Pal Camp is located on 3 acres of private property at 1 Pacific Lumber Camp Road in Freshwater, CA.
Phone number for the lodge: (707)273-2608
This number is only answered when camp is in session. For Pal Camp questions when camp is not in session, please email [email protected]
Thank you to all the counselors, volunteers, campers, and parents that made our 75th summer the best one yet!
A special THANK YOU to our sponsors and donors:
Rick Timmons
Murphy’s Market
New World Water
Eureka Natural Food
Humboldt Area Foundation
Humboldt Redwoods
Since 1951, Pal Camp (formerly Camp Fire) has provided children of Humboldt County aged 5 – 17 with educational summer fun. Divided into groups based on age, children will spend the summer romping through the forest, crafting, experimenting with science and nature, playing games, getting to know the environment, making new friends, and creating lasting memories.
Summer Sessions: Each week offers a different theme that is tied in with the week’s activities. Dress up days offer a friendly costume contest, and family Potluck on Thursday evenings will give them a chance to show off all they learned that week, including performing group skits and songs. On Wednesdays a special presenter is brought in with expertise in the week’s theme. Fridays are Water Play Days, and during the week each group will get to visit Freshwater Park via a private trail. Campers can swim in Freshwater Park during park days if they pass a swim test and/or bring a life vest. We have a life guard on duty during park/swim days and each counselor is CPR/First aid certified.
School Break Camps: Pal Camp is also offered during school breaks through out the year. These “mini ” sessions have limited spaces as much of the time is spent inside the cozy lodge.
Supervision Standards
Pal Camp has and will always keep campers’ safety as our #1 priority. At no point is any camper left unattended or unsupervised by a staff member or volunteer.
We employ 2 Directors, 6 counselors, and 12 Counselors in Training (CITs) and Junior Counselors (JCs). Pal Camp max capacity is 72 campers. divided into age groups of no more than 12 children per group. Each group of 12 is supervised by a counselor, a CIT (age 15-17) and a JC (age 13-15). Swim days are also supervised by a certified lifeguard. Each counselor is certified in BLS CPR & First Aid.
Summer Registration Fees:
One week: $210
Two weeks: $190/week
Three weeks: $185/week
Museum members receive an additional $20 off each week
Siblings receive $20 off
$40 deposit required at registration.
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!
Refunds can only be issued if 10 days‘ notice is given for any cancellation. The $40 deposit is a service charge and is nonrefundable no matter the reason for cancellation. Additionally, refunds can not be issued if cancellation happens after they start the week of camp.
Junior Counselors (JCs) options for ages 13-14: JCs will gain experience in a working environment and fully trained by our staff. JCs get to have the summer camp experience while gaining knowledge and insight through responsibilities of assisting the camp counselors. JC registration costs $85/week
Counselors in Training
Pal Camp is happy to bring back our Counselor in Training (CIT) program for teens aged 15-17! This program is a volunteer position for teens who want more real life experience working with kids and growing their workforce skills. Not only will CITs take a more active role in managing campers and camp activities, they will also be working closely with the Junior Counselors to guide them in becoming leaders. We suggest signing up for at least two weeks to get the full training experience. If you are interested in being a CIT please Fill out the application below. Please DO NOT register your CIT on the Active Website.