Jack & Jill Family Camp is held the second week in July each year. Camp runs the Sunday to Saturday following the week of 4th of July, but never includes the holiday. The actual start/ end dates change slightly each year. The earliest start date is July 6th and the latest is July 13th.
Future camp dates are:
July 12-July 18, 2026
July 11-July 17, 2027
July 9-July 15, 2028
July 8-July 14, 2029
July 7-July 13, 2030
No. Jack & Jill Family Camp is not affiliated with Jack & Jill of America Inc. The camp was founded in 1959 by Dr Ruth Howard and her fellow Jack & Jill families from the San Francisco and Oakland Bay Area Chapters of Jack & Jill of America. They named it Jack & Jill Family Camp and the name has endured since 1959.
We only ask that your family comes with the spirit to have fun and cooperate.
Each of the 46 wood cabins is fully enclosed and equipped with four cots and mattresses, a fireplace, a closet, and a balcony. We can add up to 2 more cots if you have small children – anything more than that would be uncomfortable. Cabins do not have electricity – you will need battery-powered, propane-powered, or rechargeable lighting.
The cabins are clustered in three groups, each group with a hot water shower/toilet facility. Here is a map of Camp 1.
Cabin interior
Cabin exterior
Wifi and cell service are pretty much non-existent at camp. One of the best aspects of camp is that you will disconnect and be with your family.
That said, you can make the 20-ish minute drive into town – (Mendocino or Ft Bragg) for mobile service. Several coffee shops and restaurants “in town” offer wifi to customers. It is common for campers to drive into town to take calls and check email from time to time. If you go to town, you need to go as a family or make sure an adult is responsible for your children.
Not really. This is a one-week camping experience, not a hotel with daily check-ins/outs. We are a small nonprofit made up of volunteers who love camp. We operate on a tight budget to maintain affordable rates for our families. Offering daily rates presents challenges. If you want a daily option, you can research hotel and short-term rental options in Mendocino and we may be able to customize a daily rate for meals and activities.
Yes, we offer vegetarian and vegan options at every meal. You will have a chance to share your dietary needs on your registration form.
We have plenty of activities including:
-Hiking
-Crafts
-Pinewood Derby Race
-Beach Day
-Basketball Tournament
-Field Games
-Family Talent Night
-Organized Evening Family Games
-AND much much more….
Here is a sample camp schedule.
You are welcome to make a cabin request, but we cannot make any promises we can accommodate that request.
You will receive your cabin assignment when you arrive at camp.
Yes, we will send a welcome letter with a suggested packing list after you are fully registered and your final invoice is paid.
In order to keep costs low, families are assigned to help with setting up and serving (cafeteria style) 2 meals during the week for brunch, snack and / or dinner. Families DO NOT prepare meals – our experienced Kitchen Crew does all the cooking. KP Duty consists of setting up and serving the meal, washing dishes (we have a dishwasher!), and cleaning up the dining hall. Several families are assigned to each meal and it is usually more fun than work!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
The camp is slightly inland. The weather is very comfortable – generally, it is 2-5 degrees warmer at camp than the forecasted temperature for Mendocino. Even if the weather is warm during the day, the mornings and evenings are cool and you will need sweaters and jackets. Wearing long pants can help fend off the mosquitos.
Your arrival bag, will include an unfinished derby car for each child in your party. You will work with your child(ren) to transform them into ‘Camp Derby’ winners. Assistance will be available up to Race Day. Tools and paint will be available. Younger participants will need parental supervision. The derby takes place Friday afternoon. Winners are announced Friday evening at Family Talent Night.
No, pets are not allowed at camp under any circumstances. You can research boarding options in Mendocino.
Yes, we are. We love donations – they help us maintain low registration fees for campers and support the mission of the Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association.
J&J Family Camp, Inc.
6114 La Salle Ave., #737
Oakland, CA 94611
IRS ID: 88-4265730
IRS Tax Determination Letter
Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed under the law.
Yes, but on a schedule. Camp fees are refundable as follows:
A) Before April 30, 2025: Full refund, less any transaction fees;
B) April 30, 2025 – May 15, 2025: 50% refund, less any transaction fees;
C) May 16, 2025 – May 31, 2025: 25% refund, less any transaction fees:
D) After May 31, 2025: NO REFUNDS.
Jack & Jill Family Camp is a small nonprofit run by volunteers and we operate on a tight budget to remain affordable for families. We plan ahead based on our anticipated headcount and buy early and in bulk to obtain better pricing. Late cancellations can be disastrous to our budget. In certain circumstances, we may be able to roll-forward unused camp fees to a future camp. Thank you for understanding.
3 meals are served per day:
1) Brunch in the morning;
2) A mid-day light lunch; and
3) Dinner in the evening.
Here is a sample camp schedule.