CYO Camp and Retreat Center

With programs rich in tradition, CYO Camp creates an enticing environment. Youth can explore the world around them, take time to reflect, open to spiritual growth, and develop powerful friendships that will last a lifetime. Summer days are filled with a large variety of activities including swimming, hiking, archery, tie-dye, gaga ball, sports, canoeing, and small group community building called Soul Food. Each day campers attend some activities with their cabin mates while other activities are self-selected to fit their individual interests. Every camper will experience an off-site excursion to either the Sonoma Coast or a local nature reserve.

This five-day program offers youth ages 6-11 in our local community the opportunity to take advantage of our beautiful 216 acre Occidental property. Campers have opportunities to try new things, make life-long friends, trust in their peers, and build relationships with amazing counselors. We are able to provide all of this through a diverse set of program activities, special theme days, and daily group reflections called “soul foods”. Your child can have a chance to grow emotionally and physically in a supportive community of peers and adult leaders. CYO Camp is the only resident and day camp program in West Sonoma County that is accredited by the American Camp Association.

We are committed to providing a complete experience for the entire family while discovering the connection between all living things. Our program encourages growth of values and skills in each individual camper, as well as building community through relationships at camp. The goal is to build bridges between diverse groups and foster a deeper connection to the natural environment, to self and to the Spirit of Love. One of the core concepts we work with is the idea of creating a “safe place”. CYO Camp is a setting that is physically safe and free from danger; is emotionally safe and free from the harm of racial and cultural intolerance; and spiritually safe, where everyone is free to explore their spirituality without fear of embarrassment or harassment.