, Crafts, etc...):

Please clean up after yourselves. Staying behind and helping the Recreation Staff clean up will be greatly appreciated. The juice, milk, ice, and coffee machines are not available during nighttime programs. Cups and plates are not available. Please Recycle.

THINGS WITH WHEELS ...

Bicycles:

Helmets:

Those under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet when riding their bike or on another's bike as a passenger. We have a few "loaners" if you need to borrow one.

Parking:

Please park in the bike corral at the lake. Park bikes at the bike rack or on that side of the road at the Dining Hall. Do not "dump" your bike on a road or pathway, as these need to remain clear at all times. Do not park your bike in front of the store stairs or ramp.

Grass:

Do not walk or ride your bike onto any grassy area or in a meadow.

Speed:

Pedestrians have the right of way. Bike safely and be courteous.

Nights:

Please come to the 8:00 p.m. programs on foot. Bicycles lying on the ground are a hazard after dark. Riding a bike after dark is dangerous.

Scooters:

The bicycle rules apply to scooters. Those under 18 must wear a helmet. Do not bring your scooter into the Dining Hall or onto the decks.

Skateboards:

Skateboards are not allowed in camp. Please don't bring them.

Motorized Vehicles:

None of these are allowed in Camp:

Motorized Scooters / Motorcycles / Off-Road Vehicles / Campers / Motor Homes

Automobiles:

Speed:

Please drive slowly (5 miles an hour) in camp area. For safety of the small children, we do not want a lot of driving through camp.

Parking:

Park in designated parking lots. There are a couple of small ones inside the gates and several larger ones outside. Do not park by your cabin. Please park your car immediately after unpacking. The access gates will be opened on Saturday morning and closed on Saturday night. If you plan on using your car through the week, please park in an outside parking area.

Parking Pass:

When you register at the office, you will be given a parking pass to put on your dashboard to identify your car as one belonging in Camp overnight.

Flora and Fauna

Frogs and Tadpoles:

"Ribbit, needeep, croak". If they could communicate with us, I am sure they would tell us to be gentle with their fragile beings. What do they need to live? Their habitat is the lake. Their ability to survive in a bucket or raft is doubtful. The main danger to them is overheating and rough handling. Please be considerate of their lives. Ok that's the lecture, here's the rule: Catch them, count them, brag about your prowess and then release them within 10 minutes. Do not throw them.

Snakes:

Camp Mather is home to many snakes, most not dangerous to us. We relocate rattlesnakes when we find them. Leave them alone; alert the Office. You may notice baby snakes, please do not handle them.

Birds:

Many birds nest in Camp. Robins tend to nest low. The fledglings leave the nest before they are fully capable of flight. Their parents continue to feed them. The fledglings make lots of noise to tell their parents they are hungry. They look and sound like they are suffering, but they are OK. Leave them alone. They don't need to return to a nest. You may have a nest on your porch; try not to disturb it. Woodpeckers nest in poles or trees. You may hear peeping coming from a tree. Watch to see the parents enter with food. Please do not disturb them.

Bears:

California Black Bears call this area their home. They travel looking for food and may pass through Camp. If they find nothing interesting, the will leave. We want them to leave. Do not approach them or throw things at them. Do not feed them. Do not leave food and garbage available to them -- use the Green Bear-Proof Garbage Cans. Keep your porches, tent sites, and picnic tables clear of edibles. Please read the Bear Poster at the Office for more information. It is very important that everyone cooperate in our efforts to protect these animals.

Gray Squirrels and Ground Squirrels:

Please do not feed them.

Little Brown Bats:

Look up at twilight and you will see them darting around catching mosquitoes. Go Bats!!! After dark you will hear them make a high pitched ticking noise -- echolocation to find their dinner.

Do not touch a bat you see in the daytime or lying on the ground - it may bite and they can carry rabies. Please alert the Office if you see one, so we can keep everyone safe from it.

Trees:

Please do not put nails into trees to hand anything. They wound the tree and allow beetles to enter through the bark resulting in the eventual death of the tree. Do not carve your name in them.

Flowers:

Please do not pick flowers. Enjoy them where they are.

WATER AREAS...

Lifeguards:

The lifeguards are in charge in all matters relating to the lake and pool area, the edges of the lake and the lawn area near it. They are equipped with rescue equipment, a bullhorn, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a walkie-talkie. Please follow their directions. Please seek their help if needed. They are trained in First Aid and CPR.

Lake:

Water Safety Swim Test:

Everyone wishing to enter the lake will be tested by the lifeguards and issued a wristband upon passing the test.

• Swim Test for 16 years of age and above: Registered Guests and Visitors aged 16 and above will be tested in the Lake. The test is a Freestyle swim to the floating dock and back and then tread water for one minute.
• Swim Test for 15 years of age and under: Those aged 15 and under will be tested in the pool. The test is a Freestyle swim two lengths of the pool and tread water for one minute.

The lifeguards are testing to make sure the people entering the deep dark water of the lake will be safe. Their evaluation of each person's ability is not debatable. The focus of their job is "safety through prevention".

Do not enter the Lake when a Lifeguard is not present: Lifeguard Hours will be posted at the Office, Dining Hall and at the Lifeguard Stand. They are subject to change due to staffing and/or the weather conditions.

Kiddy Lagoon: The lagoon is for the enjoyment of young people. Parents must watch their children at all times. Do not leave your child unattended. The lifeguards are focused on the lake and have their backs to the lagoon. Children in diapers must wear swim diapers in the lagoon.

Pool:

Swim Test:

The swim test schedule will be posted at the pool and the Office. There must be 2 lifeguards on duty during testing. The swim test wristband allows swimmers to enter the deep end of the pool and the lake.

Open Hours:

The pool hours are posted at the pool and the Office. The hours are subject to change due to staffing and/or the weather conditions.

Waterproof Diapers:

Please bring waterproof swim diapers with you to camp. Children in diapers must wear swim diapers in the pool.

Other Water Areas:

The water area that start behind the pool and continues around to the main lake is off limits to swimmers and waders as well as frog and tadpole hunters. A lifeguard is not constantly watching these areas and they are a protected ecological habitat.

Water Gun Play, water balloons, etc. :

Please play in an area not being used by other people. Do not disturb people who are not playing with you. For safety reasons, the dock area of the lake and the pool area are free from this activity. If your play results in a mess, please clean up after yourselves.

Camp Mather Water Area Rules

Water Area Rules:

Camp Mather Water Area Rules are posted at the Office, at the Pool and at the Lifeguard Stand. These rules are for your safety.

Pool Rules:

No Diving, Jumping, Running, or Dunking.

Do not throw hard objects.

No roughhousing in the pool or anywhere near the pool.

Infants and Children who are not potty trained must wear leak proof swimwear.

No food, alcohol, or glass containers allowed in the pool area. No smoking.

Swim tests will be given by the lifeguard for everyone aged 15 and under. See schedule.

Children who have not passed the swim test may not swim in the deep end.

Keep rafts right side up, remain in the sight of the lifeguards at all times.

Rafts are not allowed during crowded times as determined by the lifeguards.

Lake Rules:

Everyone admitted into the lake must be wearing a swim test band.

People aged 15 and under must take the swim test in the pool.

People aged 16 and over, including adults, must take the swim test in the lake.(see Water Safety Swim Test).

People who have not passed the swim test must wear a lifejacket to enter the lake and must be with an adult who has passed the test. Each adult may take 2 lifejacket wearing children into the lake with them and the children must remain within arms length.

One person on the diving board at a time.

No back dives.

Swimming is only allowed in the central area of the lake. Please stay away from the edges. Do not swim out of view of lifeguard.

No fishing in the lake.

Pollywogging is permitted near the lifeguard stand in complete view of the lifeguard. Please catch and release gently. Do not keep them in a bucket for more than 5 minutes.

Keep rafts and rubber boats right side up. Hard-bottomed boats are not allowed.

No swimming under the sunbathing raft. No roughhousing on or around the raft.

Lagoon Rules:

The lagoon is for the enjoyment of non-swimmers. Parents must watch their children at all times. The lifeguard is mainly focused on the lake. Do not take your eyes off of your children. The lifeguard is in charge of the area and will resolved any issues brought to their attention. Please listen and follow their directions.

Do not go beyond the roped off area.

Infants and Children who are not potty trained must wear leak proof swimwear...

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Friends of Camp Mather General Store

• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards and personal checks are accepted for payment. ID may be requested.
• Phone cards for the 3 Camp Mather pay phones are available at the FoCM General Store.

Evergreen Lodge

The Evergreen Lodge, a local restaurant, is located about 1/2 mile outside camp for visitors wishing to dine on their own.

Hiking

If you plan to hike, wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes suitable for the rough, rocky terrain. Bring your own drinking water, as drinking from unchlorinated sources in California rivers, streams and lakes can cause an intestinal upset (giardiasis). The water from the faucets in the camp is perfectly safe.

First Aid Station

In past years in the Tuolumne Area, some campers have encountered problems with acute gastroenteritis. Not everyone "catches" it, but for those who do, it can be an unpleasant though brief experience. These "Tuolumne Trots" are probably caused by a virus and can affect either a few or many persons in the camp. Be sure to observe good personal hygiene practices and thoroughly wash your and your children's hands after using the bathroom. This viral diarrhea usually lasts only a day or two and there are -no after-effects.

A first aid station is located 300 yards west of the office where medical professionals can treat minor afflictions. For more serious injuries or illnesses, there is an ambulance service at Groveland and hospitals at both Yosemite (28 miles) and Sonora (50 miles). The camp also has the resources to summon helicopters for urgent medical need.

Bears...

Because of the camp's location in the mountains, an occasional bear might come to scavenge at Mather. We ask that campers be particularly careful with food stuffs around cabins. Specifically, do NOT leave food or ice chests on cabin porches. This provides an easy meal and encourages these potentially dangerous animals to return. Lock all edibles in a container such as an ice chest inside your cabin.

For more information about reservations, please call (415) 831-2715

To reach the Camp Staff at Camp Mather during the summer, call (209) 379-2284.

Cabin Information

Campground Map

Nestled among the tall pines are rustic cabins that can accommodate one to six persons. Furnishings include electric lights, beds, and mattresses. Separate bathhouse facilities with hot water, laundry rooms with coin-operated washer/dryers are easily accessible.

Items campers should bring include pillows, blankets, linen, a flashlight, extension cord, double socket and plug, padlock, clothes hangers, and mosquito repellent. No special food preparation is made for baby's formulas or special foods. No pets or firearms are allowed.

A concession store that sells sodas, candies and sundries is open throughout the summer. Campers are advised to bring travelers checks since personal checks are not accepted.

DIRECTIONS

From San Francisco, take Bay Bridge-Route 580 (bypass Tracy) continue on (highway changes to Route 120), bypass Manteca, then through Escalon and Oakdale. Right turn at Yosemite Junction to Chinese Camo and Groveland. Stay on 120 when you come to Yosemite Gatehouse sign, go 1/8 mile to Evergreen Road, turn left, and stay on Evergreen Road until you come to Mather. Watch for signs indicating these towns. All are on Route 120.

For More Information Please Call (415) 831-2715.

FUN & EXCITING ACTIVITIES!

Swimming - Birch Lake and pool, both in camp, have trained lifeguards. A spacious lawn area for sun bathing adjoins the lake and pool. (Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty.)

Recreation Activities - Experienced recreation personnel lead group games, organize tournaments, arrange dances and serve many other recreational interests, including regular campfire programs, talent shows and nature hikes.

Hiking and Biking - Numerous mountain trails bring the vacationer to the beauty of the High Sierra. Sunrise Peak and Inspiration Point are favorite spots for breathtaking views of Hetch Hetchy Valley, O'Shaughnessy Dam and the deep Tuolumne River gorge. Bring your bike to explore old fire roads or take you to "Inspiration Point".

Games - Facilities are available for tennis, badminton, ping-pong, horseshoes, volleyball and softball. Please bring your own tennis racquets and softball gloves. Badminton racquets and ping-pong paddles, basketballs and volleyballs are available for use.

Horseback Riding - For those who enjoy riding, there are well-trained horses accustomed to mountain trails. A corral concession service provides horses for hire by the hour or the day. Special rides such as breakfast rides, children's rides and pack trips are offered at reasonable rates.

Fishing - Try your luck in the Tuolumne River, South and Middle Forks of the Tuolumne, Cottonwood Creek and along the shores of Hetch Hetchy. California Trout License required.

Young Children's Programs - There are special arts and crafts programs, recreation activities and also a play area with play apparatus.

BREATHTAKING SCENIC TRIPS

Camp Mather is the perfect center for sightseeing. Both half day and full day trips to some the most spectacular scenery in the High Sierra is easily reached by automobile.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir  - A twenty-minute drive and nine miles away, is the O'Shaughnessy Dam, where one may see San Francisco's gigantic dam and water supply. From there you might wish to take a two-mile hike on marked trails to Wampama Waterfalls.

Yosemite Valley  - The splendor of Yosemite National Park can be found just 27 miles and a 45-minute drive away in the Yosemite Valley. Here within seven square miles are the spectacular Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls and the sculptured beauty of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Tuolumne Meadows - A leisurely hour's ride from Mather over the Tioga Pass Road and through the Yosemite High Camps brings one to the exquisite Tuolumne Meadows. A walk through this natural alpine garden, at 8600 feet of elevation, makes a delightful day excursion - an unforgettable odyssey among sparkling streams, glistening lakes and mountain wildflowers.

Highway 49  - The historic gold rush towns of Sonora, Columbia and Angels Camp, home of the Calaveras County Frog Jumping Contest, are within easy driving distance of Mather.

CAMP MATHER HISTORY

The history of Camp Mather dates back many years before the area became a popular vacation site. Even before the pioneers settled in California, Mather was home to a group of Miwok Indians, who made their camp near where the corral now stands. Artifacts are occasionally found from these Indians.

Although there are signs that prospectors may have re-settled the area during the gold rush era, it was actually not until the early part of this century that the area became heavily populated, when the City of San Francisco began construction of a dam at nearby Hetch Hetchy Valley.

During this time, a sawmill was built on the lake side of Mather to supply the lumber needed for the dam's construction. ' Birch Lake, now the camp "swimming hole," was used to float logs needed for the project.

At the same time, the Yosemite Park and Curry Company used the other side of camp to house tourists interested in seeing both Yosemite National Park and the construction of the dam. The company built the Jack Spring Dining Hall for this purpose, the building that now serves as the Camp Mather kitchen and dining room.

When the O'Shaughnessy Dam was completed, many of the facilities were no longer needed. In the mid 1920's, the City of San Francisco designated the property for use as a family recreation area. It was named Camp Mather in honor of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.