Arrival and departure information specific to your camp location and session will be included in your Camper Information Packet. It’s important that you review that information thoroughly to ensure a smooth drop-off/ pick-up!
Below, you’ll find some general notes as a reference for how and when to drop off and pick up your camper.
Bothin will be open for camper drop off on the first day of your session. Each group has their own check-in window, which will be noted in your camper packet.
The first meal served at camp will be dinner on the first day, so please make sure your camper(s) eat lunch before arriving for check-in!
Once you arrive at camp, staff will be stationed along the road to assist and direct you where to go.
- Adults will stay in the car throughout the check-in process.
- Have any medications and waivers ready to go outside of your camper’s luggage so that staff can collect these as you drive down.
- Staff members will conduct a health check for your camper and once cleared you will be directed to park in the lot.
- Staff members will assist in retrieving any luggage.
- Campers will say their final goodbyes and join their group.
- A staff member will be stationed to collect any camper mail as you exit.
- Follow staff directions to exit back out towards the gate.
Check-Out
Campers will be ready to go once you arrive, and pick-up should take a matter of minutes. Bothin will be open for camper pick-up on the last day of your session. Each group has their own pick-up window.
Once you arrive at camp, you will be directed where to go. You will be asked to do the following:
- Please check your arrival time carefully and arrive on time to ensure a smooth check-out process for all. The gate will not be open early.
- Have your ID ready. A staff member will check it before releasing your camper.
- Park (must back in) and remain in the car.
- After signing your camper out, a staff member will assist them in loading their luggage. They will be given their photo packet and any medications. At this point they can load into your vehicle.
- Once you have collected your camper and all their belongings, you may exit back towards the gate. Follow staff directions as you exit.
- If a camper has not been picked up within approximately 20 minutes of the designated time, camp staff will attempt to contact the parents or emergency contact listed on the health form.
If you have an emergency and are not able to pick up your camper, contact the GSNorCal office at 1-800-447- 4475 during regular business days and hours (M– F 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM). If the emergency is NOT during regular business hours, call our emergency line at 1-877- 636-1912.
Transportation is not provided to or from Skylark Ranch—families are responsible for camper transportation to and from camp. Please note that the road will be restricted to one-way traffic during check-in. Once all families have arrived, everyone will depart together to ensure safe and organized traffic flow.
Check-In
Skylark Ranch will be open for camper drop off on the first day of your session. Each group has their own check-in window, which will be noted in your camper packet.
The first meal served at camp will be dinner on the first day, so please make sure your camper(s) eat lunch before arriving for check-in!
Once you arrive at camp, you will be directed where to go. You will be asked to do the following:
- Staff will direct you to park in a lot.
- When instructed to, have your camper grab any medications & waivers and they will head to the health check tent.
- After campers have cleared the health check, a staff member will assist them in retrieving their luggage.
- Campers will say their final goodbyes and join their group.
- A staff member will come around to collect any camper mail.
- Adults will wait until staff clears them to head out.
Check-Out
- Skylark Ranch will be open for camper pickup on the last day of your session. Each group has their own pick-up window.
- Once you arrive at camp, you will be directed where to go. You will be asked to do the following:
- Please check your arrival time carefully and arrive on time to ensure a smooth check-out process for all.
- Have your ID ready. A staff member will come around to check it before releasing your camper.
- After signing your camper out, a staff member will assist them in loading their luggage. They will be given their photo packet and any medications. At this point they can load into your vehicle.
- Wait until directed by a staff member to head out.
- If a camper has not been picked up within approximately 20 minutes of the designated time, camp staff will attempt to contact the parents or emergency contact listed on the health form.
If you have an emergency and are not able to pick up your camper, contact the GSNorCal office at 1-800-447- 4475 during regular business days and hours (M– F 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM). If the emergency is NOT during regular business hours, call our emergency line at 1-877- 636-1912.
Transportation is provided to or from Sugar Pine, and most campers arrive to camp on the bus. You are welcome to drop your camper off at camp, but keep in mind it is generally at 3+ hour drive from the Bay Area. Very few campers elect not to take the bus to camp.
Our busses run from in San Jose, Pleasanton, Santa Rosa, Alameda, and Chico/Elk Grove.
Check-In
You will be asked to arrive 30+ minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave to allow time to check in. A staff member will meet you in the parking lot by the bus. Put on a face mask before you meet them.
- Turn in any medications & waivers needed for your camper directly to the bus monitor.
- Stand by for a health check– your camper will have their temperature taken and will be checked for lice.
- Help your camper to load their luggage into the bus.
- Sign off on emergency contact info.
- Your camper will say goodbye and enter the bus.
- You can give the bus monitor any mail you would like to be delivered during her stay.
The first meal served at camp will be dinner on the first day, so please make sure your camper(s) has a packed lunch to eat on the bus.
Check-Out
When the bus arrives at the bus stop, you will:
- Have your ID ready. A staff member will check it before releasing your camper.
- After signing your camper out, you can help them with their luggage.
- You will be given your camper’s photo packet and any medications.
- If a camper has not been picked up within approximately 20 minutes of the designated time, camp staff will attempt to contact the parents or emergency contact listed on the health form.
Please note the bus sometimes runs late on drop-off days due to traffic.
If you have an emergency and are not able to pick up your camper, contact the GSNorCal office at 1-800-447- 4475 during regular business days and hours (M– F 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM). If the emergency is NOT during regular business hours, call our emergency line at 1-877- 636-1912.
Questions about dropping off or picking up your camper? Email us at registration@gsnorcal.org.