Transportation
Traveling to Camp
Traveling to camp is an exciting and important part of summer camp. In fact, we believe the camp experience begins the moment a camper walks out the door to begin the journey.
Download a printable PDF version of this information.
On this page, you’ll find information about
- How to notify camp of your travel plans
- Getting to camp via car
- Getting to camp via plane
- Drop-off and pick-up information
How to Notify Camp of your Travel Plans
Clear communication between parents and the Camp Office is essential. We use CampInTouch, a password-protected online communication portal, to track campers’ travel plans to and from camp.
Please complete the online Transportation Form (which can be found in your CampInTouch portal) by May 1, 2024 so we can make the proper arrangements. It’s important to complete this form even if you are driving your camper to camp.
Getting to Camp By Car
On the first day of each session, families are welcome to drop their child off at camp.
Our summer address is:
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
Hayward, CA 94542
Please plan to arrive at camp between 1pm and 2pm. To ensure a smooth first day of camp, we ask for your cooperation in arriving during the prescribed window.
We will have signs and staff members directing traffic, unloading luggage, and showing you where to park.
An important note about drop-off…
We believe that becoming a part of our camp community begins from the moment a camper arrives and we want campers to jump into the immersive experience immediately.
To make this happen, we ask that once your camper is checked-in and introduced to their counselor, that parents begin to say their goodbyes. Counselors will help your child unpack, connect them to new friends, and on their way to a fantastic camp experience. Gaining independence and autonomy is one of the great benefits of camp, let’s get it going early and with your support, you will help us enable a smooth and successful start to your camper’s journey.
In past summers, we’ve given tours of camp and encouraged parents to help campers move in. Based on our own observations and feedback from parents, we believe that this new approach is a healthier way to set campers up for success. And based on feedback from last summer it is a welcome change to our procedures. If you have concerns that this may be challenging for your child, please call us in advance of the session so we can discuss ways to support your camper on Opening Day.
Getting to Camp by Airplane
For campers who will be traveling unaccompanied by airplane, please book flights to arrive between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on drop-off day. If you are not able to secure a flight that lands in this timeframe, please call or email camp to discuss.
Nearby airports, in order of preference for pick-up:
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
We will provide transportation at no additional cost to and from these three airports, but Oakland is preferable. Please contact Joel Swedlove to discuss if you need to book through San Jose or San Francisco.
Most airlines allow children under the age of 14 to travel alone and classify them as Unaccompanied Minors. We encourage you to review the specific requirements of each airline, since the specific ages vary and some airlines charge a fee to accompany children traveling alone.
If your child will be traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor, please be sure to read and complete all required forms by your airline.
All campers flying to camp will be greeted inside the terminal by an adult member of our camp staff and transported directly to camp. Once your child arrives at camp, you will receive a phone call or text notifying you of their safe arrival.
Parents Flying with a Camper
If you are flying to the Bay Area with your child and plan to bring them to camp yourself, more specifically, you do not require transportation from the airport, please take the following action:
- Enter your child’s transportation method as “driving” – not flying
- And email our office directly to let us know your plans
When we see flight information in the system, our default is to make arrangements to pick up your child at the gate so it is of utmost importance for you to notify us if you are flying in yet providing transportation to camp on your own.
Returning Home From Camp
On the last day of each full session, we will provide transportation to the airport for campers who are flying home. Campers will be supervised throughout the check-in process and a staff member will remain at the gate until after their flight has departed. Please arrange flights to depart between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
For families living within driving distance, pick up begins at 10:00 AM. All campers are expected to be picked up by 11:00 AM on the last day of camp.
Rookie campers will have different timing for pickup on their last day. We will communicate these specifics to families closer to the summer.
