News - Tuolumne Trails

Camp Tuolumne Trails News

October 2024

Onward & Upward — Summer may be over, however…

With a very successful and sold-out 2024 summer camp and family camp sessions, we are now actively developing our off-season activities.

Family Camp Programs

Building on our very successful summer and Family Camp sessions, we will be offering 4-6 weekend sessions during the fall, spring, and maybe even winter. Our family sessions are arguably the most impactful activity. Typically hosting 12 families, these sessions allow campers to experience CTT as a family unit. We tailor activities to serve the whole family. Fishing, gold panning and hayrides are always well received. It is extraordinarily difficult for our families to enjoy a traditional holiday outing. At CTT’s family camp, we remove every barrier that can make a family outing challenging. Most of these parents struggle to manage all of the challenges of raising a child with a disability. At Family Camp, we provide a bit of respite to their hectic schedule. Whether it be a short nap, a private moment to reflect, or a chance to socialize with other parents with similar challenges, a weekend at CTT is restorative.

Outdoor Education – No Kid Left Inside

CTT will continue to provide the opportunity to get elementary kids out of the classroom and into the woods for some lasting outdoor education. We already have several schools on the schedule and plan to engage several more over the next few months. CTT is a place filled with natural and historical wonders. With the recent enhancements to our team, we are well-positioned to make a huge difference in the development of these children. Unlike most facilities that provide outdoor education, CTT can serve the entire class, including those with disabilities.

Legacy Groups

We will welcome back all of our old friends who have been holding their retreats and conferences at CTT for years. It is not too early to plan your seasonal event at our beautiful, capable, and accommodating facility.

Stay tuned – CTT will be announcing some fun activities this fall.

Our Commitment Continues to be the Most-accommodating Camp in the U.S.

We continue our efforts to improve camp’s accessibility and create programs that will benefit campers with all levels of disabilities—a huge undertaking from a resource and financial standpoint. Please help us further our mission by donating to CTT today.

Incredibly, some locals still have no idea what Camp Tuolumne Trails is, our facility, our capabilities and our mission. We invite you to schedule a time to take a tour of camp, enjoy the beautiful views, and see the myriad activity areas such as Miner’s Camp, Archery, Ceramics Studio, Soccer Field, Fishing Pond, Volleyball, Swimming Pool, two Amphitheaters and the Great Hall. And, if you’d like to volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

September 2024

Another Inspiring Summer at Camp!

As we closed our summer camp season in mid-August with family camp sessions serving 13 families with children with a disability, we reflected on the tremendous campers we enjoyed (and learned from), the outstanding team of counselors and staff, led by Director of Camper Operations Jacqui Montero, who all worked seamlessly to make the magic happen. For most of our campers, this is the only time during the year that they leave their regular environment, interact with others like them and have the time of their lives as they experience all the joys of summer camp activities–swimming, archery, hay rides, ceramics, campfires, skits and dances, to name a few.

Concerts for a Cause – Next Up:

You won’t want to miss these super-talented musicians and their amazing music.

Sept 21: Vincent Ingala – a world renowned, 30-something phenom who plays sax, piano, keys, drum and sings. Vincent just released his 8th album.

Oct 12: The Boneshakers – featuring sultry vocalist Jenny Langer and extraordinary guitarist Randy Jacobs, along with their band.

Oct 26: Rebecca Jade & Jeff Ryan – Returning for her fourth season, Rebecca will be joined by acclaimed saxophonist Jeff Ryan, who returns for his second season. Jeff’s latest collaboration with Kim Scott is currently #8 on the charts.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors who help keep Concerts for a Cause gaining momentum: Mechanics Bank and MarVal (Groveland), Christopher Lawrence, and Dave Koz. All proceeds from the Concerts for a Cause benefit Tuolumne Trails’ summer camp programs, which supports CTT’s mission of creating inclusion and safe outdoor recreation for all, while providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation for people with disabilities, their families and caretakers. Tickets for Concerts for a Cause and dinners sell out very quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CTT’s website: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts.

Help Us Become the Most-accommodating Camp in the U.S.

CTT’s goal of becoming the most accommodating camp in the country for people with disabilities is very costly. We work year round to ensure that we improve camp’s accessibility and create programs that will benefit campers with all levels of disabilities—an never-ending and enormous undertaking. Please help us further our mission by donating to CTT today.

We invite you all to join the Camp Tuolumne Trails team! We are always happy to answer any questions or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility. If you’d like to participate in upcoming events, volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

August 2024

Camp is Alive with the Sound of Campers!

Summer campers are enjoying all the fun summer camp is supposed to be! Swimming, archery, ceramics, campfires, skits, dances, and so much more. CTT’s first of seven groups this summer was from United Cerebral Palsy clients in Modesto and Turlock, followed by a session serving adults with developmental disabilities. We need to remember that just because someone has a disability, doesn’t mean they are less smart, less talented, less fun or less engaging with others. For example, a group of youngsters (average age 12) came from as far north as Rocklin and as far south as Los Angeles, and they turned out to be quite the talented group, each in their own unique way. Some were good at dancing, some were good singers and some were good at arts & crafts. Our final group of the summer session will be a family camp serving 13 families with children with a disability. We thank our dedicated and tireless team of counselors, nurse, lifeguard and CTT staff, led by program director Jacqui Montero, who made another successful summer session possible for our very special campers.

Newly Expanded 2024 Concerts for a Cause

CTT will be hosting the remaining four (yes four!) concerts this summer. Purchase tickets now for the amazing lineup of extraordinary artists in August, September and October. You will not be able to experience this caliber of talent in a venue as intimate and special anywhere else.

Don’t miss these amazing concerts:

Aug 24: Adam Hawley – a chart-topping, uber-talented guitarist accompanied by his five-piece band and vocalist Cat Hawley. His latest single, “Unstoppable,” has been on the top 20 chart for 6 weeks.

Sept 21: Vincent Ingala – a world renowned, 30-something phenom who plays sax, piano, keys, drum and sings. Vincent just released his 8th album. Look for it to spawn even more chart-topping hits.

Oct 12: The Boneshakers – featuring sultry vocalist Jenny Langer and extraordinary guitarist Randy Jacobs, along with their band.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors, who help keep Concerts for a Cause moving forward and gaining momentum: Mechanics Bank and MarVal (Groveland), Christopher Lawrence, and Dave Koz. All proceeds from the Concerts for a Cause music series benefit Tuolumne Trails’ summer camp programs, which allows the organization to pursue its mission of creating inclusion and safe outdoor recreation for all and providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation for people with disabilities, their families and caretakers. Tickets for Concerts for a Cause and dinners sell out very quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CTT’s website: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts.

Consider Helping Our Mission

CTT’s goal of becoming the most accommodating camp in the country for people with disabilities does not come cheap, and isn’t just our focus during our summer camp sessions. It’s a year-round effort—the work doesn’t stop when summer campers are gone. We host off-season groups, continue work on improving camp accessibility, maintain the facility and grounds and plan programs and staff for the next sessions—an ever-evolving effort. Please help us further our mission by donating today.

CTT’s Maintenance Team is Growing

CTT welcomed John Kiraly and Joshua Relles to CTT’s maintenance team. John, who comes from rural Nevada, previously held positions in the military, law enforcement and other camp-related jobs. John enjoys his CTT co-workers, and his hobbies include herbalism and studying history, philosophy and anthropology. He loves all types of music, and considers himself a true “music man.”

A California native, Joshua comes to CTT from previous roles as a surf instructor and maintenance for various RV resorts. He’s interested in learning more about enabling campers. His hobbies include gold prospecting, playing music and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. According to Josh, “I’m an open book—ask me anything.”

July 2024

CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE KICKED OFF WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

CTT launched its 4th Annual Concerts for a Cause summer music series with a sold-out crowd of 120+ guests who listened to the amazing Beatles tribute band The Sun Kings. An unforgettable evening of classic Beatles songs, which became a big sing-a-long and dance-along for all us who remembered growing up with this iconic music. A big thank you to the 20+ volunteers who are helping to seamlessly keep things on schedule this concert season and to help make these concerts a success! The rest of this year’s lineup includes unbelievable talents. You will not be able to experience this talent level in a venue this intimate anywhere else.

Next up:

Aug 24: Adam Hawley – a chart-topping, brilliant guitarist accompanied by vocalist Cat Hawley and his five-piece band

Sept 21: Vincent Ingala – 31-year-old phenom who plays sax, piano, keys, drum and sings

Oct 12: The Boneshakers – featuring dynamo vocalist Jenny Langer and mind-blowing guitarist Randy Jacobs, along with their band

NEWLY ADDED FIFTH CONCERT:

Oct 26: Rebecca Jade & Jeff Ryan – Rebecca will return for her fourth season and Jeff will return for his second appearance. Rebecca was named BEATS Breakout Artist of the Year in 2022. She has been part of the annual Dave Koz jazz cruise since 2016 and is one of the four artists featured in the annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas tour. Jeff was Billboard’s 2020 Artist of the Year and named Billboard’s Song of the Year in 2020 and 2021. This duo is guaranteed to give you a night to remember.

All proceeds from the Concerts for a Cause music series will benefit Tuolumne Trails’ summer camp programs, which will allow the organization to pursue its mission of creating inclusion and safe recreation for all in the outdoors and providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation for people with disabilities, their families and caretakers. Tickets for Concerts for a Cause and dinners sell out quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CTT’s website: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts.

CTT’s First Annual Resource Fair

The day after The Sun Kings performance on May 31, CTT hosted its first Resource Fair and Open House on Saturday, June 1, with nearly 100 attendees. During this fun-filled afternoon, participants enjoyed all sorts of camp fun: archery, craft projects, face-painting, fishing, and were provided valuable information about available resources for people with disabilities. Additionally, CTT staff answered questions for first-time campers and took guests on tours of the facilities and various activities featured around the 80-acre compound. The day ended with a free encore concert by The Sun Kings in CTT’s outdoor amphitheater for the families with children with disabilities who attended the Resource Fair.

Summer Camp is in Full Swing!

Camp is sold out again for this 2024 season! We started our intensive training for this season’s staff on June 17. Our 2024 staff will go through the most intensive training in the business—professional training on everything from wilderness first aid to personal care and behavioral de-escalation techniques. Camp will welcome its first group of campers on June 29, with campers ranging in ages from 8 to 77. The first group will be in partnership with United Cerebral Palsy from Modesto and Turlock. Many of these campers require 1:1 support. Although most campers typically come from Tuolumne, Calaveras and Stanislaus counties, CTT has one camper from as far away as New York, proving that CTT has become the most accommodating camp for people with disabilities in the U.S.

We are very excited about expanding our family camp session this year. We will serve 40% more families than we did in 2023. This is an opportunity for the entire family unit to experience the magic of CTT. The networking between parents during these sessions will generate benefits long after they return home.

We need your help

We provide a life-changing experience for our campers and those who support them. Our goal of becoming the most accommodating space on the planet does not come cheap. Nothing truly important does. Every year, we find a way to support campers that we had to turn away last year. We do so with improved facilities, programs and staff. Please consider joining our team by donating today.

Spring Volunteer Day

Thanks to the more than 20+ community volunteers who worked at camp on April 27 and made tremendous progress in getting camp ready for our summer campers and summer concerts. Volunteers cleared the Miner’s Camp of weeds, cleared trails for summer hayrides and cleaned up the Memorial Garden. Some volunteers’ children also came out to help groom camp’s critters—mini horse Dandy and mini donkey Jenny, and cleaned the paddock. As always, CTT truly appreciates the generosity of all our community volunteers who make a huge difference in getting camp ready each summer.

We invite you all to join the Camp Tuolumne Trails team! We are always happy to answer any questions or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility. If you’d like to participate in upcoming events, volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

June 2024

CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE KICKED OFF WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

CTT launched its 4th Annual Concerts for a Cause summer music series with the amazing Beatles tribute band The Sun Kings. An unforgettable evening of classic Beatles songs, superbly executed, which became a big sing-a-long for all those wonderful lyrics many of us grew up with. Next up on August 24 is the super-talented Adam Hawley, a brilliant guitarist and vocalist who has achieved 15 #1 Billboard hits as an artist and producer. Tickets for CTT’s concerts and dinners sell out quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CTT’s website: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts

CTT’s First Annual Resource Fair

The day after The Sun Kings performance on May 31, CTT hosted its first Resource Fair and Open House on Saturday, June 1. During this fun-filled afternoon, Camp took on a carnival atmosphere. Participants enjoyed all sorts of camp fun: archery, craft projects, face-painting, fishing, hayrides and more. Attendees were provided valuable information about available resources for people with disabilities. Additionally, CTT staff answered questions for first-time campers and provided tours of the facilities and various activities featured around the 80-acre compound.

Spring Volunteer Day

Thanks to the more than 21 community volunteers who worked at camp on April 27 and made tremendous progress in getting camp ready for our summer campers and summer concerts. Volunteers cleared the Miner’s Camp of weeds, cleared trails for summer hayrides and cleaned up the Memorial Garden. Some volunteers’ children also came out to help groom camp’s critters—mini horse Dandy and mini donkey Jenny, and cleaned the paddock. As always, CTT truly appreciates the generosity of all our community volunteers who make a huge difference in getting camp ready each summer.

CTT’s Launches New Ambassador Committee

Last month, CTT launched its new Ambassador Committee to further its effort to be the most accommodating camp nationwide for individuals with disabilities. This unique team of volunteers will attend selected camp activities to experience camp in action, and to become familiar with our campers, counselors and camp leadership. The objective is for this team to gain a deeper understanding about camp, to deepen CTT’s connection with its existing supporters, and to extend CTT’s outreach to those who have yet to join us. If you have the time and passion to help us reach that goal and to learn more about this vital ambassador role, email Jerry@tuolumnetrails.org

We invite you all to join the Camp Tuolumne Trails team! We are always happy to answer any questions or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility. If you’d like to participate in upcoming events, volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

May 2024

Here Comes the Sun…and Summer Camp!

As we head toward summer, we have been busy preparing for Summer Camp 2024, which runs mid-June through mid-August. Jacqui is planning summer programs, recruiting summer counselors and nursing staff, and the maintenance crew is getting the grounds spruced up after the winter storms. If you are interested in volunteering some time this summer to help in myriad ways, please contact Jacqui at (209) 962-7534.

4th Annual Concerts for a Cause Line-up

This summer’s Concerts for a Cause will be like no other. We have arranged for some top-level talent to hit the CTT amphitheater stage this summer, and it’s not all about jazz. Most of these performers have had #1 hits on Billboard.

The Sun Kings (Beatles tribute band) is appearing first on May 31. If you missed Drew Harrison and Scott Southard at our first Cabarets for a Cause, you won’t want to miss the entire band doing The Beatles like no one else can.

Next up this summer are:

Aug 24 – Adam Hawley and band (Guitar, Vocals)

Sept 21 – Vincent Ingala and band (Saxophone, Drums, Piano, Guitar, Vocals)

Oct 12 – The Boneshakers (Blues/Rock/Funk)

Tickets for CTT concerts sell out quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CTT’s website: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-the-cause-2024/

All proceeds from the Concerts for a Cause music series will benefit Tuolumne Trail’s summer programs, allowing us to continue our mission of helping those with disabilities and those who support them by providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education, and recreation.

June 1st Resource Fair

The day after The Sun Kings perform at Concerts for a Cause on May 31, CTT will host its first Resource Fair on Saturday, June 1, from 12:00-6:00 p.m. This will be a first for Tuolumne County. Many organizations that are chartered to support those with disabilities from all over the county and beyond will be present. Families with young children,adults and seniors with disabilities are invited to connect with local organizations that provide services and support. Some fun activities to look forward to include: arts and crafts, face painting, karaoke, a petting zoo, food trucks and music. In conjunction with the Fair, CTT will host an Open House where families who are considering sending their child to CTT’s summer camp will get a tour of camp’s facility and learn more about how CTT can accommodate their child’s specific needs. Families of all abilities are welcome. This is an opportunity for everyone to get an up-close and complete picture of what CTT offers, and to experience firsthand the magic that is Camp Tuolumne Trails. This fun-filled day will end with some really great music in CTT’s famous amphitheater.

CTT’s New Ambassador Committee

It can be challenging to explain the impact we have on our campers and their families. Only through first-hand experience can one appreciate what happens daily at CTT. We are seeking a few “ambassadors” who can spend time more closely with our campers, caregivers, staff and leadership. As a CTT ambassador, you will become keenly aware of what being CTT does to be the most accommodating camp in the state. Seeing camp through the eyes of our campers, caregivers and counselors can be truly inspiring. Our objective with this committee is to expand support of CTT and continue to change and enlighten the lives of our campers and their families. CTT strives to be the most accommodating camp for individuals with disabilities nationwide. If you have the time and passion to help us reach that goal and to learn more about this vital ambassador role, email Jerry@tuolumnetrails.org.

April 2024

Cabaret for a Cause — Step Back in Time

Join us on Saturday, April 6, at CTT for the final performance of Cabarets for a Cause winter music series. This special evening will feature “Wartime Radio Revue”— an L.A.-based group that plays tribute to the Andrew Sisters and music from the 1940s and WWII era that will take you back in time. This evening will be a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dance lessons will be offered prior to the performance. Step back in time, immerse yourself in the 1940s and wear attire from that era.

Profits from these events provide camperships to CTT’s disabled campers who otherwise might not be able to afford to attend camp—bridging the gap between the actual cost to run our summer programs and the fee that CTT’s campers with disabilities pay. It also furthers CTT’s mission to be one of the most accommodating camps in the country—an ongoing and expensive undertaking. Check CTT’s website https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/ or the QR code below to learn more about the four-course menu and ticket info.

Volunteer Day at Camp

Join us on Saturday, April 13, at for CTT’s Spring Volunteer Day. Please join us for a morning to help CTT prepare for its summer season. Some of the chores that we need help with are trail clearing, cabin staining, vegetable garden and wall mural preparation.

CTT’s New Resource Fair

The day after the first Concerts for a Cause on May 31, CTT will be hosting its first Resource Fair on Saturday, June 1, from 12:00-6:00 p.m. Families with young children and adults with disabilities as well as seniors are invited to connect with local organizations that provide services and support. Some fun activities to look forward to include: arts and crafts, face painting, karaoke, a petting zoo, food trucks and music. In conjunction with the Fair, CTT will host an Open House where families who are considering sending their child to CTT’s summer camp will get a tour of camp’s facility and learn more about how CTT can accommodate their child’s needs. Families of all abilities are welcome. This is an opportunity for everyone to get an up-close and complete picture about what CTT offers and to experience first hand the magic that is Camp Tuolumne Trails. This fun-filled day will end with some really great music in CTT’s famous amphitheater.

4th Annual Concerts for a Cause Line-up

CTT is beyond excited about the lineup for this summer’s Concerts for a Cause. Having snagged some performers that we’ve been working on for a couple years, really ups the level of performers this year. Cumulatively, our headliners and their bands (not all jazz performers) have garnered 24 #1 hits on Billboard and released 18 albums–four of which went to the top of the charts, including the Jazz Artist and Breakout Artist of 2024.

May 31 – The Sun Kings – (Beatles tribute band)

Aug 24 – Adam Hawley and band (Guitar, Vocals)

Sept 21 – Vincent Ingala and band (Saxophone, Drums, Piano, Guitar, Vocals)

Oct 12 – The Boneshakers (Blues/Rock/Funk)

For more information is available on CTT’s website: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-the-cause-2024/

CTT’s New Ambassador Committee

Each month, CTT invites all of you to get involved and tour the beautiful 80-acre grounds, including the Great Hall and 150-seat amphitheater. However, to truly understand what makes Tuolumne Trails so special, one needs to experience camp on a much more personal level, listen to the stories, see the smiles, and hear the laughter.

While it is impractical to provide first-hand experiences for all of you, we are looking for a handful of ‘ambassadors” who can spend more time directly with our campers, caregivers, staff, and leadership. As a CTT ambassador, you will become intimately aware of what being the most accommodating camp in the state really means. Seeing camp through the eyes of our campers, caregivers, and counselors can be truly inspirational. Sharing that insight will broaden our support and ensure that we are able to continue to change the lives of all those that we touch. CTT strives to be the most accommodating camp for individuals with disabilities in the nation. If you have the time and passion to help us reach that goal, email Jerry@tuolumnetrails.org to learn more about this vital role.

We invite all of you to become part of the Camp Tuolumne Trails team! We are always happy to answer any questions or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility. If you’d like to participate in upcoming events, volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

March 2024

New Cabarets for a Cause Continues its Roll in March

CTT kicked off its Cabarets for a Cause winter dinner/shows with a resounding success with the Spirit of Lennon show. If you missed this amazing performance, Drew Harrison and Scott Southard and the entire Sun Kings band are returning on May 31 to kick off CTT’s Concerts for a Cause Summer Music Series (more details to follow). Don’t wait too long to purchase tickets for the two remaining Cabarets for a Cause dinner shows. The first event sold out within two weeks.

On Friday, March 15, CTT is excited to welcome back country/folk singer/songwriter Rebecca Correia, who performed with Javier Colon last summer. Rebecca has written more than 250 songs, beginning at age nine. She plays the guitar, piano and mandolin, and tours around the world.

Saturday, April 6 will feature “Wartime Radio Revue,” a nostalgic and memorable tribute to The Andrew Sisters and music from the 1940s. (Many of you will remember Billye Johnstone from Renaissance as one of the three singers). As we know this show will be very popular and the genre really needs a dance floor, this show will be presented as a cocktail party complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres and special period-appropriate drink options. If you want to immerse yourself in the 1940s, we invite you to wear attire from that era.

These dinner/shows are presented in an intimate setting in the Great Hall at Tuolumne Trails and include a four-course gourmet meal. Profits for these events go toward providing camperships to CTT’s disabled campers who otherwise might not be able to afford attending camp—bridging the gap between the actual cost to run our summer programs and the fee that CTT’s campers with disabilities pay. It also furthers CTT’s mission to be one of the most accommodating camps in the country—an ongoing and expensive undertaking. Check CTT’s website https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/ or the QR code below to learn more about the four-course menu and ticket info.

CTT’s New Ambassador Committee

Each month, CTT invites you to get involved in CTT, come out to tour the beautiful 80-acre grounds, including the Great Hall and 150-seat amphitheater, etc. Now, we are sincerely asking community members who would like to volunteer their time. You will learn more in-depth information about what CTT does and how it impacts a very special community of its own—disabled campers. We are seeking individuals who want to learn more, get more involved with actual camp activities and to spread the word to others about the outstanding work that CTT is doing for some very deserving disabled campers and their tireless and dedicated caregivers. CTT is undeniably one of the most, if not the most, accommodating camp for disabled campers in the entire nation. Call (209) 962-7534 if you’d like to become an “Ambassador.”

February 2024

Remember Seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan?

Help us celebrate the 60th anniversary (Feb 9, 1964) when the Beatles first appeared in the U.S. on the Ed Sullivan Show. Join us at camp on Friday, February 9 to kick off CTT’s inaugural Cabarets for a Cause dinner show series. Drew Harrison and Scott Southard will share their passion for the music of The Beatles in this “Spirit of Lennon” show and the genius of John & Paul’s singing and writing partnership. As one of America’s most critically acclaimed Beatles tribute groups, these top-notch singer/songwriters will provide an incredible evening performing your favorite Beatles tunes, complete with the backstory about how these iconic songs originated.

Presented in an intimate setting in the Great Hall at Tuolumne Trails and accompanied by a four-course gourmet meal, this will be an evening to remember. Check CTT’s website https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/ or the QR code below to learn more about the four-course menu and ticket info.

And check CTT’s website for more details about upcoming Cabarets for a Cause dinner shows. Country/folk singer/songwriter Rebecca Correia joins us in March, and a fun and memorable tribute to the Andrew Sisters (remember “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy?”), featuring is the entertainment for the April dinner show: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. These dinner shows help bring our community together for memorable evenings of outstanding entertainment and delicious dinners. Profits from these events help bridge the gap between the actual cost to run our summer programs and the fee that CTT’s campers with disabilities pay. It furthers CTT’s mission to be one of the most accommodating camps in the country—an ongoing and expensive undertaking.

The new Cabarets for a Cause series is a precursor to the 4th Annual Concerts for a Cause summer music series, which kicks off May 31. CTT will soon be announcing another amazing lineup of new artists for this summer’s music series.

January 2024

We’re Not Hibernating This Winter

As we head into 2024, CTT is hard at work getting ready for the summer season and everything else in between. Programs Director Jacqui is already booking campers for the summer sessions, Family Camp and partnering organizations, and the maintenance crew is working hard to do the necessary maintenance around camp to keep things running smoothly. We are keenly focused to ensure CTT provides fun-filled, action-packed and memorable summer programs for our campers with disabilities.

New Year, New Event

As mentioned in last month’s article, CTT is launching a new “Cabaret for a Cause” gourmet dinner series this winter. Drew Harrison, who performs around the country with his “Spirit of Lennon” show —an intimate acoustic tribute to the life and music of John Lennon. Drew will kick off the Cabaret series on Friday, February 9. Coincidentally, February 9 is exactly 60 years ago, to the day, when the Beatles first appeared in the U.S. on the Ed Sullivan Show. This show will sell out quickly. Check our website for tickets. It’s going to be a fun evening and guaranteed that Drew will deliver a night to remember!

Farewell and Thank You Linda Hunter

At the end of January, long-time office manager at Camp, Linda Hunter, has decided to head south to the warmer climate of Palm Desert and really retire this time. She’s been a loyal and dedicated employee for the past 15 years, and we are forever thankful for all that she has done for camp, beyond crunching numbers. We will miss you Linda! We invite you to become part of the team! We are always happy to answer any questions or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility.

December 2023

It’s All About Community

As we close out CTT’s 15th year, we want to thank EVERYONE who supported camp throughout this past year—whether it was helping at Volunteer Work Days, attending or volunteering at CTT’s Concerts for a Cause or Dinners on the Deck, we hope we can count on your continued support in the coming year and for years to come. It truly takes a community. With your help, we continue on our path to become the most accommodating camp in the country.

We are also thankful for camp’s core team–who often work behind-the-scenes to keep camp operating seamlessly and smoothly. Special thanks to CTT’s longest-employed Office Manager Linda Hunter; dedicated CTT’s Programs Manager Jacqui Montero; maintenance crew Ed Reames, Ted Reedy and Greg Jones; and chef Rob Bannwarth and assistant chef Rosetta Bannwarth. They work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that camp is always running at 100%.

Looking Forward to 2024

As we look ahead to 2024—we are planning, planning, planning. Everything from fun-filled and action-packed summer programs for our campers with disabilities, to amped-up Concerts for a Cause summer music series next summer, as well as a new Cabaret for a Cause series of winter-time gourmet dinners with top-notch talent as entertainment. Stay tuned for more details in January.

You Can Make a Big Difference

Please help CTT continue its mission. We hope we can count on you to continue supporting camp either by monetary donations, legacy giving or by volunteering your time at camp. Our camper fees support 53% of the cost of operations, the balance is covered by the generosity of our donors. Camp Tuolumne Trails is a unique place that fills such a huge demand for our campers with disabilities, as well as provides a small slice of entertainment and dining events for the community. https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

November 2023

Do You Realize…

…what your continued support means to Camp Tuolumne Trails?

Paula and I are so thankful for the support of this community. We truly believe that CTT could not have happened anywhere else. Over the years, your support has made all the difference in making our camp for youth and adults with disabilities what it is today.

This is the time of year when we take a hard look at our funding and decide which programs can be continued, which new programs we can offer and which will, unfortunately, need to wait. Knowing how much staff we can afford determines how many campers with profound disabilities we can accept and how many we will have to turn away each year.

This past summer, CTT:

Hosted 185 campers—more than ever before.
Hosted 12 families (with a child with a disability) who participated in Family Camp.
Welcomed new campers with disabilities, who could not have attended prior to this year due to our previous lack of necessary accommodating equipment and trained staff.
Installed a sophisticated and expensive ceiling-lift system in the infirmary and bathhouses (thanks to a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation), which allowed us to host new campers with very profound disabilities.
Added an LVN to assist the staff RN to better manage the complex care of those who needed more extensive medical care.
Hired dedicated program leads for performing arts, crafts and sports, dramatically increasing the engagement of our campers in all of our programs.

CTT campers pay for less than 50% of the cost for us to operate our programs; the rest is up to the generosity of people like you. Every year, our ability to just maintain the caliber of programs is on the table. Of course, we will never be satisfied with the status quo. We know how to do so much more. We know how to truly become the most accommodating camp on the planet for our campers with disabilities. We have the inclination, the skills and the ideas. We just need the funding. We hope we can count on you to continue supporting camp either from monetary donations, legacy giving or by volunteering your time at camp. There really is no other place like Camp Tuolumne Trails, which fills such a huge demand for disabled communities! https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Again, we sincerely appreciate your support,

Jerry & Paula Baker

Celebrating the Holidays at Camp

The holidays are here and CTT is happy to be welcoming several local community organizations to camp for their annual holiday gathering. These include the PML Aviation Association, PML Residents’ Club, Friends of the Groveland Library, Garden Club and ROOFBBs. If your organization would like to hold its holiday celebration in CTT’s Great Hall, please call (209) 962-7534.

If you would like to get more involved in camp, we’d be glad to answer any questions you have or give you a tour of the 80-acre facility. And if you’d like to participate in upcoming events, volunteer at camp or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and on Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

October 2023

What a Summer We Had…

For the first time in its 15-year history, CTT completely filled its camp sessions with 247 campers, and what a summer it was! Grateful campers, who for many, was the very first time they spent a summer session at CTT. They so enjoyed all the activities open to them to experience. An amazing staff—although with a few hiccups along the way—provided a memorable summer camp experience for our disabled campers. It also proved to be one of our most expensive summers yet! Power outages required us to rent large generators to keep our campers safe and comfortable. For many disabled campers, they rely on power to run the machines that help them maintain health stability. The elevator at camp is a necessity for many of our campers. We found it necessary to operate our back-up generator, even when PG&E was supplying basic power, as the quality was insufficient to provide reliable access to the elevator.

Our Family Camp sessions, which started immediately after regular camp sessions ended mid-August, were very enlightening. These families, who have a disabled child (or adult) as well as other children, come to enjoy the various activities camp offers and accessible to all. Our staff provided these parents respite throughout their stay. Unimaginable, but for the majority of these families, this is the FIRST time EVER that they have been able to take a break from their daily caretaking roles.

Fall Volunteer Day

It’s that time of year again. We’ll be hosting a Fall Volunteer Day on Saturday, October 7 to help prep camp for the coming winter. We appreciate our community members who spend their Saturday helping with various chores around camp, and making a significant impact on the endless things that need to be tended to around the grounds. Please let us know if you can work one or both of the two work sessions—either 8:00-12:00 or 12:00-4:00 by calling: (209) 962-7534 or email: info@tuolumnetrails.org. Lunch will be served between the first and second work sessions.

Dinner on the Deck Returns

Save the date, Wed, October 11 for the return of CTT’s popular Dinner on the Deck. Please check the website for menu, time and to reserve your seats. Tickets go fast! https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/current-events/

Thanks to Our Supportive Community

Thank you to our community members who attended our Concerts for a Cause Summer Music Series. We raised the bar this summer with the level of talent, and are already in the planning stages for an even more spectacular music series next summer. All proceeds from this year’s concerts are benefiting CTT’s creative arts program, Arts Accessible for All. These funds have helped expand the artistic options for our campers to express themselves through music, as well as create and make mementos from the crafts and ceramics they can take home with them.

We’re still looking for volunteers to help around camp when they have spare time. If you have a little extra time on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, we would greatly appreciate your commitment to help us. Call the office (209) 962-7534 or email us at volunteer@tuolumnetrails.org to schedule the days/times you can commit to helping at camp.

September 2023

It’s a Wrap…

Camp Tuolumne Trails just wrapped up its 15th season of providing summer camp to the disabled community, which for many of CTT’s campers, is the highlight of their year. Thanks to everyone who contributed their blood, sweat and tears to pull off another amazing summer camp for our disabled campers! We’re already in the planning stages for next summer.

Family Camp also happened in August. Family Camp provides a unique opportunity for an entire family unit to spend a weekend at camp. While the disabled camper enjoys all the fun activities around camp, the parents and siblings are provided some rare respite time for themselves, as well as mingling with other families.

Concerts for a Cause

There are only two concerts left for this summer’s music series. We hope you can join us to experience the phenomenal talent of Rebecca Jade on Sept 9 and Ilya Serov on Sept 30.

Rebecca Jade ~ September 9

Rebecca returns to CTT’s stage for her third time. She has toured with Dave Koz, Sheila E and was back-up singer for Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards. Her career has skyrocketed in the past two years, and last year released her newest album, “Shade of Jade.” Be ready for an unforgettable evening when Rebecca.

Ilya Serov ~ September 30

Ilya returns with his cool, smooth crooner-style singing and playing his unique self-designed, one-of-a-kind “jazzohorn.” Ilya has been touring around the U.S. and playing with some big names such as David Benoit, Eric Marienthal, and Dave Koz, who stated, “Ilya really is a talented trumpeter and a great singer. This guy has got the goods. Ilya Serov—remember that name.” Joining Ilya on CTT’s stage will be Walnut Creek native, contemporary jazz sax player Jeff Ryan. This duo will be sure to provide an extraordinary evening of music.

For tickets and dinner reservations, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/.

A reminder that all proceeds from this year’s concerts benefit Tuolumne Trails’ creative arts program, Arts Accessible for All. These funds have helped to expand the opportunities for our campers to express, create and make memories during their time at camp.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and on Instagram to stay updated on happenings at camp.

August 2023

Camp is in High Gear

We have had an amazing summer with campers coming in from all over the state. Our first campers were United Cerebral Palsy (Stanislaus County), who returned after a three-year Covid-induced hiatus. Although these campers are our most challenging group due to their extreme needs, our counselors stepped up to the task. Camp’s three new ceiling-mounted lift systems were heavily utilized and were a godsend. We have an amazing counselor and nursing staff this summer who take all the daily challenges in stride. We want to thank camp’s hero R.N.—Michael—who stepped up in a pinch to help check in campers when another nurse didn’t show up.

To quote the PML Lady Niners Golfers from last month’s PMLN article, “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.” We want to thank the Niners’ for their generosity and for living up to their quote. They made another sizable donation to CTT, following their annual “Wine in the Pines” invitational golf tournament in June.

Roughing it at CTT

Like so many of you we were hit hard by the PG&E outages in July. We try to be prepared for any situation but this one simply overwhelmed us. Not only were we out of power, but our backup generator also failed. Our ever resourceful team managed to cobble together a backup to the backup. Unfortunately, we were forced to choose between saving food and camper safety. Of course we chose our campers. Our kitchen staff was forced to move outdoors to cook all of our meals on a BBQ. We could only run roughly half of our air conditioners at one time, so we stayed up all night moving the power from cabin to cabin. Our nurses were left to tough it out.

In the end, we made an early morning sprint to rent a costly 36 KW trailer-mounted generator. Thousands of dollars and several sleepless nights later, we were back to meeting our goal of meeting every need of our campers. Just another very expensive bump in the road in our quest to become the most accommodating place on the planet for people with disabilities.

Rip-roaring Kick-off for Concerts for a Cause

If you missed our first concert in June, you won’t want to miss our next three concerts. Each will feature a returning headliner from last year, but all will be pumping up their performances by adding additional musicians to add another dimension to their music.

Javier Colon ~ August 19: Javier, Season 1 winner of The Voice, will be leaving a European tour with saxophonist Mindi Abaur one week early to hit the CTT’s stage with Grammy-nominated keyboardist and vocalist Matt Cusson and singer/songwriter Rebecca Correa. They will be performing in a round-robin style performance— guaranteed to be highly entertaining.

Rebecca Jade ~ September 9: Rebecca, returning for her third time, has toured with Sheila E and was a back-up singer for Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards. Her career has skyrocketed in the past two years, earning two San Diego Music Awards in 2022 for “Best Music Video” and “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Song.” and “Artist of the Year” in 2020. This year, be ready for an unforgettable evening when Rebecca will be accompanied on stage by super-talented keyboardist Carnell Harrell.

Ilya Serov ~ September 30: Ilya returns with his cool, smooth crooner-style singing and playing his unique self-designed, one-of-a-kind “jazzohorn.” Joining him on stage will be Walnut Creek-based, super-talented saxophone player Jeff Ryan. This duo will provide an extraordinary evening of music.

All proceeds from this year’s concerts benefit Tuolumne Trails’ creative arts program, Arts Accessible for All. These funds have helped to expand the opportunities for our campers to express, create and make memories during their time at camp. For tickets and dinner reservations, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/.

There is still lots of work to be done around camp this summer. If you have a little extra time to spare on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, we think it will be rewarding for you and definitely appreciated by us. Call the office (209) 962-7534 or email us at volunteer@tuolumnetrails.org to schedule the days/times you can commit to helping at camp.

July 2023

Summer Camp is Off and Running!

In early June, our team of camp counselors arrived at camp for several weeks of intensive training until we welcomed our first campers on June 26. During this time, our staff obtained an advanced wilderness first-aid certification, trained in personal camper care and learned the fine points about many of the disabilities affecting our campers–all of which help make CTT the most accommodating camp around.

We’re also excited to partner for the first time with Rivers of Recovery, an organization that serves veterans with PTSD, who enjoyed fly fishing trips and camaraderie while they were at camp. On June 19, CTT welcomed back the City of Sacramento’s Access Leisure group, which provides sports programs, residential camping and outdoor education, as well as social and fitness activities for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Their week at camp provided our staff with some real-world experience before our disabled groups arrived at camp. On June 26, we finally officially kicked off summer camp for our target disabled community, when United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Stanislaus County returned to camp. Campers will be visiting camp now through mid August. A big thank you to our enthusiastic and energetic staff who readily stepped in to ensure that our campers have the safest, most memorable and rewarding summer camp experience.

Rip-roaring Kick-off for Concerts for a Cause

On June 3, Renaissance kicked off our Concerts for a Cause summer music series with a bang! There was a lot of dancing in the aisles to the music we all love and remember from the 60s through today. If you missed this first concert, you won’t want to miss our next three concerts. Each will feature a returning headliner from last year, however, they will be pumping up their performance by each adding additional musicians to add another level of entertainment for you.

Javier Colon ~ August 19: Javier, the winner of The Voice on season 11, will be joined by Grammy-nominated keyboardist and vocalist Matt Cusson and singer/songwriter Rebecca Correa. They will be performing in a round-robin style performance— guaranteed to be highly entertaining.

Rebecca Jade ~ September 9: Rebecca has toured with Sheila E and was a back-up singer for Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards. Her career has skyrocketed in the past two years, earning two San Diego Music Awards in 2022 for “Best Music Video” and “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Song.” and “Artist of the Year” in 2020. Last year, she joined Javier on stage for a few songs and people wanted to hear more. This year, be ready for an unforgettable evening when Rebecca will be accompanied on stage by super-talented keyboardist Carnell Harrell.

Ilya Serov ~ September 30: Ilya returns, bringing his cool, smooth singing style, trumpet playing and his unique self-designed, one-of-a-kind “jazzohorn.” Joining him on stage will be Walnut Creek-based super-talented saxophone player Jeff Ryan. Jeff’s debut single, “Up and Up,” quickly shot to #1 on the Billboard chart. This duo is sure to provide an unforgettable and jaw-dropping performance.

Just a reminder that all proceeds from this year’s concerts will benefit camp’s creative arts programs, offering more opportunities for expression, creativity and meaningful experiences for our campers—ensuring Arts Accessible for All. For tickets and dinner reservations, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/.

Volunteers Still Needed!

We made tremendous progress in the first half of 2023 to repair and clean up from the damage caused by last winter’s storms, however, there’s still much to do around camp. We are still seeking community helpers to spend a few hours each week, or as your schedule allows, to make further progress on the clean up. Please let us know if you can spare a few hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and/or Saturdays by calling our office to schedule the days/times you can commit to helping. If you have any questions or would like to find out more information about Summer Camp programs, Concerts for a Cause, Family Camp, upcoming events, volunteering and options for giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email us at: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and on Instagram to see our mission in action.

June 2023

Ready for Summer Campers!

Thanks to our staff, volunteers and community members who helped make our camp ready to receive its first group of campers mid-June. This will be CTT’s most fully packed schedule of campers yet. However, there’s always much to do around camp, so don’t forget to sign up to volunteer when your schedule allows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Call the office (209) 962-7534 or email Ed at ed@tuolumnetrails.org to schedule the days/times you can commit to helping.

Summer Concerts Kick Off June 3

Kicking off our 3rd annual Concerts for a Cause will be Renaissance on June 3. All proceeds from this year’s concerts will benefit camp’s creative arts programs, offering more opportunities for expression, creativity and meaningful experiences for our campers—ensuring Arts Accessible for All.

If you attended last year’s concerts, you’ll be happy to know that these amazing musicians are returning and bringing more musicians along with them. This will prove to be our best concert series yet! Don’t miss:

Renaissance ~ June 3: Some new musicians join Renaissance to offer a new and fresh take on popular music through the decades.

Javier Colon ~ August 19: Javier returns and brings in two artists—Grammy-nominated Matt Cusson on keyboard and singer/songwriter Rebecca Correia—for a unique round-robin style performance.

Rebecca Jade ~ September 9: Rebecca joins us again and will be accompanied by super talented keyboardist Carnell Harrell.

Ilya Serov ~ September 30: Walnut Creek-based sax player Jeff Ryan joins Ilya on stage for an unforgettable and electrifying performance.

Visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/ for tickets, season tickets and dinner reservations.

In late April, Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) returned after a three-year Covid hiatus. CTT welcomed 15 veterans with PTSD and others with medical issues, along with their families, to train their service dogs. During regular training in San Martin, there is no socializing among veterans—training is strictly focused on the veteran and their dog. These veterans carry some of their horrendous experiences inside, long after they return home, yet their weekend at CTT provided them an opportunity to bond with other veterans with similar experiences. “For these veterans, the enemy resides on the inside, not on the outside,” as OFP Founder Mary Cortani stated. This group included many former Army soldiers who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, a former ranger who was a first responder for the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department, and a non-verbal and deaf 19 year-old woman with Cerebral Palsy, whose dog alerts her parents when she has seizures during the night. At CTT, there were dogs as small as a Boston Terrier and as big as a Great Pyrenees.

Mary founded OFP in 2010 after spending many years in the Army as one of its first female dog trainers. She now matches rescue dogs to her clients and then spends the next two years training the duo and performs life coaching as well. She has trained more than 500 dogs over the years. Mary should be commended for her steadfast and tireless commitment to helping her clients come out of their darkness. For more info about OFP, visit: https://operationfreedompaws.org/

May 2023

Spring Has Finally Sprung

Despite the harsh winter we all experienced, Camp Tuolumne Trails is looking forward to Spring, to Concerts for a Cause returning in June, and to a fun-filled summer full of activities and memories that our campers with disabilities will enjoy and treasure for a long time—until they return again next year.

We are still in clean-up mode around camp after winter’s storms wreaked havoc all around our 80 acres. Thanks to all who showed up for Volunteer Day on April 15, when for the first time, we had two shifts and more than 30 community members worked hard to help us ready camp for summer. Much progress was made in restoring camp to its pre-winter state—by clearing brush, downed limbs, repairing roads and trails, as well as the usual gardening, window washing, etc.

We’re continuing our expanded volunteer program and seeking volunteers who have extra time to spare on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We still need lots more assistance to get camp ready for what we expect to be a record-breaking summer for CTT. Call the office (209) 962-7534 or email Ed at ed@tuolumnetrails.org to arrange the days/times you can commit to helping at camp.

Summer Concerts are Confirmed!

All four concerts for our Third Annual Concerts for a Cause summer music series have been confirmed. All proceeds from this year’s concerts will benefit camp’s creative arts programs, offering more opportunities for expression, creativity and meaningful experiences for our campers.

You won’t want to miss this year’s line up! Some familiar names return, but with new artists accompanying them on stage. New twists to each of the concerts will prove to be another exciting and unforgettable summer of music at Tuolumne Trails.

Renaissance ~ June 3: Some new musicians join Renaissance to offer a new and fresh take on popular music through the decades.

Javier Colon ~ August 19: Javier returns and brings in two artists—Grammy-nominated Matt Cusson on keyboard and singer/songwriter Rebecca Correia—for a unique round-robin style performance.

Rebecca Jade ~ September 9: Rebecca joins us again and will be accompanied by super talented keyboardist Carnell Harrell.

Ilya Serov ~ September 30: Walnut Creek-based sax player Jeff Ryan joins Ilya on stage for an unforgettable and electrifying performance.

Visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/ for ticket, season ticket and dinner information.

April 2023

Challenging Times at Camp

Like everyone, we are looking forward to Spring and are ramping up for a good summer season ahead. Jacqui has been working hard to attain dedicated counselors, and we already have a significant number of registered campers. Despite this positive news, camp experienced unexpected and significant damage to the property. We lost dozens of trees, which need to be removed; the gravel on roads and paths were washed away and need fresh gravel; and some decking will need to be shored up or replaced. The heavy rains also delayed further construction of the new greenhouse and the ceramics studio, which are planned to be operational by June. On top of all this, the elevator in the Great Hall needs major maintenance and will cost more than $8K to repair. Although we will need to contract out some of these costly repairs, we are seeking local volunteers to help get our grounds cleaned up and fully and safely accessible again for when our campers return in June.

We also have several construction and repair projects to complete that we sure could use some help with. Weather permitting, we will be setting aside every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as potential volunteer opportunities. Please consider donating some of your time and skills to camp. We really need some help getting ready for what is sure to be a record-breaking summer for CTT. Call the office (209) 962-7534 or email Ed at ed@tuolumnetrails.org to arrange the days/times you can commit to helping at camp. It could be once or twice a week, once a month or whatever time you can offer. It all will be very much appreciated. While our hands-on volunteerism is crucial to camp, the impact of the storms will really strain our budget. Professional services and materials add up in a hurry. Your donations are crucial in supporting camp readiness for this summer.

Update on the Impact Quality of Life $38K grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation—the three chair-lift systems have been purchased and installed in camp’s infirmary and the two cabin bath houses. We’re excited for our staff to start using these when our summer campers arrive. Not only is this an immense safety improvement for existing campers and staff, it allows us to accommodate individuals who could not have experienced camp before. To the best of our knowledge, we are the only camp in the state that has systems like these installed. One more example of how we are becoming the most accommodating place in the state!

Volunteer Day

If it’s Spring, that means Volunteer Day at Camp must be in the works. For the first time, we have scheduled Saturday, April 15, as a full-day event. You can choose to work in the morning session and/or the afternoon session, with lunch served in between. This year, more than ever before, we need extra hands-on volunteers to help clean up after a harsh winter at camp, and to make CTT a fully accessible camp before our summer campers arrive in June. Please call (209) 963-5734 to sign up for either the morning session from 8:00-12:00 or the afternoon session from 12:30-4:30. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon for both groups.

Concerts for a Cause

We’re excited to announce that when CTT kicks off its third annual “Concerts for a Cause” summer music series on June 3, Renaissance returns for another unforgettable and lively evening with a new and fresh take on popular music through the decades. Save August 19, when acoustic soul singer/songwriter Javier Colon returns along with Grammy-nominated Matt Cusson, a self-taught piano/guitar player and singer who transitions smoothly from pop, R&B to jazz genres. Additionally, we expect a third special guest to join them on stage. Rebecca Jade also returns to the stage on Sept 9, accompanied by amazing keyboardist Carnell Harrell. Rebecca’s career has skyrocketed this past year and was recently described as “Billie Holiday meets Beyonce with some Chaka Khan thrown in for good measure.” Stay tuned for the announcement of our fourth concert, slated for late September, and be ready to purchase tickets when they go on sale. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed with this summer’s line-up as we continue to enhance our concert series year after year!

NCCC Update

The NCCC team made some good headway on clearing brush around several local properties and creating defensible space in preparation for fire season. However, when the snow storms hit in February, and the torrential rains bombarded us in March, their work abruptly came to a halt. In Mid-March the Tuolumne County OES asked if NCCC would help distribute sandbags and help with other flood mitigation work when the big rain storms hit our area.

March 2023

Donor Impact

After a lengthy grant proposal process, completed by CTT’s volunteer grant writer Pamela Hawkins and CTT Program Director Jacqui, CTT was awarded $38,000 by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. CTT received one of the 34 2022 Priority Impact Quality of Life grants (totaling $1,029,90) as part of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center, which supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. These funds went toward purchasing and installing two ceiling-mounted lift systems in camp’s infirmary and one of the bath houses. This will be a huge aid in transferring campers in and out of the showers and toilets, which can be physically challenging for our staff. Until now, this type of investment wasn’t feasible. This is a big step toward our goal of making CTT the most accommodating camp in the country.

NCCC Update

In January, CTT was fortunate enough to have a new team of NCCC volunteers come to camp for 12 weeks. Thanks to Tuolumne River Trust, which arranged for the team to spend their first week getting S212-certified chainsaw operators by the Groveland U.S. Forest Service. They spent the next few weeks at camp working on camp’s new greenhouse. In mid-February, the NCCC team, through a collaboration between CTT and Southside Community Connections (SCC), began work to create defensible space on local residents’ properties for those who have mobility issues or who qualify as low income. SCC identified the property owners in need of service, and CTT managed the NCCC team who cleared defensible spaces at 10 properties. They will finish their time in Groveland by working for Tuolumne River Trust on the Rim Fire Restoration project. The various projects these NCCC volunteers provide our community is invaluable.

Insight into NCCC

A little background on where the AmeriCorps team of NCCC volunteers come from and how they became interested in serving others: this team comes from states such as Philadelphia and Illinois, and many have finished their four-year college degrees, yet wanted to serve in a community capacity, either before starting a master’s degree or beginning their careers. Being an NCCC team member is a 10-month commitment.

Will, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, knew from his sophomore year in college that he wanted to be part of an organization. NCCC had everything he was seeking–doing meaningful work in the communities. “The most rewarding part of my service has been seeing the relief on the faces of our partner organizations when we complete projects that they hadn’t had the time or money to do themselves. Camp Tuolumne Trails employs incredible people and has a meaningful mission, so it’s been rewarding to give them a hand and lighten their load,” stated Will. “I encourage everybody to find their own form of service. There are so many valuable ways in which we can all serve our neighbors. I think if everyone could have a service mindset, we’d find happier and friendlier communities,” Will added.

According to Kathryn, another college grad, “After my experience with NCCC, I definitely plan on doing something that takes me outdoors–maybe working in the Park Service in some capacity. NCCC has helped me realize just how much the outdoors and nature means to me, and how much I want to have a job that’s hands-on and in the field.” However, she wants people to know that it’s not always easy work and to make sure you can handle the physical and psychological toll–it is very hands-on work. It can often be physically taxing, and you are in very close proximity with your teammates for the whole 10 months. Team dynamics are everything–how well people mesh can make or break a team.

Concerts for a Cause

To kick off our third “Concerts for a Cause” summer music series, Renaissance returns on June 3 for another unforgettable and lively evening with a new take on popular music through the decades. Rebecca Jade returns to the stage on Sept 9, after her career has skyrocketed this past year. Stay tuned as we confirm two more concerts for this summer. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed with our line-up!

Camp News

Program Director Jacqui participated in Columbia College’s Career Fair, the Sonora Volunteer Fair, and continues to attend various career days and events to spread the word about camp and to solicit summer counselors and campers. If you have any questions or would like to find out more information about upcoming events, Summer Camp programs, Family Camp, volunteering and options for giving, please call CTT at 962-7534, email us at: info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org

2023…Here We Come

I wanted to take a moment to share with you how excited we are about the outlook for 2023. It’s going to be a banner year for us. More of everything.

More Campers:

We are receiving more early reservations than ever before. A lot more, we are three months ahead of last year’s pace. Our early family camp bookings are about to eclipse the total number of families that signed up for last year’s program.

More Sessions:

We are adding three additional weeks to our schedule this year–an additional family camp week and two additional summer camp sessions.

More Capabilities:
Camp will be even more accommodating in 2023. Thanks to grants from the Sonora Area Foundation and the Dana and Christopher Reeves Foundation. We will be installing a ceiling track lift system to allow us to safely serve campers that we could not accommodate in years past. To my knowledge we are the only camp in California with this capability.

Our training program for staff will expand on last year’s intensive first aid and personal care education. We will be adding an LVN to the staff to provide support to our RN. We are adding 6 counselors in addition to our usual 12 to make us more resilient to any COVID outbreaks.

More Fun:

Our arts programs will get even more exciting as we put our ceramics kiln into service allowing even cooler camp memorabilia to be created every session. Campers will find it easier to explore camp on our improved wheelchair paths. Gold panning will be a lot more pleasant under our new sail cloth shade structures at our miner’s camp.

More Music:

As always music will be a big part of every camper’s experience while they are with us, and our very popular summer music series will be returning. Like last year, we’ll have four concerts but we are hoping to double up on the talent for some of the shows. As soon as we announce our Concerts for a Cause line-up and confirm concert dates, you’ll want to reserve your seats.

And there could be even more as we apply for every appropriate grant and attempt to fully develop every potential sponsor as we strive to make Camp Tuolumne Trails the most accommodating place on the planet!

Of course all of that also means More Money. We sure do appreciate your help.

January 2023

A Community Collaboration

Camp Tuolumne Trails (CTT) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Southside Community Connections (SCC) and Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services. CTT will manage 10 AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers who will spend 12 weeks at camp beginning in January. Their first week here, volunteers will become S212- certified chainsaw operators, thanks to the Groveland Forest Service. The remainder of their 12 weeks of service will be split evenly, working on camp readiness at Tuolumne Trails Rim Fire restoration and residential defensible space. Beginning February 14, volunteers will then spend 14 days preparing residential lots for the fire season. This work will be completed for Groveland residents with mobility issues or who qualify as low income. The NCCC volunteers will spend the remaining weeks working with Tuolumne River Trust until April 3.

CTT’s summer program is shaping up nicely. Registrations are open and are filling up fast. We are planning on the return of many of last year’s counselors and will increase our staff to support two additional weeks of camp. Many of our campers count on our “Campership” program. You can sponsor one of our very special campers for $724. Please contact us with any questions, or donate directly to: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

December 2022

We’re in 2023 Planning Mode

CTT’s Program Director Jacqui Montero has been busy attending various events in the Central Valley to raise awareness about Tuolumne Trails and the positive impact it makes in the lives of our campers with special needs. We are planning for even better summer sessions for our campers next summer, and many of the pieces are already in place. We are continuing to work hard serving various institutions during the off-season, creating a strategic fundraising effort and preparing now for when campers return to CTT next June.

Volunteer Day

Another group of hard-working community volunteers worked at our bi-annual Volunteer Work Day on Nov 19. Great progress was made around camp, and all had a good time and enjoyed a delicious lunch. We always appreciate those who show up to show their support by helping with chores around camp. CTT hosted a “Thank You” Brunch on Nov. 20 for all the volunteers who devoted their time throughout the year.

Join Us for Aubrey Logan’s Christmas Show

Get in the Christmas spirit by joining us on Saturday, Dec. 10, to enjoy a streaming performance of Aubrey Logan’s Christmas concert. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and the cost is $20 per person, which includes delicious hors d’oeuvres. Please BYOB. Seating will be limited, so please purchase your tickets soon at: https://tuolumnetrails.salsalabs.org/aubreyxmas

Local Support Means So Much to CTT’s Campers

While 2022 was not without its challenges, our accomplishments were many. Among them:

Our sold-out sessions welcomed many first-time campers
Best summer staff ever, including the return of our international counselors
Enhanced programs featuring new nature and crafts activities
Expanded accessibility, including new trails, accessible swings, better access to the stage and more

The cost of operating in this post-pandemic world has really strained CTT’s budget. The unique service we provide to our campers is more important than ever at a time when our campers and their families’ financial situation is even more encumbered now. CTT’s board is currently contacting current and past donors and reaching out to those who have not yet donated. These are challenging times for all of us. You may find our monthly contribution option more convenient. We also have financial planning professionals available to answer any questions you might have about including Tuolumne Trails in your estate planning. We would be honored to be part of your legacy. https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Meet Facilities Manager Ed Reames

Ed joined the CTT team in early summer, and was recently promoted to Facilities Manager for camp. Ed is in charge of ensuring compliance with all safety/health/fire regulations, fuel mitigation, water and waste management, as well as maintaining all CTT’s vehicles, tractors and tools. He’s also responsible for planning for future trails and buildings, and manages work crews, like NCCC and community volunteers for Volunteer Day. Ed was drawn to CTT’s mission of providing campers with disabilities a place where they come to enjoy camp life.

Ed moved to Groveland a year and a half ago with his long-time significant other Caren and their dog Molly. Ed has worked as a firefighter and fire medic, as well as jobs in public safety, high-rise construction and public works. He last worked in quality control for Zero Motorcycles in the Bay Area, which was an ideal job as he is a big motorcycle enthusiast. His hobbies include restoring motorcycles, boats and ATVs in his spare time, as well as playing guitar and bass guitar. His long-term goal for camp is beautifying the grounds with more accessible trails and new picnic areas, and ensuring that camp continues to grow and is ready to serve more campers.

Dinner on the Deck Update

Please check CTT’s website for upcoming dates, menus and reservation information for this season’s Dinner on the Deck. Weather and staff permitting, we will continue serving dinner outside with outdoor heaters, however, if the weather is too cold, we can serve dinners inside the Great Hall. If you aren’t yet on our email list to receive notifications and our newsletter, please visit our website at https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/get-involved/

November 2022

Another Summer in the Books

After a terrific summer session, albeit somewhat shorter than anticipated, we are already in the planning stage for next summer’s camper programs. Tuolumne Trails is a year-round business. We will continue to be very busy serving various institutions, fundraising and preparing between now and when next summer campers return.

Local Support Means So Much to CTT

We want to thank the hard-working team of community members and ROOFBB volunteers who happily worked at every concert this summer and with whom we couldn’t have done it with you. Also, a BIG thank you to the PML Lady Niners golf club for designating CTT as this year’s recipient of the proceeds from their Wine in the Pines golf tournament. Stacie Brown presented a sizable check to Jerry Baker at the last concert in September.

Now that CTT is in its fall/winter mode with very few groups utilizing camp, we would appreciate donations of any size to help us through the lean months. The camp has virtually no overhead, so your entire donation goes directly toward camper programs, scholarships for campers and site improvements. Your generosity will help fill the gap. https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Concerts for a Cause

We wrapped up an amazing second year of “Concerts for a Cause,” which helped augment our fundraising goals through ticket sales. We want to thank a cadre of tremendous volunteers who helped pull off four amazing evenings without a hitch. We couldn’t have done it without all your help, and you know who you are. We’re already planning next summer’s concert series, and we welcome feedback from concert goers about what they liked, how to improve, what genres of music they’d like to hear, etc. Don’t hesitate to let us know.

Dinner on the Deck Returns

Our very popular Dinners on the Deck returned in October and were instantly sold out. Check out our website for upcoming dates, menus and reservation information. Whether permitting, we will continue serving dinner outside and have outdoor heaters available. When the weather turns, we can serve dinners inside the Great Hall. If you aren’t yet on our email list to receive notifications and our newsletter, please visit our website at https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/get-involved/

October 2022

Another Summer in the Books

As we begin our transition to our off-season activities we are thankful for a successful albeit a bit short summer session. Tuolumne Trails is a year-round business. We will continue to be very busy serving various institutions, fundraising and preparing for next year.

Concerts for a Cause

CTT’s last three concerts were sold out and wrapped up a successful summer season of “Concerts for a Cause,” which augmented our fundraising goals through ticket sales. We want to thank a cadre of tremendous volunteers who helped pull off four amazing evenings without a hitch. We couldn’t have done it without all your help, and you know who you are. If you attended any or all of the concerts this summer, we’d love to get your feedback. We’re already in the planning stages for next summer’s concert series, and would like to know what you liked, who you would like us to invite back, or any other ideas on how we can improve.

Dinner on the Deck Returns

Our very popular Dinners on the Deck will be returning October 4th. These sell out very quickly, so check our website for upcoming menus and to make reservations. If you aren’t yet on our email list to receive notifications and our newsletter, please visit our website at https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/get-involved/

September 2022

A Very Special Summer for Our Campers

We are happy to report that our campers were thrilled to be back at camp this summer, and we had an awesome team of counselors, who helped make our campers have a memorable and fun experience at camp.

Although CTT served a lot of campers this summer, we did have a significant shortfall due to lingering Covid issues. From a financial standpoint, we will not reach our revenue goals we set at the first of the year. To help fill this revenue void, we will be bringing back the very popular “Dinner on the Deck” starting in October. We also would like to ask for donations from our generous supporters in the community. All donations make a difference–no matter how small, and ALL donations are greatly appreciated.

Concerts for a Cause

CTT’s second summer season of “Concerts for a Cause” is gaining momentum and popularity. Our second concert on August 13, which was our first SOLD OUT show, had more than 120 concert-goers, featured Javier Colon and special guest Rebecca Jade. They put on a spectacular evening of song, music and memorable entertainment. Now is the time to purchase tickets for our last two remaining concerts for the season before they sell out: Aubrey Logan, who returns to CTT on September 3, and CTT newcomer Ilya Serov on September 24. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/.

August 2022

A Spectacular Summer for Our Campers

We are wrapping up our summer sessions for our campers with disabilities. We have had such a rewarding summer, hosting former campers and welcoming new campers to camp. They all have said they can’t wait to come back next summer, and so as soon as the last of our campers leave, we’ll be in planning mode for next year. Additionally, we were fortunate to have an amazing team of 13 counselors, including two from Brazil, and several who returned after being gone for a couple of years. This amazing team worked really well together and served our campers like pros.

Concerts for a Cause

The second of CTT’s “Concerts for a Cause” is on August 13, when Javier Colon hits the stage. Last month, Javier, winner of the first season of The Voice, was invited to join the Boston Pops Orchestra—world renowned for the past 50 years—for its July 4th fireworks celebration, when he sang “Hallelujah” with the orchestra. Don’t miss this super-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. And as an added bonus, a very special guest—Rebecca Jade—will be joining Javier on the stage. If you remember Rebecca’s knock-out performance last year, this will be an evening you won’t soon forget. To purchase tickets or hear a sample of Javier’s music, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. And don’t forget to get your tickets for this summer’s two remaining concerts: Aubrey Logan on Sept 3 (many will remember her jaw-dropping concert last year) and on Sept 24, phenomenal trumpet player and crooner Ilya Serov hits the stage.

Another NCCC Team Makes Amazing Progress Around Camp

We, once again, had the opportunity to have another team of 10 AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers spend the month of July at camp. This Denver-based team, “Yellowstone 4,” specializes in Environmental Stewardship, did an extraordinary job of clearing brush and trimming trees to help maintain and sustain the natural habitat around camp—no small feat. We are so fortunate to be granted NCCC teams like this and have proven to be an invaluable resource in helping us maintain the camp’s 80 acres.

July 2022

Campers are here!

Between now and mid-August, camp is full of special-needs campers doing all the activities and having all the fun of a typical summer camp—swimming, archery, fishing, ping-pong, hayrides, etc. We are thrilled to be welcoming old friends back and making new friends with many first-time CTT campers. Program manager Jacqui has been busy these past few months planning this summer’s programs, onboarding campers and hiring and training staff—all to ensure that it’s our campers’ best summer ever!

CTT would like to thank the generosity of Sonora Area Foundation (SAF) for funding several initiatives that are providing even more intensive safety training for CTT’s staff to better serve our campers. Thanks to this funding, our staff is being trained in a wilderness first aid program, EPI pen certification, conflict resolution training and how to operate the new defibrillators, also funded by SAF. The certifications our staff will receive will further our efforts to make CTT not only fun but even more safe for our campers.

Concerts for a Cause

The first of CTT’s “Concerts for a Cause” performance was a roaring success. Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed Renaissance—an amazing band from L.A. that turned the concert into a party—including people dancing in the aisles. Don’t miss CTT’s next concert on August 13 when Javier Colon, first winner on the inaugural season of The Voice performs. You won’t want to miss this super talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. He’s sure to entertain you beyond your expectations. To purchase tickets or hear a sample of Javier’s music, visit: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. And don’t forget to get your tickets for this summer’s two remaining concerts: Aubrey Logan on Sept 3 (many will remember her amazing performance last year) and on Sept 24, exceptional trumpet player and crooner Ilya Serov hits the stage.

It’s time for “thank yous”! We want to thank all the volunteers who helped make our first concert a resounding success! We couldn’t have pulled it off so well without you. We’d like to thank Mechanics Bank, which is a sponsor for this summer’s entire music series, as well as MarVal for donating beverages and Yosemite Cellars, which provided wines. Thank you, too, to the PML Garden Club for donating and planting beautiful plants that now adorn the amphitheater. We’d also like to acknowledge Christina Wilkinson, graphic designer extraordinaire (among other talents), who designed this year’s Concerts for a Cause poster. If you haven’t seen her design on flyers, posters and t-shirts, her creative design is beautiful and frameable. As the saying goes, “It takes a village.”

June 2022

Summer is Here! — Our first concert happens in just a few days! And campers will be here later this month! We now have nearly 160 campers signed up for camp, surpassing our goal of 150, and a huge increase over 2021’s number of just 95 campers. In addition, we’ve sold out our Family Camp at the end of July, when we’ll have 36 campers (nine families) experience a typical camp as a family unit. This will definitely be CTT’s biggest summer yet!

Concerts for a Cause — It’s not too late to get tickets for the June concert and you don’t want to miss this highly entertaining band. Check out ticket and dinner options at: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. You can hear a sample of the artists’ music by clicking on their names on the “Concerts for a Cause” page of CTT’s website. Here’s our summer concerts line-up:

June 4– Renaissance

An extraordinary six-piece band from L.A. that plays all genres of music and features singers Billye Johnstone—our biggest production to date.

August 13 – Javier Colon

Winner of the first season of The Voice—multi-talented singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist.

September 3 – Aubrey Logan

Multi-faceted singer, songwriter and trombonist—returns this year for another memorable performance.

September 24 – Ilya Serov

Award-winning and Billboard-charted trumpet player, composer, producer and singer (think Sinatra-style crooner with a trumpet).

Summer Job Openings — We’re still seeking to fill the following roles for our summer programs: Program Leaders for Sports and Nature, Unit Directors, Camp Counselors, and Camp Workers. Check CTT’s website for more information: tuolumnetrails.org/employment-opportunities

Fundraising — Thanks to all who have generously donated to our new Campership Fund, but we hope more of you will contribute to help make it possible for more of our campers with disabilities and special needs to come to camp. A monthly donation of just $57 will sponsor a deserving camper. To make a donation visit: http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

May 2022

Summer is Fast Approaching — CTT now has more than 130 campers already registered for camp this summer and have nearly hit our target of 150—our biggest year ever. Our programs will run from June 10 through August 8.

We had another tremendous turnout for Volunteer Day on April 2, when more than 30 community volunteers helped us make improvements around camp and ready it for our summer programs and music concerts. We thank all those generous “locals” who gave up their Saturday morning to help make camp ready for summer!

Fundraising — We want to thank those who have already contributed to our new Campership Fund, but we’re hoping more of you will donate to help make it possible for more of our campers with disabilities and special needs to make it to camp this summer. A monthly donation of just $57 will sponsor a deserving camper. To make a donation visit: http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Concerts for a Cause — Our concerts are confirmed and we’re selling tickets! Tickets are selling quickly so don’t hesitate to check out ticket and dinner options at: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. You can hear a sample of the artists’ music by clicking on their names on the “Concerts for a Cause” page of CTT’s website. Here’s the lineup of this summer’s concerts:

June 4– Renaissance – An extraordinary six-piece band from L.A. that plays all genres of music and features singers Billye Johnstone—our biggest production to date.

August 13 – Javier Colon – Winner of the first season of The Voice—multi-talented singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist.

September 3 – Aubrey Logan – Singer, songwriter and trombonist—returns this year for another unbelievable performance.

September 24 – Ilya Serov – Award-winning and Billboard-charted trumpet player, composer, producer and singer (think Sinatra-style crooner).

Summer Job Openings — We have already confirmed a full-time lifeguard, a full-time nurse and three counselors returning from Brazil. CTT is still seeking program leads, camp counselors, camp workers and a program assistant. Check CTT’s website for more information.

AmeriCorps’ NCCC Team —We have another outstanding AmeriCorps team of 10 NCCC workers at camp that arrived April 2 and will finish on June 24. They are working on general readiness for summer camp, including specific projects to improve wheelchair accessibility in the more remote parts of camp, like the mining camp area. Teams of NCCC workers are such an important resource that we appreciate wholeheartedly.

April 2022

Volunteer Day — Join us at camp on Saturday, April 2, from 8:00am – 12:30pm. The focus will be on projects to get camp ready for our summer campers. Spend a few hours with others from the community to make a difference at camp, and enjoy a nice lunch in the Great Hall immediately afterward.

To date, we have 90 campers registered for our summer programs, including campers from our partners at United Cerebral Palsy, plus a lot of new campers in both the youth and adult sessions. On April 28, CTT will be speaking at Placer County’s Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) Resource Fair, which is held to benefit individuals and families with disabilities to help them find services, support, therapies, activities and events to attend. Because CTT is the closest summer camp to serve Placer County’s disabled residents, we believe that we will gain additional campers through this effort.

Fundraising — As mentioned in last month’s article, Camp Tuolumne Trails has kicked off its first Campership Fund campaign. We want to thank those who have already contributed, and hope this generous trend continues. Our special-needs campers continue to apply for CTT’s 2022 Summer Programs, and your support to help these very special campers enjoy a typical summer camp experience will provide them fun and fond memories until they come back next year. Since many of our campers struggle with the modest fees to come to camp, your support can make a huge difference in making this an unforgettable summer for our very special campers. A monthly donation of just $57 will sponsor a deserving camper. To make a donation visit: http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Welcoming Back AmericCorps’ NCCC Team —Once again, CTT is fortunate to have another AmeriCorps team of NCCC workers at camp from April 2 through June 24. During that period they will be working with us for eight weeks, with a four-week break in May when they go to Sacramento to support another organization, a full team of 10 NCCC volunteers will be working on general readiness for summer camp, including some projects to improve wheelchair accessibility in the more remote parts of camp. Teams of NCCC workers have become a valuable asset that we feel fortunate to be chosen as one of their projects each year.

Concerts for a Cause — It’s time to consider attending our four incredible concerts scheduled for this summer’s “Concerts for a Cause” music series. We kicked off promotions nationwide on March 15. Tickets are selling quickly so don’t hesitate to check out ticket options at: www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2/. Listen to a sample of these extraordinary artists’ music by clicking on their names when visiting this page. Here’s our remarkable lineup of this summer’s concerts:

June 4– Renaissance – A phenomenal six-piece band from L.A. that plays all genres of music and features singer Billye Johnstone—our biggest production to date.
August 13 – Javier Colon – Winner of the first season of “The Voice”—multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist.
September 3 – Aubrey Logan – Singer, songwriter and trombonist, returns this year for another jaw-dropping performance.
September 24 – Ilya Serov – Award-winning and Billboard-charted trumpet player, composer, producer and singer (think Sinatra-style crooner).

Summer Job Openings — CTT is currently hiring for summer staff, including: program leads, camp counselors, camp workers, lifeguards and a program assistant. To aid in our search for staff, CTT will be attending career fairs at University of the Pacific, CSU East Bay, CSU Chico, and Columbia College.

March 2022

This month, Camp Tuolumne Trails will be kicking off its first Campership Fund campaign. Our special-needs campers continue to apply for CTT’s 2022 Summer Programs, and they remain our priority. Your support to help these very special campers attend camp and enjoy a typical summer camp experience will provide them fun and treasured memories until they come back next year. For most of our campers, this is their ONLY form of vacation, change of scenery and unabashed fun. Because many of our campers struggle with the modest fees to come to camp, your support can make a significant difference in making this summer a special one for our very special campers. A monthly donation of just $57 will sponsor a deserving camper. Furthermore, we genuinely appreciate all forms of donations—direct monetary donations, volunteering at camp events or including CTT in your estate planning—it all makes a substantial impact on CTT’s campers. http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

Concerts for a Cause – CTT’s Summer Music Series

We have confirmed all four performances for CTT’s “Concerts for a Cause” summer music series! Here’s our amazing lineup of concerts:

June 4– Renaissance ~ a phenomenal six-piece band from L.A. that can play all genres of music and features singer Billye Johnstone—our biggest production to date.
August 13 – Javier Colon ~ Winner of the first season of The Voice— multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist.
September 3 – Aubrey Logan ~ Singer, songwriter and trombonist—returns again this year for another unforgettable performance.
September 24 – Ilya Serov ~ Award-winning and Billboard-charted trumpet player, composer, producer and singer (think Sinatra-style crooner).

Detailed ticket purchase options and more about these incredible musicians are now available on CTT’s website: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/concerts-for-a-cause-2.

Don’t wait too long, as we will be promoting “Concerts for a Cause” nationwide, and through partnerships with hotels such as Rush Creek, Evergreen Lodge and other partners.

February 2022

Camp Tuolumne Trails is thrilled to announce that we are already receiving applications from former and new campers for CTT’s 2022 Summer Programs. CTT, one of the very few special-needs camps that survived these past two years, is expected to come roaring back with a record-breaking number of campers this summer—our busiest summer in our 14-year history. To that end, we are also very excited to announce that many of our counselors and staff are returning to camp this summer, as well as our international team of counselors from Brazil. We are ready and can’t wait to get back to serving our campers!

CTT’s 2022 Summer Music Series, “Concerts for a Cause,” is coming together nicely and will be bigger and better than last year—adding an additional concert to the lineup. More news will be announced very soon about some very special performers for the Aug 13 and Sept 24 concerts. Mark your calendars now if you don’t want to miss this summer’s concerts. Once we announce ticket availability, we expect to sell out all four shows very quickly.

June 4- Renaissance ~ a phenomenal band that can play all genres of music and features singer Billye Johnstone.
August 13 – TBA
September 3 – Aubrey Logan ~ Many will remember her jaw-dropping performance last year.
September 24 – TBA

Serving the special-needs community remains CTT’s first priority, and your support has made CTT the most affordable special-needs camp in the state. However, because many of our campers struggle with the modest fees to come to camp, CTT has established a Campership Fund to ensure that no camper is left behind. A donation of just $57 each month will sponsor a deserving camper. Additionally, we truly appreciate all types of donations—whether it’s direct monetary donations, volunteering at camp events or including CTT in your estate planning. It all makes a significant and positive impact on CTT. http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

January 2022

Welcome to 2022! Tuolumne Trails is wishing a good year ahead for our community. We continue our efforts of making improvements around camp to be ready for this summer’s campers, and have already received applications from some of our returning campers, who can’t wait to be here again.

CTT’s 2022 Summer Music Series, “Concerts for a Cause,” is taking shape. We remain committed to avoiding any hindrance or distraction to our regular summer camp programs and all performances are scheduled before and after our regular summer camper programs. Every show will be bigger this year as we fill our stage with additional talent. If you liked last year, you won’t want to miss this year’s lineup of performers. We have scheduled and confirmed three phenomenal performances and an additional fourth concert is nearly ready to announce. Mark your calendars now and look for ticket options next month:

June 4- Renaissance is a phenomenal band that can play all genres of music and features singer Billye Johnstone.
August 13 – Rebecca Jade (for those of you who enjoyed her last year, there’s an additional musician who will join her on the stage this year). She just finished a tour with saxophone great Dave Koz.
September 3 – Aubrey Logan and we’re working a special guest to join Aubrey.
September 24 – TBA

CTT is strongly committed to offering our best summer ever this year, and serving the special-needs community remains CTT’s first priority. We will be serving a lot more campers and offering a much expanded program. As we head into a new year, CTT still faces many potential uncertainties. We still ask for your help in any capacity that you’re able, to help fill the financial void that we expect to encounter throughout this year. We truly appreciate all types of donations — whether it’s direct monetary donations, volunteering at camp events or including CTT in your estate planning. It all makes a significant difference to CTT. http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

December 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, we want to thank our amazing staff and generous community of volunteers who have helped us weather another challenging year at camp. We do, however, remain optimistic for a more normal 2022 and look forward to an amazing summer season at camp next year. We are planning on and excited about having all of our special-needs campers return to experience the joy they feel during their one week at Camp Tuolumne Trails each year.

A big thank you goes to our community volunteers who worked on Volunteer Day. Our group was a little smaller than usual, but our mighty workers included: Shirley Horn, Barbara Klahn, Liza Dadiomov, MJ Mangiarelli, Catherine Lopez, Bill Bent, Linda Hunter, Ted Reedy, Greg & Dori Jones and Jerry Baker. Along with the help of the NCCC volunteers, we made great progress in cleaning up and improving the entrance to camp.

CTT will again be having its annual Holiday Bake Sale. Take it easy this holiday and order baked goods such as pumpkin pies, bread pudding, apple strudel, ham & artichoke quiche, and Mediterranean quiche. Check CTT’s Facebook page soon to see more items that will be offered. Place your orders between December 6-13, and pick your order between Dec.18-19.

Tuolumne Trails is proud to be providing housing in partnership with the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT) for another Round 1 NCCC Team. This team will live on-site during the first third of their nine-month commitment. They are working with the TRT to improve and maintain the recreational trails near the Tuolumne River, including the Hanby Trail, which begins on our property. They’ll also spend some of their time helping our small team maintain camp facilities, our trails and clear brush around our property.

CTT’s Summer Music Series is in the planning stages. We have added one concert to the lineup, for a total of four concerts. Stay tuned for more information and dates for the concerts in upcoming months. It’s going to be a VERY exciting music series next summer!

CTT remains steadfast in its commitment to continue supporting the special-needs community. During these challenging times, which CTT continues to encounter, we are doing our utmost to ensure that we can continue to bridge the financial gap we face each month. Your generous donations – either direct monetary donations, volunteering at camp events or including CTT in your estate planning – are greatly appreciated. http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

November 2021

Tuolumne Trails would like to introduce you to camp’s new caretaker Jillian, and her partner Jordan, who is a Groveland native and the manager of PML Hardware. Jillian is in charge of making daily rounds at camp to ensure things are properly maintained, under control and that mini horse Dandy and mini donkey Jenny are well taken care of.

Lots of training happening at camp. In early October, we had nine AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leads complete their leadership training with a two-night stay at camp, where they completed service projects and participated in team building activities. In late October, we had 80 NCCC team members who participated in a week-long “mini-spike” program where they completed team building and challenge course activities, as well as put in more than 40 man hours on service projects. In addition, we are excited to have members from the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP), who will conduct their skills and technical training at camp November 1-5. Each year, the Sierra Nevada Alliance/SNAP places 28 AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada. During their terms of service, members restore and monitor impaired Sierra watersheds, educate and outreach to Sierra residents and visitors on environmental issues, and recruit and manage volunteers for a variety of programs.

We remain hopeful that CTT will once again benefit from another year of NCCC support. This month, CTT will be the housing sponsor for a Round 1 Team (a round equates to one-third of the NCCC volunteer’s total commitment), comprising nine volunteers for six weeks, which was granted to the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT). We are hoping and anticipating that CTT will get its own dedicated team for Round 3 in May 2022. These NCCC teams are a tremendous resource and help each year in helping get our camp ready for our next summer season.

CTT had another great turn out for its bi-annual Volunteer Day on October 30, when numerous community volunteers came out to lend a hand. Thanks to you all who participated. We genuinely appreciate your time and effort in helping keep camp looking its best.

CTT will again be having its annual Holiday Bake Sale. Look for more details in next month’s article for specific baked items that will be offered, but mark your calendars now for the window to order your holiday goodies: December 6-13. Pick-up dates will be: Dec.18-19.

We have a lot of work to do to be ready for next summer. To allow our small but dedicated team to get ready, we are suspending Dinner on the Deck for the winter season. We are looking forward to its return next Spring with more new delicious menus and new opportunities for the community to socialize.

CTT is also excited about its plans for next summer’s music series. Currently, we have added one concert to the line-up—a total of four. Look for more details in the months to come, and plan to buy tickets early. These concerts are significant undertakings. If you or your company are interested in being a sponsor of one of our music concerts, please contact Jerry Baker at camp, (209) 962-7916, for more information.

CTT is still searching for some specific volunteers. Specifically, someone (or a team of volunteers) who is adept in maintaining social media campaigns for camp. We could use some expertise and guidance for expanding CTT’s followers and donor base, and garnering more interest and recognition about what camp provides the special-needs community. Please call Jerry at CTT for more information.

October 2021

Although abbreviated compared to a normal CTT summer program, we appreciated all the 95 campers with special needs and disabilities who got to enjoy a part of their summer at Tuolumne Trails. We had 70% returning campers and 30% brand new ones – all so very happy to be at camp, a place where they’ve grown to love and look forward to coming back all year long. Next year, we fully expect to have a full summer program for our friends.

Now we’re in planning mode for 2022. In September, we restarted Dinner on the Deck – now on alternating Wednesday nights. We quickly sold out the first dinner with 50 diners who enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Chef Rob. Check our website or Facebook page for new menus posted every other week.

As we head into Fall, camp will not have its usual outdoor education campers, although we are planning for these campers to return in 2022. We are, however, excited to welcome AmeriCorps NCCC’s Mini-Spike Leadership training programs, which are utilizing camp in September and October. CTT is one of three camps in California selected for these training programs. The seven-day sessions are for training NCCC team leaders and introducing them to their 2021 NCCC teams – a total of about 80 volunteers. During this time, these NCCC volunteers will be participating in service projects around camp – learning everything from team dynamics to dealing with poison oak.

Calling all Volunteers

We have scheduled our next community Volunteer Day for Sat, Oct. 30, from 8:00-12:00. Come join the fun helping with various tasks around camp, and enjoy a boxed lunch afterward. It’s always a fun time to reconnect with fellow community members. Call 209-962-7534 to sign up.

CTT is also searching for some specialized volunteers. Specifically, someone who is proficient at grant writing, and someone (or a team of volunteers) who is adept in maintaining social media campaigns for camp. These are two areas in which we could really use some expertise in extending CTT’s followers and donor base, as well as garnering more interest and enthusiasm about what camp offers to the special-needs community. Please call Jerry Baker at CTT for more information.

Be assured, we are steadfast in our commitment to continue supporting the special-needs community. During these challenging times that CTT is continuing to encounter, we are doing our utmost to ensure that we can continue to bridge the financial gap we face. Your generous donations – either direct monetary donations, volunteering at camp events or including CTT in your estate planning – are greatly appreciated. http:www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/

September 2021

It’s a wrap for summer 2021 at Camp Tuolumne Trails! Although we were mandated to have only 95 campers this summer, we had several great groups come to camp. They were super excited to be back at the camp they love and missed out on last year due to the pandemic shutdown. While many similar camps closed during last year and have remained closed (some permanently), CTT remained open and determined to make this a great summer for our campers. We expect to be back at full capacity next summer. We experienced unprecedented demand from campers who previously went to now inoperative camps. It will be a challenge, but we will find a way to answer the call.

We’ve just wrapped up CTT’s first Sirens of Summer music series in our new amphitheater with three very unique and extraordinary singers and amazing audiences who really loved their music. We appreciate all the support from local attendees, as well as those who traveled from as far away as Arizona and Oregon to hear our performers.

We’re already planning for next year’s line-up, so stay tuned for details as we announce plans for future concerts.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

We want to say a special thank you to all our camp staff who all stepped up and did whatever was needed to ensure that camp ran smoothly. A special thank you to CTT’s Program Manager Jacqui Montero who is CTT’s “Super Star” of 2021! She worked tirelessly to make sure her campers were having a good time, kept the counselors on target and even helped corral camp’s two mini donkeys when they escaped. Always with a calm and positive attitude and a smile on her face.

We thank all the wonderful counselors (our best group ever) who made camp such a positive and fun experience for all our campers this summer. We are thrilled that many of the counselors have expressed interest in returning next year. CTT’s new kitchen manager Rob Bannwarth and his wife Rosetta have also done a marvelous job of organizing camp’s kitchen, revitalizing our menus and creating some amazing meals.

We still have not been able to welcome back our traditional outdoor education (science camp) campers. Most schools are still trying to figure out what the ‘new normal’ will look like. Good news is that many of the schools we have worked with in the past are looking to lock down dates with CTT for next spring. We are using this brief pause to realign our efforts to provide even greater support to the special-needs community. We are working on plans to start summer camp earlier and serve many more campers.

CTT lost one of its beloved little creatures at camp last month. Jack, one of the two miniature donkeys and Dandy, a miniature horse, found their way to camp thanks to the generosity of Paul and Kym Purifoy. They organized a Cinco de Mayo party a few years back to help fund the purchase of CTT’s little critters. Jack went to donkey heaven after a very long life, although his mate Jenny and Dandy, are missing their old pal.

We are looking at the possibility of restarting our very popular Diner on the Deck program. Stay tuned for more information shortly.