August 6-11, 2023
Make this a summer to remember for the whole family! Take the work out of your family’s summer vacation and join us for a fun-filled week of relaxation, exploration and family bonding.
Skip the hassle of planning your family’s days and join us for fun and engaging activities such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, campfire skits and songs, specialty crafts and more! Children under 6 years old can attend the program for free.
Look forward to enjoying:
Sequoia Lake Family Camp is held at YMCA Camp Tulequoia along the shores of Lake Sequoia. Lake Sequoia is located along Hwy 180 near King’s Canyon National Park, west of Fresno.
You will need to provide your own transportation to the camp location. This will also give you the flexibility to explore King's Canyon National Park and the surrounding area.
Expect an accepting community of supportive families; to have choices of activities to sign up for or to choose not to participate; a fun and friendly staff ready to show you around. The Family Camp experience is particularly rewarding for adult parents who never experienced the fun of sleep-away camp as a child. No prior outdoor or camping experience required. YMCA staff, volunteers and family campers teach one another the skills of camping, backpacking, fishing, boating, campfire, roasting marshmallows, etc.
For families completely new to the outdoor experience, minimal supplies would be needed. Family Camp would be ideal for you - all sorts of families are celebrated at family camp and typically well represented. Due to the community Y atmosphere, for most single parents, they describe this vacation as a real vacation - with so many organized activities, watchful staff, other parents everywhere, their kids can roam freely in the secure campsite with confidence - while mom or dad often takes a long nap!
No cooking required; food is provided in the dining hall. Campers eat together and help serve and clean up together. Your camp fee is all-inclusive covering 3 meals/day + snacks + campfire for all members of your family for the time spent at camp.
There is a central dining hall with meals catered by a permanent staff. The menu tends to be kid-focused - catered towards what a typical middle schooler would love to eat - note too that there is a salad bar at most meals. Meals are served family style at shared tables. Campers set the tables and take turns serving. Yes, there is a vegetarian entrée served along with each meal.
Weather in the Sierra’s is difficult to predict; however, this time of year is usually sunny, warm and dry during the day, and cool at night, sometimes cold. Rain is always possible, but it is not common.
Check the weather before packing. Usually, the skies are clear at night for star gazing. Due to the dry climate, insects are not particularly bad. Mosquitoes are active at dusk and during the evening - so, bring bug repellant, wear long pants/long shirts. Bring cream for bites.
Bears are a part of the local animal-life around Lake Sequoia, but generally they avoid campers. To help avoid encounters with bears, we do not keep food in cars, tents, or cabins.
GEAR
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Flashlight w/ Batteries
Laundry Bag
Sunglasses
Water Bottle
Fishing Pole/ Tackle (optional)
Tent (tent camping)
Ground Tarp (tent camping)
Sleeping Pad (tent camping)
Sheet to put on mattress
Day/back pack
CLOTHING
Underwear (5)
Socks (5)
T-shirts (6)
Long Sleeve Shirts (2)
Sweatshirt
Jeans
Warm Jacket
Tennis Shoes
Sandals/Flip-flops
Hiking Boots+
Hat or Cap
Poncho or Light Raincoat
Swimsuit
Pajamas
Shorts
TOILETRIES
Soap
Toothbrush and Paste
Shampoo
Bath Towel (2)
Beach Towel (2)
Washcloth
Chapstick
Sunscreen (SPF 15, minimum)
Insect Repellent
Comb or Brush
Personal Medications
EXTRA ITEMS TO BRING (Optional)
Sand/Water Toys
Games for the evening
Clothesline
Beach Chairs
Extension Cord
Additional blankets
Please bring only what you need!
Additional items may be brought to camp, but the YMCA assumes no responsibility for their safety at camp (including loss or damage). Video games and other valuables are particularly discouraged. Many lost items are collected at the end of each camp, and are stored for two weeks at YMCA Camp Campbell. All unclaimed items will be donated to another charitable organization for distribution to those in need.
YMCA Camp Tulequoia is located near Kings Canyon National Park.
If you are driving to camp, use the directions noted below. DO NOT USE ONLINE MAPPING SERVICES. Many of the online mapping services we have tested send people to camp via State Route 245, an old windy, narrow road. We want your entire camp experience to be pleasant, including your drive. Refer to the directions noted below for the quickest and easiest driving route to camp.
From Fresno & Northern California
From Visalia & Southern California
Fuel: There is no gas available at or near Sequoia Lake. Gas is available on the way to Sequoia Lake on Hwy. 180 in Squaw Valley and Dunlap. Be sure to fuel-up accordingly!
Motion Sickness: The winding mountain roads unfortunately lead some campers to experience motion sickness. You may wish to avoid heavy meals or consider motion sickness medication prior to the trip if your child is prone to sickness.
Happy Gap Security Guard: We have a Security Guard posted at the entrance to Sequoia Lake at Happy Gap to help control the flow of traffic and to keep unregistered guests from entering. Just let them know you're on your way to Camp 'TQ!
The Sequoia Lake Road: The Sequoia Lake road in and out of camp, will be traveled heavily on the first and last day of each camp session. There are five camps around the lake which means a steady stream of passenger vehicles, services vehicles, vans, school buses and charter buses on the road. Please be extra-mindful of the posted speed limit (15 mph), blind curves, pedestrians and wildlife. The Lake road is narrow and rough. Proceed cautiously and calmly. Do not be in a hurry. During excessive traffic times, staff with two-way radios will be posted to direct and control the flow of traffic.
