Food and dietary — nut-free kitchen, dietician-approved menu, allergy accommodations
Campers will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snack, and dinner daily. Our options are kid friendly, and students share a table with their camp unit. Our meals are prepared by certified kitchen staff. Our menu is created with the support of a child nutritionist/dietician to ensure our campers are well nourished for daily activities. Campers with dietary restrictions will be accommodated as necessary (meat free, dairy free, gluten free). We are also a nut-free camp and our meals are prepared with nut-free oils.
Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, American Camp Association
Activities
Land Sports
Soccer
Basketball
Archery
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
More activities
archery tag
arts and crafts
axe throwing
campfire
environmental science
gaga ball
low ropes
nature exploration
rock wall
stargazing
teambuilding activities
Clues to fit
Gender inclusivity — all-gender welcoming community and cabin policy
Camp Woodcraft is an all-gender welcoming community and follows all recommendations set forth by Scouts for Equality, pioneers in full gender inclusion. While our bunk units are defined by boys and girls, campers are welcome to elect which cabin they most identify with and that they feel most comfortable. Shower stalls are individual for the privacy of all campers. Mixed gender activity units combine bunk units for all daytime activities.
Homesickness — pre-camp virtual orientation and meet-and-greet
Before the beginning of the camp season, we will host virtual orientations and meet-and-greets for newly enrolled and prospective families to learn more about Camp Woodcraft, our facilities, meet staff and ask questions. We also encourage campers to pack a family photo and/or a sentimental item that they can refer to when they feel homesick. All campers will receive a journal to write experiences they would like to remember and share with their families afterwards.
For over a century, Camp Woodcraft has operated in picturesque Southern California locations like Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Lake Castaic. Its new permanent home in Big Bear Valley continues this tradition, offering a year-round retreat where participants build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong memories. The camp is 20 minutes from Big Bear City and about 2 hours from Los Angeles, situated at 8,000 feet elevation.
Summer Camp sessions are 6 days and 5 nights, Sunday through Friday. All weeks are co-ed and for campers ages 7-13. Campers are assigned to units of 6-8. The first day's schedule includes a welcome lunch cook-out, and an opening campfire adds to the warm welcome.
Lasting impact — transformative nature experience, confidence and resilience
Camp Woodcraft's sleepaway camp offers a transformative and immersive nature experience, blending classic camp fun with opportunities for personal growth. Campers develop confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships while deepening their connection to themselves and the world around them. Camp Woodcraft is where lifelong memories are made.
Parent communication — PhotoCircle daily photos, letter mail, no phone calls
We encourage you to write a letter or send them a card while at camp. We do not allow students to make calls or receive calls so as to not interrupt their experience in nature. In case of emergency, parents/guardians will be contacted by camp staff. We will also post daily activity photos through PhotoCircle (access will be shared during the week of camp). You can also follow along on Facebook (facebook.com/campwoodcraft) and Instagram (instagram.com/campwoodcraft) for updates.
All Camp Woodcraft sessions deliver the full outdoor adventure experience, including archery, rock tower climbing, campfire songs, nature exploration, arts and crafts, s'mores, forever friendships, and more! The camp curriculum also includes learning experiences in outdoor ethics, nature education, and environmental responsibility. Additional activities include axe throwing, low ropes, basketball, gaga ball, and soccer.
Cabin and sleeping — bunk units by age and gender, electricity, modern restrooms
Campers are placed into units or sleeping pods based on age and gender, with a ratio of 8 campers to 1-2 counselors. Program participants sleep in cabins on camp-style bunk beds. Each participant will be assigned an individual bunk bed. Cabins have electricity and access to modern bathrooms. Bathroom facilities are equipped with individual stalls for privacy.
Food — severe allergy protocol, separate cooking with different pots and utensils
Severe food allergies should be reported to the camp administrator at least two weeks prior to arrival. Our camp kitchen is completely nut-free and we will not bring any severe allergens on site if we are aware prior to arrival. For cases in which complete removal cannot be done, meals will be cooked separately with different pots and utensils.
Health and medical — two nurses on-site, Health Center medication management, ACA standards
Two health care providers will be on-site at all times and available to campers and staff to administer first aid, medications, and general care as needed. Per the American Camp Association standards, we store and dispense all medications through our Health Center. Parents must indicate their child's medication with instructions on a 'Medical Health Form' that is completed during the enrollment process. For illnesses and medical emergencies requiring additional assistance, we follow appropriate EMS procedures. The closest hospital is approximately one hour from camp, with emergency helicopter transportation available if needed for a faster transport time.
Parent communication — Thursday letter delivery, mailing address in confirmation email
We encourage all parents/guardians or family members to send your child a letter in the mail no later than the Monday of the week of camp to ensure that it arrives in time for our Thursday letter delivery service. The mailing address can be found in the confirmation email. Please note, mail sent after Tuesday may not arrive on time for your child to receive it during camp.
