Camp Chrysalis

Specialties

Now in its 34^th year, our program has developed a distinctive approach to environmental education, offering children rich experiences that combine learning, play, and personal growth. In each environment, the Big Sur redwoods, the Mendocino coast and the Sierra Mountains, we focus on active study of the plants, wildlife and ecology around us, and on basic camping and wilderness skills.

Their exploration is as much of their own developing abilities as of what the world has to offer. In small groups, they enjoy working together and taking care of us all. Craft projects and wood working is a natural connection. Group singing is a special pleasure.

As a mature staff, well experienced working together, we’ve developed a rich understanding of our camp’s culture. We pay close attention to group dynamics and each individual’s need for support. We have become particularly skilled at helping children navigate through life’s experiences that leave them recalling camp as a special place where they grew more mature. We enjoy seeing many campers return every summer, older and more self-​aware.

Each core session can accommodate 32 – 36 campers (12 for backpacking). Big Sur is suggested for children new to camping or being away from home. Many attend twice. Mendocino is often second and the Sierra is our most rigorous core session. Backpacking is for high school students.

Camp Chrysalis is a special nature and overnight camp for kids and teens this summer!

History

Established in 1982.

This is our 34^th year! When we first talked about starting a camp for the students in our schools, Michael Rossman, my friend and founding director, and I never expected to have such an amazing and satisfying run. Though much has grown familiar to us, the experience of working and learning with children in an outdoor setting continues to be exciting and rewarding. With the camp now much older than its campers, we have become a local institution, a well-​kept Berkeley «secret». Michael’s passion and spirit continue to move us to read the land and look under every rock to discover the wonders and mysteries that surround us. His love of nature and inquiry motivate us to inspire the next generation of young people to become stewards of the Earth. As we move into our fourth decade, we continue to develop our rich program with a staff that have grown up with the camp and bring their own interests, passions and strengths as counselors and mentor to our campers, many who return every year.

Meet the Business Owner

Lee T.

Business Owner

Lee has been teaching in progressive independent schools in the East Bay since 1973 and, after eight years as a middle school director, joyfully returned to teaching at the North Oakland Community Charter School. Now in semi-​retirement and teaching part-​time, he loves conifers and hiking in the Sierras near cold mountain streams. He tunes the camp organizational engine while sharing his fascination with the outdoors and his vision for building community.