Camp Butano Creek

Camp Units

What are my choices?

All units will have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, archery, hiking, campfires, cookouts and at least one beach trip. In addition, each unit will have some special activities.

Please note: Unit placement may vary based on enrollment. Placement is determined by the grade camper will be entering in September, 2012.

Beachcombers - Entering grades 4 and 5 - Cost: $370

Dabble in camp life with lots of trips to the craft cottage, the archery range, and some day hikes exploring the trails in the lush forest. Spend a day at the beach; build sand castles, visit a lighthouse, explore sand dunes and learn about sea life in nearby tide pools. Special day trip: visit the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz.

Drifters - Entering grades 5 and 6 - Cost: $415

Tie on your bandana and visit a horse stable for an equestrian adventure of one two-hour ride through beautiful California scenery. Explore your talents making your own pottery creation during a special session at our craft cottage.

Mariners - Entering grades 7 through 9 - Cost: $450

Two activity options this year! First option (new!): Discover the beautiful land beyond camp on an overnight backpacking trip from camp to Butano State Park. Campers need to provide their own gear: i.e. boots, backpack and sleeping bag. Attendance at a pre-camp meeting to learn how to prepare your gear is required. Second option: Get an up-close look at sea life as you climb into a kayak at the beautiful and unique Elkhorn Slough. While paddling with your naturalist guide, learn about kelp beds, marine mammals and tidal wetlands. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. All Mariners take in the sights, smells and fun rides during a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Wavecatchers - Entering grades 8 through 12 - Cost: $555

Grab your wet suit, paddle out and catch a wave. Take three surfing classes at a Santa Cruz surfing school under the guidance of experienced instructors. Spend the nights talking with your friends in platform tents. Must be able to swim in deep water. All equipment provided.

Landlovers - I: Exploring Crafts II: Archery III: Scrapbooking - Entering grades 8 through 12 - Cost: $420

Landlovers will explore the art of photography as they capture the beauty of the redwoods and surrounding nearby community. Campers will edit and print their own pictures and each session will also offer its own distinct additional activity. First session will be Exploring Crafts: campers will learn macrame, create jewelry, and make several projects using various other crafting mediums.  Second session adds advanced archery opportunities as they aim and shoot with experts on their own archery range and beyond. Third session adds scrapbooking as they learn from an expert and place their photographs into their own keepsake album.  Also, all sessions spend an evening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the rides and night lights.

Pacific Packers - Entering grades 8 through 12

Capture the magic of the Big Basin/Santa Cruz area as you carry your own gear on a trek in the surrounding areas and redwoods of the state park system.

New backpackers welcome; must be in good physical condition and interested in hiking. Campers need to provide their own gear: i.e. boots, backpack and sleeping bag. Attendance at a pre-camp meeting is required, where we will check out your gear and equipment and make recommendations. After the trip, check into a Santa Cruz hotel, shower and freshen up to spend a fun evening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! New this year: two options for Pacific Packers!

Pacific Packers 1 - Offered Session II and III - Cost: $430

Campers arrive one day early (7/20 or 8/3) and will have two nights and three days on the trail. This is a challenging and great hike for new backpackers to learn essential backpacking skills and get back to nature. Trail begins at Big Basin Headquarters onto the majestic Skyline to the Sea (Waddell Beach) trail.

Pacific Packers 2 - Offered Session II only - Cost: $460

Campers arrive on 7/19 and will spend four nights on the trail. This is a more challenging hike with a spectacular view of the Santa Cruz mountains, starting at Castle Rock State Park to Big Basin Headquarters and hiking Skyline to the Sea, so experienced Packers are encouraged, but not required.

Voyagers (Counselors-In-Training) (First session PLUS second OR third session) - Entering grades 11 and 12 - Cost: $300

Discover your leadership potential, enhance your skills in group dynamics, communication, camp craft, delivery of camp program and camp operations. This is a two-session program: spend the first session in intensive training activities, sleeping in tents with your peers. Go home on July 14, rest up and then return on either July 19 or August 2 to join our staff for pre-camp training and preparations. Spend this second or third session putting your new skills into action in your unit assignment, acting as an Apprentice Counselor.