Expedition and Backpacking Overnight Program Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on the nuts-and-bolts of camp, please read on for answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions please contact our camp office directly.
Where do we drop off?
All expedition camps start and end at our HQ at 3049 Adeline St., Berkeley. We transport students from there to our trailheads and destinations.
How are kids transported?
We transport students in our passenger vans or small buses, driven only by our own highly trained staff possessing full Commercial Drivers Licenses with appropriate passenger endorsements.
What is your philosophy?
We believe that all people (kids and adults) want to belong in and contribute to their community. At camp, everyone contributes to the upkeep and care of our Village in meaningful ways. Our program design demands intelligent accountability from participants, especially while working with tools and training in challenging skills. Every aspect of participation is considered a privilege and all campers must treat it as such. This now said, our camps have and always will be infused with vital traits of good humor, celebration and appreciation for each member of our village.
What type of accommodation is available?
Backpacking and expedition programs sleep in small, light-weight tents with a few other students. We are happy to pair up campers according to friend preference. Please note that with large friend groups, we may need to split some friends up into smaller groups in order to fit all our students in the tents.
What kinds of kids come to camp?
Trackers is a unique program, attracting a wide variety of “personality types” and kids from diverse backgrounds who all work together to build a village. In our backpacking camps, some students have a lot of back country experience, and some have none at all! This is all okay, since our programs are adjusted for all experience levels. Our instructors are adept at simultaneously challenging those who have a background in what we teach, and helping a newcomer to gradually increase their ability.
What dietary restrictions can be accommodated at camp? What about allergies?
Our mobile programs travel light. Our provided meals are all omnivore and include an array of vegetables, grains, dairy, and meat, often mixed together. Because we are a small program who cooks communally, often over a campfire, we are generally unable to make accommodations and distinctions for specialized or specific diets. Vegetarian diets may be possible to accommodate; please contact us to discuss prior to registration.
About Systemic Food Allergies To the best of our ability we always work to exclude items that typically result in severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylaxis. Working with your medical doctor, if your camper has a severe food allergy (such as peanut butter) please contact us and we will investigate if it is possible to adjust our meal plans.
Who will be my child’s instructors?
Trackers Staff are the most highly trained and experienced educators in the field of outdoor education, well versed in our industry. They are experts at traditional crafts who possess a deft understanding of true and epic adventure. Click here to read more on our staffing policies and philosophy.
What will my child need to bring? What forms do I need?
A detailed packing list will be sent with your confirmation and welcome packet along with all camp forms. The basics will include a lightweight pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and mess kit. Backpacking students will also need to bring a light weight, sturdy frame pack. We strive to keep our packing list light and functional and is not a significant quantity of specialized gear on the list. Our packing list is sent in early spring.
How will you keep my child safe?
Safety is our highest priority. Since 2004, Trackers has led the way in standards of safety for outdoor camps and programs. For our summer overnight programs, all groups of students have additionally have a staff person with Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT certification present. We hire only mature and competent individuals with profound experience in both education and skills instruction. Staff attend intensive training in all safety policies, from driving safety for transported programs to home-sickness prevention and mitigation. Moreover, we train staff to continually evaluate situations. Although we have policies and response plans for all foreseeable risks, Trackers staff are trained to consistently pay attention so that nothing is left to chance. Our staff retention percentage is excellent and the large majority of our lead staff is made up of returning instructors. Learn more about our safety policies and values here.
Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
For families who need it, we offer flexible payment plans. Contact Us to learn more. A non-refundable deposit is always required to reserve your space.
We have very limited scholarship awards available of up to 20%-100% of tuition for families in need. Due to limited funds of awards we recommend you apply early to increase your family's chances of acceptance. Submit a scholarship application here.