MRC FAQs

Driving Directions to Camp

Download driving instructions by clicking Here.

  1. Take your favorite route to the 10 freeway east (for many of us in Orange County, it’s fastest to take the 91 east until it turns into the 215 north, then go east on the 10 freeway).

 

  1. Take the 10 east toward Redlands; exit on Alabama Street and turn left onto Alabama.

 

  1. From Alabama, turn right onto Lugonia Avenue.

 

  1. Lugonia will become Mentone Blvd., then Mill Creek Road, then Highway 38; keep going straight on it through the cities of Redlands and Mentone, and past the Mill Creek Ranger Station.

 

  1. Highway 38 takes a large left turn and heads up into the mountains as you pass a on the right that leads to Forest Falls. Continue on Highway 38 and you’ll eventually come to a little town called Angelus Oaks (you’ll see a fire station on the right side of the highway, and The Oaks restaurant on the left).

 

  1. Continue 7.5 miles past Angelus Oaks, and look for the Barton Flats Forrest Service Information Center on the right. Continue ¼ past the Center up a small rise in the highway; Look for a small “Camp Arbolado” sign on the right side of the road; and turn left to enter the dirt road that leads to Camp Arbolado. Stay LEFT after entering the road and continue until you reach the camp.

 

  1. Continue on the dirt road until you reach “Bishop Lodge”. Check in there!

What the heck does “respite” mean?

(RES-pit): an interval of relief from discomfort; a cessation for a time of anything distressing or trying; a period of rest and freedom from harm.

What are the dates of Camp?

This year’s session will go from Thursday, August 17 – Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Where is the Camp?

YMCA Camp Arbolado is located at 6,600 feet elevation in the San Bernardino National Forest above Redlands near Angelus Oaks, across Highway 38 from Barton Flats Ranger Station.

How much does the camp cost?

$100 for mental health consumers. $200 for agency sponsored Mental health consumers and all other individuals.  This amount includes transportation, nine meals, lodging for three nights, and all program supplies, activities and staffing. 

How do I sign up for Camp, and when do I need to pay?

You can register by completing and mailing the registration form in addition to your check or money order payable to Community Camp Corporation. You can also register online at communitycamp.org. You are not registered for the camp until full payment is received.

How will we get to Camp?

We will provide bus transportation to and from camp; the pick-up location is 1310 W. Diamond St., Anaheim 92804 by 9 AM on August 22, and we’ll return to that location around 3:30 pm on August 25. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the bus pick up/drop off location. It takes about 1½ hours to get to Camp from Orange County. If you prefer to drive up to Camp in your own vehicle, indicate this on your registration form and we’ll send you a map and directions. Transportation is only provided to Camp on Thursday, and back from Camp on Sunday; if you find you need to leave Camp early for any reason, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up from Camp and take you home.

What are the sleeping accommodations?

The cabins sleep 10 to 12 people; bunk beds with mattresses are provided, and you’ll need to bring your own bedding. The cabins have heaters, and bathrooms with flush toilets and hot water showers are located near the cabins. We’ll do our best to group people together in cabins according to preferences, but you can look forward to sharing your cabin with some brand new friends too.

What should I bring?

It will be a little cooler at camp than at home; the weather should be beautiful in August. (Usually about 75 degrees during the day, and around 60 at night.) You’ll need to bring:
· A sleeping bag (or sheets & a warm blanket) and a pillow
· Clothing for four days, including closed shoes and a jacket or coat
· Bathing suit or swim trunks
· Pajamas, sweats, or a nightgown to sleep in (and to wear to breakfast Sunday morning!)
· Your own towel(s)
· Enough medication to last from Thursday through Sunday afternoon
· Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush or comb, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and whatever else you’ll need for personal grooming (Ladies, a change in altitude can start your period unexpectedly, so bring feminine supplies even if you’re not due.)
· A flashlight is recommended
· You’re encouraged to bring sunscreen and lip balm (it’s dry in the mountains)
· Consider bringing earplugs, as some people snore
· If you play a portable musical instrument, please bring it!

Who’s running the Camp?

Volunteers who have extensive experience at Mountain Respite Camp or YMCA camps will be organizing the camp, along with former campers and other interested parties. Everyone at camp participates in hosting activities or otherwise contributing to camp!

What will we be doing at Camp?

You can do as much or as little as you like; it’s YOUR respite! Activities include: ropes/climbing course, swimming, arts & crafts, mountain bikes, nature walks, canoes, a dance, volleyball, archery, yoga, soccer, art lessons, line dancing lessons, morning chapel, and nighttime campfire. We like everyone to participate in campfire, so think of a skit or song you or your cabin group can share with others. (We can give you ideas if you need help.)

What about food?

Meals are served family-style in the mess hall at 9am, 12pm, and 5pm; one of the days, we’ll be having a sack lunch at the lake! We’ll also serve snacks in the lodge each evening; you may bring your own snacks, but refrigeration and cooking facilities will not be available for campers. Any food should be stored in a sealed and critter-proof container (like Tupperware), not in cardboard or plastic that can be chewed through.

What else do I need to know?

Camp Arbolado is on National Forest land and does not allow pets, alcohol, fireworks, or weapons of any kind. Smoking is allowed only in one designated location. Because of the altitude, you may notice some shortness of breath, which is normal and should decrease as time goes by. You’ll feel better if you drink PLENTY of water and limit caffeine.

Camp Arbolado is located in a wilderness area, and you’ll see lots of squirrels, an occasional raccoon, and every so often a coyote or bear in camp! Wild animals generally avoid people, and you’ll be fine if you leave them alone and make sure trash is thrown into trashcans and not dropped on the ground. We encourage you to keep cabins clean and free of open food containers as well.

Our goal is to help everyone have a GREAT time at camp! Contact info@communitycamp.org if you have questions that are not answered here.

Do you run any other camp sessions?

Camp Arbolado is on National Forest land and does not allow pets, alcohol, fireworks, or weapons of any kind. Smoking is allowed only in one designated location. Because of the altitude, you may notice some shortness of breath, which is normal and should decrease as time goes by. You’ll feel better if you drink PLENTY of water and limit caffeine.

Currently, CCC only sponsors Mountain Respite Camp. However, we are open to other groups and would like to begin spreading our message and building additional camp communities. We are interested in exploring the possibility of a veteran family camp. Get a hold of us if you are interested in speaking more about additional camp possibilities.

Our goal is to help everyone have a GREAT time at camp! Contact info@communitycamp.org if you have questions that are not answered here.