Guest Information, Rules, and Procedures
Check in Time/Check out Time:
Check in: 2:00 p.m. Check out: 10:00 a.m. Please bring your
Registration Papers, Driver's License, and full party to the
registration window. If your driver's license address does not match
your Registration Papers address, please bring other proof of
residency.
Camp Quiet Hours (10:30 pm - 7:00 am):
Please lower your voices and music after 10:30 p.m. No
basketball playing after 9:00 p.m. Contact the Camp Manager to
resolve noise disturbance issues as they occur. Note: Some Teen
Programs may go beyond 10:30 p.m. They will try to be respectful of
the noise level. Speak to the Recreation Director conducting the
program if you are being disturbed.
Graffiti:
Please do not write or carve your name, poetry, or
drawings, etc. on any surfaces, structures, or trees. We are making
an effort to stop this blight. It is a time consuming process to
sand out and paint over the graffiti on and in the cabins. The trees
cannot so easily be fixed.
Problems with your Cabin or ???:
Please report problems immediately so that we can fix
them. Alert the Office to any dangerous situations so that we can
repair them. We can cut off your lock if you lose your keys or
forget your combination - ask for help at the Office.
Lost & Found:
Please bring found items to the Office. Inquire at the
Office for your lost things. There is a "lost and found" at the Pool
where towels, goggles, and toys are collected. Valuables will be
brought to the Office. We have a Lost and Found Binder to record
lost items and found items...check it out before your leave.
Lawn Chairs and Rafts:
To protect your investment in these items, we recommend
that you lock them up to the poles provided for this purpose every
night. Bring a lock and chain or you can bring them back to your
cabin. Please remove all items from the lawn area every day.
First Aid:
We have a nurse or doctor on site to administer first
aid. Hours are posted at the office and they may be contacted by
radio in an emergency. Lifeguards are also trained in First Aid and
CPR. Most visits are related to bike accidents
Wear those helmets!
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The Camp Manager will
investigate all reported problems and incidents. The Camp Manager will
meet with the involved guests/staff/visitors to resolve the situation.
The Camp Manager will document all incidents, investigations and
resolutions. If the situation does not resolve to the Camp Manager's
satisfaction, the parties involved may be asked to leave Camp.
The Camp Manager may also recommend denial of the guest's ability to
make future camp reservation requests for the next summer. In the case
of destruction of property, payment will be requested for repairs and/or
replacement. The proper law enforcement agency will be contacted if and
when necessary.
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Your Registered Cabin / Tent:
Guests must reside
in the cabin or tent they are registered in. Each cabin and tent
site has a maximum occupancy. Children under the age of 18 are not
to spend the night in a cabin or tent area without adult
supervision.
Tents:
Tents are only allowed in the designated
camping sites. Tents are not allowed around the cabins.
Porches and Picnic Tables:
It is your responsibility to maintain your
cabin porches, picnic tables, and grounds near your cabin in an
aesthetic manner. Many people reside near your cabin and would not
enjoy viewing a mess. For the protection of wildlife, put all food
and drinks away each night -- or during the day if you leave the
area.
Litter:
Please do not litter and teach your
children not to litter. There are green Bear-Proof garbage cans
throughout Camp. Please "pick up" any litter in your area at the
pool, lake lawn, stage, etc.
Candles, Tiki Torches, And Other Flames:
Camp season is hot and dry. Please never
leave candles unattended. Candles must be in containers. Please be
fire safe. Please do not bring Tiki Torches. Stationary candles are
the only open flame (in container) allowed in camp. Cook stoves are
not allowed.
Smoking:
Smoking is not allowed in any buildings,
in line, on the Dining Hall Deck or the Store Deck, in the pool
area, or at any organized activity. Be fire safe!
Unregistered People:
People who are not registered guests are
not allowed to spend the night in Camp in a cabin, tent area, their
vehicle, or on any of the camp property/grounds.
Day-Use Visitors:
Your friends and relatives staying at the
Evergreen Lodge or Peach Growers, camping at Diamond O Camp Grounds
or somewhere in the National Forest, or just passing through must
purchase a day use pass at the Office if they wish to remain in Camp
for the day. They will receive a day-use wristband and a Day Use
Parking Pass. The Day-Use wristband entitles them to relax and enjoy
the lake area, the pool, and the restrooms between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Organized activities are for guests only. Please
make sure they follow all of the camp rules.
Pets:
Pets are not allowed at Camp. Please leave
your pets at home.
Weapons:
Do not bring weapons to Camp Mather. Guns,
Throwing Knives, Darts, Projectile "toys" such as BB Guns, BB
rifles, Slingshots, etc... Weapons will be confiscated and returned
to an adult in your party upon your departure. Archery equipment is
allowed but requires adult supervision and the equipment must only
be used only at the Archery Field with management approval.
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Dining Hall:
The Dining Hall will
be open for meals and scheduled recreation programs only. It will be
secured at all other times. Please do not enter during staff lunch
or dinner to get a drink. The store is open and water fountains work
if you are thirsty. Your first meal is Saturday Dinner.
Bag Lunches:
Order your bag lunch
the night before at the ticket booth. Pick it up during breakfast.
You will receive a bag lunch on your last day. When you order a bag
lunch, your name is taken off of the lunch list for that day.
Wristbands:
Everyone entering the Dining Hall must be
wearing his or her wristband. Please tell the Ticket Booth person
your cabin or tent number. Please wear your wristband with the color
side showing.
Meals Serving Times:
Breakfast - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00
a.m.
Lunch - 12:00 p.m. to
12:30 p.m.
Dinner - 5:25 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Coffee is available at 6:30 a.m. every day
Dining Hall Cleaning Time:
The Dining Hall Staff start to clean up
the Dining Hall approximately 1/2 hour after the door closes and the
last person is seated. If you wish to enjoy your coffee for a longer
time, please take it outside onto the deck.
Removing Items:
Please do not remove plastic glasses,
plates, silverware, trays, from the Dining Hall. The Kitchen Staff
will wrap a tray for an ill member of your party upon request.
Please return those items the next morning.
Health Code:
Everyone must wear a shirt,
pants/shorts/skirt/dress, and shoes. Please do not dine in your
bathing suit. Infants in diapers must wear pants/dress. Smoking is
not allowed in line, in Dining Hall or on the Dining Hall
Deck. Anyone engaging in food fights will be asked to clean up the
mess they created and may be asked to leave the Dining Hall.
Please help your young children at the juice and salad bars. For
safety reasons, we want to clean up any spills as soon as possible.
Please alert the staff to any problems they have not seen.
Day-Use Visitor Meals:
When available, Day-Use Visitors may
purchase a meal. Availability of meals is not guaranteed. Visitors
who wish to purchase a meal must also purchase a day-use wristband.
If part of your party is staying at the Evergreen Lodge or Diamond O
Campground, please do not assume that there will be meals available
for them.
Recreation Programs Held in the Dining
Hall (Bingo, Games, Crafts, etc...):
Please clean up after yourselves. Staying
behind and helping the Recreation Staff clean up will be greatly
appreciated. The juice, milk, ice, and coffee machines are not
available during nighttime programs. Cups and plates are not
available. Please Recycle.
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Bicycles:
Helmets:
Those under 18
must wear a bicycle helmet when riding their bike or on another's
bike as a passenger. We have a few "loaners" if you need to borrow
one.
Parking:
Please park in the bike corral at the lake. Park bikes at
the bike rack or on that side of the road at the Dining Hall. Do not
"dump" your bike on a road or pathway, as these need to remain clear
at all times. Do not park your bike in front of the store stairs or
ramp.
Grass:
Do not walk or ride your bike onto any grassy area or in a
meadow.
Speed:
Pedestrians have the right of way. Bike safely and be courteous.
Nights:
Please come to the 8:00 p.m. programs on foot. Bicycles lying on the
ground are a hazard after dark. Riding a bike after dark is
dangerous.
Scooters:
The bicycle rules apply to scooters. Those
under 18 must wear a helmet. Do not bring your scooter into the
Dining Hall or onto the decks.
Skateboards:
Skateboards are not allowed in camp.
Please don't bring them.
Motorized Vehicles:
None of these are allowed in Camp:
Motorized Scooters / Motorcycles / Off-Road Vehicles /
Campers / Motor Homes
Automobiles:
Speed:
Please drive slowly (5 miles an hour) in camp area. For safety of
the small children, we do not want a lot of driving through camp.
Parking:
Park in designated parking lots. There are a couple of small ones
inside the gates and several larger ones outside. Do not park by
your cabin. Please park your car immediately after unpacking. The
access gates will be opened on Saturday morning and closed on
Saturday night. If you plan on using your car through the week,
please park in an outside parking area.
Parking Pass:
When you register at the office, you will be given a parking pass to
put on your dashboard to identify your car as one belonging in Camp
overnight.
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Flora and Fauna
Frogs and Tadpoles:
"Ribbit, needeep, croak". If they could
communicate with us, I am sure they would tell us to be gentle with
their fragile beings. What do they need to live? Their habitat is
the lake. Their ability to survive in a bucket or raft is doubtful.
The main danger to them is overheating and rough handling. Please be
considerate of their lives. Ok that's the lecture, here's the rule:
Catch them, count them, brag about your prowess and then release
them within 10 minutes. Do not throw them.
Snakes:
Camp Mather is home to many snakes, most
not dangerous to us. We relocate rattlesnakes when we find them.
Leave them alone; alert the Office. You may notice baby snakes,
please do not handle them.
Birds:
Many birds nest in Camp. Robins tend to
nest low. The fledglings leave the nest before they are fully
capable of flight. Their parents continue to feed them. The
fledglings make lots of noise to tell their parents they are hungry.
They look and sound like they are suffering, but they are OK. Leave
them alone. They don't need to return to a nest. You may have a nest
on your porch; try not to disturb it. Woodpeckers nest in poles or
trees. You may hear peeping coming from a tree. Watch to see the
parents enter with food. Please do not disturb them.
Bears:
California Black Bears call this area
their home. They travel looking for food and may pass through Camp.
If they find nothing interesting, the will leave. We want them to
leave. Do not approach them or throw things at them. Do not feed
them. Do not leave food and garbage available to them -- use the
Green Bear-Proof Garbage Cans. Keep your porches, tent sites, and
picnic tables clear of edibles. Please read the Bear Poster at the
Office for more information. It is very important that everyone
cooperate in our efforts to protect these animals.
Gray Squirrels and Ground Squirrels:
Please do not feed them.
Little Brown Bats:
Look up at twilight and you will see them
darting around catching mosquitoes. Go Bats!!! After dark you will
hear them make a high pitched ticking noise -- echolocation to find
their dinner.
Do not touch a bat you see in the daytime
or lying on the ground - it may bite and they can carry rabies.
Please alert the Office if you see one, so we can keep everyone safe
from it.
Trees:
Please do not put nails into trees to hand
anything. They wound the tree and allow beetles to enter through the
bark resulting in the eventual death of the tree. Do not carve your
name in them.
Flowers:
Please do not pick flowers. Enjoy them
where they are.
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Lifeguards:
The lifeguards are in charge in all
matters relating to the lake and pool area, the edges of the lake
and the lawn area near it. They are equipped with rescue equipment,
a bullhorn, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a walkie-talkie. Please
follow their directions. Please seek their help if needed. They
are trained in First Aid and CPR.
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Lake:
Water Safety Swim Test:
Everyone wishing to enter the lake will be tested by the lifeguards
and issued a wristband upon passing the test.
Swim Test for 16 years of age and above:
Registered Guests and Visitors aged 16 and above will be
tested in the Lake.
The test is a Freestyle swim to the floating dock and back
and then tread water for one minute.
Swim Test for 15 years of age and under:
Those aged 15 and under will be tested in the pool.
The test is a Freestyle swim two lengths of the pool and
tread water for one minute.
The lifeguards are testing to make sure the
people entering the deep dark water of the lake will be safe.
Their evaluation of each person's ability is not debatable. The
focus of their job is "safety through prevention".
Do not enter the Lake when a
Lifeguard is not present:
Lifeguard Hours will be posted at the Office, Dining Hall and at the
Lifeguard Stand. They are subject to change due to staffing and/or
the weather conditions.
Kiddy Lagoon:
The lagoon is for the enjoyment of young people. Parents must watch
their children at all times. Do not leave your child unattended. The
lifeguards are focused on the lake and have their backs to the
lagoon. Children in diapers must wear swim diapers in the lagoon.
Pool:
Swim Test:
The swim test schedule will be posted at the pool and the Office.
There must be 2 lifeguards on duty during testing. The swim test
wristband allows swimmers to enter the deep end of the pool and the
lake.
Open Hours:
The pool hours are posted at the pool and the Office. The hours are
subject to change due to staffing and/or the weather conditions.
Waterproof Diapers:
Please bring waterproof swim diapers with you to camp. Children in
diapers must wear swim diapers in the pool.
Other Water Areas:
The water area that start behind the pool
and continues around to the main lake is off limits to swimmers and
waders as well as frog and tadpole hunters. A lifeguard is not
constantly watching these areas and they are a protected ecological
habitat.
Water Gun Play, water balloons, etc. :
Please play in an area not being used by
other people. Do not disturb people who are not playing with you.
For safety reasons, the dock area of the lake and the pool area are
free from this activity. If your play results in a mess, please
clean up after yourselves.
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Camp Mather Water Area Rules
Water Area Rules:
Camp Mather Water
Area Rules are posted at the Office, at the Pool and at the
Lifeguard Stand. These rules are for your safety.
Pool Rules:
No Diving, Jumping, Running, or Dunking.
Do not throw hard objects.
No roughhousing in the pool or anywhere near the pool.
Infants and Children who are not potty trained must wear leak proof
swimwear.
No food, alcohol, or glass containers allowed in the pool area. No
smoking.
Swim tests will be given by the lifeguard for everyone aged 15 and
under. See schedule.
Children who have not passed the swim test may not swim in the deep
end.
Keep rafts right side up, remain in the sight of the lifeguards at
all times.
Rafts are not allowed during crowded times as determined by the
lifeguards.
Lake Rules:
Everyone admitted into the lake must be wearing a swim test band.
People aged 15 and under must take the swim test in the pool.
People aged 16 and over, including adults, must take the swim test
in the lake.(see Water Safety Swim Test).
People who have not passed the swim test must wear a lifejacket to
enter the lake and must be with an adult who has passed the test.
Each adult may take 2 lifejacket wearing children into the lake with
them and the children must remain within arms length.
One person on the diving board at a time.
No back dives.
Swimming is only allowed in the central area of the lake. Please
stay away from the edges. Do not swim out of view of lifeguard.
No fishing in the lake.
Pollywogging is permitted near the lifeguard stand in complete view
of the lifeguard. Please catch and release gently. Do not keep them
in a bucket for more than 5 minutes.
Keep rafts and rubber boats right side up. Hard-bottomed boats are
not allowed.
No swimming under the sunbathing raft. No roughhousing on or around
the raft.
Lagoon Rules:
The lagoon is for the enjoyment of non-swimmers. Parents must watch
their children at all times. The lifeguard is mainly focused on the
lake. Do not take your eyes off of your children. The lifeguard is
in charge of the area and will resolved any issues brought to their
attention. Please listen and follow their directions.
Do not go beyond the roped off area.
Infants and Children who are not potty trained must wear leak proof
swimwear...
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The Friends of Camp Mather General Store
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards and personal checks are accepted for payment. ID may be requested.
- Phone cards for the 3 Camp Mather pay phones are available at the FoCM General Store.
Evergreen Lodge
The Evergreen Lodge, a local restaurant, is located about 1/2 mile
outside camp for visitors wishing to dine on their own.
Hiking
If you plan to hike, wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes suitable for the
rough, rocky terrain. Bring your own drinking water, as drinking from
unchlorinated sources in California rivers, streams and lakes can cause
an intestinal upset (giardiasis). The water from the faucets in the camp
is perfectly safe.
First Aid Station
In past years in the Tuolumne Area, some campers have encountered
problems with acute gastroenteritis. Not everyone "catches" it, but for
those who do, it can be an unpleasant though brief experience. These
"Tuolumne Trots" are probably caused by a virus and can affect either a
few or many persons in the camp. Be sure to observe good personal
hygiene practices and thoroughly wash your and your children's hands
after using the bathroom. This viral diarrhea usually lasts only a day
or two and there are -no after-effects.
A first aid station is located 300 yards west of the office where
medical professionals can treat minor afflictions. For more serious
injuries or illnesses, there is an ambulance service at Groveland and
hospitals at both Yosemite (28 miles) and Sonora (50 miles). The camp
also has the resources to summon helicopters for urgent medical need.
Bears...
Because of the camp's location in the mountains, an occasional bear
might come to scavenge at Mather. We ask that campers be particularly
careful with food stuffs around cabins. Specifically, do NOT leave food
or ice chests on cabin porches. This provides an easy meal and
encourages these potentially dangerous animals to return. Lock all
edibles in a container such as an ice chest inside your cabin.
For More Information Please Contact the Camp Mather Office at
(415) 831-2715 or (209) 379-2284.
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Disability Questions
