MRC FAQs

Driving Directions to Camp

Alpine Retreat & Camp
415 Club House Drive
Blue Jay, CA 92317

Download driving instructions by clicking Here.

Take the 210 east toward Highland; exit on CA-18/N Waterman Ave and turn left onto CA-18/N Waterman Ave.

Continue to follow CA-18/N Waterman Ave.

Waterman Ave will become Highway 18; keep going straight on it to Lake Gregory Dr and past Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger.

Take a left onto Lake Gregory Dr and take a sharp right onto CA-189 E towards Twin Peaks. Continue on Highway 189 and you’ll eventually come to a little town called Twin Peaks (you’ll see a sheriff’s station on the left side of the highway).Continue 2.7 miles past Lake Gregory Dr on Highway 189 and look for the Shell Gas Station/Subway on the right. Slight left onto Grass Valley Rd for about a half mile, then turn left onto Club House Dr; Look for a large “Welcome to Alpine” sign on the left side of the road; and turn left to the paved parking lot of Alpine Retreat & Camp.

Please park in the designated parking stalls to the left of the main building. We will all be gathering at the basketball court adjacent to the parking stalls. 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 20 – Sunday, 23, 2026.
4 days and 3 nights.
Meals & evening snacks are provided.

Where is the Camp?

Alpine Retreat & Camp

415 Club House Dr, Blue Jay, CA 92317

It is located at 5,203 feet elevation in the San Bernardino National Forest above San Bernardino in Blue Jay, near Highway 189-E.

How much does the camp cost?

Camp is $150 per person. This amount includes transportation, eight meals, lodging for three nights, and all program supplies, activities and staffing.

How do I sign up for Camp?

Online and PDF registrations are available:
 
💢For Online Registrations:
 
💢For PDF printed form:
(Don’t forget to also print the waivers on page 4).

How will we get to Camp?

We will provide bus transportation to and from camp.
 
Bus pick up location is:
Trinity Presbyterian Church
13922 Prospect Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
 
🕛 Please arrive no later than 12pm on Thursday, August 20th to Trinity Presbyterian Church.
 
(You may bring a lunch and snacks will also be provided up and back on the bus. Alpine camp will serve dinner at approximately 4:30-5 pm.)
 
It takes about 1½ hours to get to Camp from Orange County.
 
*Please be aware that you must arrange your own transportation to and from the bus pick up/drop off location at Trinity Church (please see address above).
 
If you prefer to drive your own vehicle to Camp, please indicate this on your registration form and we’ll send you a map and directions.
 
🕛 We will be departing from Alpine at 12pm on Sunday, August 23rd.
 
Brunch will be served before departing Alpine camp.
 
🕑We will be arriving at approximately 2 pm on Sunday, August 23rd at
Trinity Presbyterian Church 
13922 Prospect Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

What are the sleeping accommodations?

The cabins vary in size and can sleep 10 to 30 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 IN 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!

View the packing list here

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, zipline, nature walks, a dance, volleyball, archery, yoga, soccer, art lessons, morning chapel, and nighttime campfire. We like everyone to participate in campfire, so think of a skit or song that you or your cabin group can share. (We can give you ideas if you need help.)
If you have a talent or play a portable musical instrument, please bring it!

What about food?

Meals are served home style meals in the dining hall about 8:30am, 12:30pm, and 5:30pm (meal times may change). We’ll also serve snacks in the clubhouse lodge each evening (the activities room).
 
You may bring your own snacks in sealed containers (e.g., small coolers, plastic containers with lids, or in sealed bags). Access to refrigeration and cooking facilities will not be available for campers.
 
There is a refrigerator for medications and special dietary food items. However, space is not guaranteed. Campers are also welcome to

What else do I need to know?

Alpine Retreat & Camp is on private forest land and does not allow pets, alcohol, fireworks, or weapons of any kind. Smoking is allowed only in the designated locations WITH ashtrays. 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.

Alpine Retreat & Camp 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!

Lockers are available for valuables and personal tech items but locks are not included at this time.

Unfortunately pets or service animals allowed are not allowed. Our insurance does not cover if the animal does any damage at the camp.
 
At this time, camp is for those who are 18 years and older. We’re sorry, but children are not allowed at this time.
 
The full cost for camp is due even if attendees do not stay the entire duration.
 
No early return trips provided.
If a camper has to leave camp early for any reason, they must make their own arrangements. We only provide a return trip to Trinity Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, August 23rd.
 
 
Contact info for campers:
Email:
Or
 
Phone: 424-234-3950 

Do you run any other camp sessions?

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.

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