Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1473 Randall Drive, Cambria CA 93428

    On the Central Coast of California, we are halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, overlooking the Pacific Ocean!

  • Drop off at camp is at 3pm on Sunday

    Drop off at the shuttle is at 10am on Sunday (we will send you the exact location)

    Pick up at camp is at 12pm on Friday*

    Pick up from the shuttle is at 3pm on Friday (we will send you the exact location)*

    *The only exception: The Great California Roadtrip ends on a Sunday, not a Friday

  • We have programs for ages 7-18! If your camper is under 7, we suggest our Family Camp Program!

    Specific program age ranges:

  • Main Camp campers all stay in our cabins onsite, which include 10 bunk beds, a completely private shower, and bathroom. Cabins are fully enclosed with many windows for air ventilation.

    Upon registration, families can select what gender cabin option is best for their camper-girls, boys or all-gender.

    If we cannot meet your child’s cabin request, we will contact you and offer an alternative and a refund if there is not another option. This primarily only happens with the all-gender cabin if there are not enough campers to open it. Our goal is to have the option for all sessions, but we cannot guarantee it.

    California Coastal Adventures campers also stay in our onsite cabins with teens in the program.

    Great California Roadtrip campers stay in a variety of hostels on their roadtrip around California.

    Teen Program Leaders live in our camp yurts, with nearby bathrooms and daily access to cabin showers. Each camper has a cot and mattress.

    Counselors in Training live in cabin with campers, learning and observing from cabin staff.

  • We offer shuttle services to and from camp from the LA area for all sessions, and transportation to and from the Bay Area for session 4 only.

    During camp, campers have the opportunity to participate in offsite trips to local outdoor locations. Campers are driven in mini vans by our driver trained, and 21+ year old staff.

    If your camper has emergency medications-inhaler, epipen, etc.- these items travel with the group under the supervision of staff members, so your camper is never without important medications.

  • Fresh, and kid friendly! Every meal has a protein, carb, veggies, and fruit. We encourage campers to try all the delicious offerings from our camp kitchen.

    Sample menu:

    Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt with granola, and fresh fruit.

    Lunch: Taco bar with tortillas, rice, beans, chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and salsa.

    Dinner: Pasta with meat sauce, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, garlic bread, parmesan cheese.

    Our kitchen can accommodate many dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free (including celiac), nut allergies, and more. If you have specific questions about your child’s dietary needs, please reach out to Camp Director Nicole: nicole@campoceanpines.org.

  • Yes!

    You may either mail your camper a care package or drop it off at check in for their session.

    Please limit the care package to no bigger than a shoe box, and do not send drinks, nuts, or gum.

    If your child is a picky eater and you want to send safe foods that they love eating, please coordinate with Nicole: nicole@campoceanpines.org.

    All food items need to be checked in with camp so they can be stored in sealed containers in our dining hall to avoid rodents. Your camper will have multiple opportunities during the day to access their care package. Non food items can be brought to the cabin.

  • It’s about 50/50! Many campers come to camp alone for the first time, while others bring a sibling or friend.

    No matter what, our cabin staff look out for every kid and help them connect to new friends in the cabin.

  • We accept bunkmate requests during camp registration and do our best to pair requested campers together whenever possible. We’re pretty good at making these requests happen, but we can’t guarantee it.

    For the best chance of being placed together, both campers should request each other on their registration forms.

    If your camper has multiple friends they’d like to bunk with (such as a group of friends from previous summers), please let us know which friend is their top priority to bunk with.

    We only accept requests to be placed separately in the case of siblings.

  • We focus on helping campers connect with others, especially their cabin mates-from day one, helping them feel safe and comfortable early on.

    We also believe that homesickness is normal and our method validates camper’s feelings and helps them process the big emotions.

    We also encourage campers to write notes home, and print emails from parents and caregivers for campers.

  • All campers are welcome and and celebrated at Camp Ocean Pines. Staff and campers alike are given the opportunity to share their pronouns, and preferred name. We hire a broad range of staff so that as many campers as possible can see themselves in camp leadership.

    Upon registration, families can select what gender cabin option is best for their camper-female, male, or all-gender.

    All cabins have a private bathroom and shower, and all bathrooms at camp are single stall and completely private!