Jack and Jill Family Camp is one of the longest continuously running family camps for African American families in the United States. Dr Ruth Howard discovered the Mendocino Woodlands Camp in 1958 when a friend, involved with a group affiliated with the Quakers, invited her to camp with them. Dr Howard had a vision and the next summer convinced her friends from the San Francisco and Oakland Bay Area Chapters of Jack & Jill of America to lease the camp for a week. They packed up their cars with equipment and children, rented a truck to haul food and supplies, and headed off to Mendocino, a small idyllic town on the Northern California coast.
In the early years, a group of dedicated parents and grandparents cooked in the kitchen and planned activities for younger children with the help of their own recent high school graduates. Adults played bridge, bid whist, and took long walks in the woods. Mrs. Winifred Younge and Mrs. Marion Francois were legendary for lights out at midnight and conducting cabin checks to ensure all (especially teens) were snug in their sleeping bags. In those days, meals consisted of delicious one-pot meals, like beans, chili, and spaghetti.
The camp has continued annually since 1959, except for 3 years – 1 due to drought and 2 due to COVID. The camp quickly expanded to include families from all over California and now attracts families from all over the country.
You can do a lot or you can chill. There are plenty of scheduled activities, but some campers can be found sitting with a good book or engaging in stimulating conversation with fellow campers. Some favorite activities are hiking, mommy crafts, and the golf tournament, but also include:
- Pinewood Derby Race
- Family Talent Night
- Basketball Tournament
- Beach Day
- Outdoor Education
- Family Game Night
- Carnival
- And much much more…
Camp Rule #1 is – NO DIETING ALLOWED! You can expect a week of culinary delights. Our expert Kitchen Crew trained under our Executive Chef Emeritus, Harold LeBlanc who is a Bay Area legend. Harold’s BBQ and Gumbo will “make you wanna holler!”
