Camp Elle FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Mt. Baker in the North Cascades, near Camp Elle
QUESTION:
What exactly is “Summer
Camp”?
ANSWER:
It’s a time to focus on nature, reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
No wifi, TV and only 3-4 chores the entire week. Breakfasts and dinners are
prepared for you; you make your own lunches. A typical day is breakfast at
7:30; go hiking with a group at 9:00; back in plenty of time for a shower and
“happy hour”; dinner at 6:30; sit around the campfire or read in your tent; and
asleep by 10:00. For more details, ask an Obsidian who has been before; there’s
a least one on every hike or snow trip.
Q:
Why is camp so late this year?
Isn't it usually in July or early August?
A:
Yes, in recent years,
camp has been held earlier. However, the weather forecasters predict a similar
snow year to last year; that is, the higher trails weren’t open until mid to
late August. To maximize our chances of relatively snow-free trails, the camp is
scheduled from August 18-25, 2012.
Q.
In past years, there has
been limited space for RVs and tent trailers. Is that the case this year?
A.
Indeed, there isn’t much space for vehicles in which people sleep. You may be
parking on the road. The maximum length is 23’.
Q.
What's the cost?
A.
The cost per session for adult Obsidian tenters, RVers and children over age 12
is $195 for 7 days of camping and food – what a bargain! That includes all fees
and taxes and three healthy, hearty, all-you- can-eat meals per day. The cost
for children ages 6-11 is $100. Children under 6 are free. The cost
for non-members is $225 for adults and $130 for children under 12.
Q: Why
do I have to complete the paper registration form as well as sign up
online?
A: The registration form has the Release of Liability (your
signature), plus it provides additional information like food preferences to the
Committee. And, it envelops your $35 deposit check! Note: this is the
first year we have online camp registration, so please be patient with us.
Q: I blew it and forgot to sign up for Summer Camp.
There’s quite a Waiting List. Should I still sign up online and hope that there
will be lots of cancellations?
Q: I forgot what the cancellation policy is. I paid
my initial deposit, but I’m still not sure if I can go to Camp.
- If you cancel August 1 or later, you will
forfeit the entire payment
Q: When exactly is the final payment for Camp due?