Camp Concord a community-minded place for fun in the sun
CONCORD, CA (May 19, 2022) — Located 175 miles northeast of Concord, a one-of-a-kind place nestled high in the Sierra bears our name and has been a memorable summer destination for Concord youth and families for more than 54 years.
Camp Concord, a resident camp owned by the city of Concord, sits on 29 acres of U.S. Forest Service land between Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. It is the legacy of more than 40 local civic groups, private businesses, schools and individuals who worked together to create a unique destination experience for Concord residents.
With 29 cabins, a dining hall, playfield, amphitheater and other recreation amenities, Camp Concord is ideal for unplugging, soaking up nature and making new friends. Activities include archery, canoeing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and arts and crafts.
Concord youth and families have been enjoying this vacation spot for generations. Camp Concord also hosts youth campers from community-based organizations, including Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s CARES after-school program, the Family Justice Center, First Tee of Contra Costa and Future Leaders of America. These organizations send groups of up to 135 kids ages 9-17 for a week of fun and learning through enrichment activities.
Different backgrounds
Some of these children are economically disadvantaged and may never have had the opportunity to travel outside of the city. Even though these kids come from different backgrounds, a mutual goal is for each young person to feel welcome. We have introduced a new inclusion policy calling for all youth camps at Camp Concord to support diversity, equity and inclusion.
These youth camp weeks are made possible through a unique partnership with the Friends of Camp Concord (FOCC), a nonprofit organization established in 1983. FOCC supports “campership” scholarships for underprivileged children and families. Funds also go toward direct improvements to the facility. Thanks to this valuable partnership, we expect to serve more than 600 youth at our camp this summer.
Camp Concord has also become a popular destination for three summer sessions for those “50 & Better.” Although registration fills up quickly, we still have the week of Aug. 29-Sept. 2 available for those age 50+. Sign up at www.concordreg.org.
Every year, the Friends of Camp Concord host a fundraising golf tournament. This year’s event will be Monday, Oct. 3, at Crow Canyon Country Club. FOCC is also a beneficiary of the annual “Rock the CASA” charity concert.
Valuable partnership
Over the past 10 years, city staff has also forged a valuable partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Domestic Inspections. We are grateful to this group of volunteers who come up to camp each spring to clean cabins, assist with repairs and get the camp ready for the season. Current and former campers also participate in preparing the facility each year.
Not many cities can say they have a beautiful summer camp facility in the mountains. Camp Concord is a special place. We call it the “happiest place on dirt.”
To learn how you or your organization can enjoy all Camp Concord offers, visit www.cityofconcord.org/campconcord.
Email questions and comments to the mayor at Dominic.Aliano@cityofconcord.org