Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Tuolumne Trails is open to all children, teens, and adults with physical or developmental disabilities.

Each of our campers have a variety of individual needs and our staff screen each camper entering our programs to ensure their success at camp.

Here is a list of diagnoses we typically serve at camp. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Developmental Delay or Intellectual Disabilities
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Down Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injuries, Hydrocephalus
• Hearing Impairment/Deaf
• Visual Imparement/Blind
• Spina Bifida
• Epilepsy

Tuolumne Trails’ requires a registered nurse to be on site 24-hours a day when camp is in session. Our registered nurse is responsible for the distribution and documentation of all medications received at camp, as well as any first aid administration.

Our registered nurse is also responsible for any medical treatments needed including diabetic care, breathing treatments, and g-tube feedings.

The following behavioral challenges are not appropriate for acceptance into camp programs:

• Individuals who are abusive to self, others, or property.
• Individuals with a history of elopement or running. Camp is located in a rural area with acres of undeveloped land. Campers are expected to stay on designated trails with their cabin group around our main camp.
• A history of physical or sexual aggression.
• Individuals who do not sleep through the night, wander at night or require routine assistance throughout the night (frequent toileting, turning, etc.).

Failure to communicate any of the above behaviors or needs may jeopardize the safety of the applicant as well as staff and other campers. Individuals whose needs and/or behavioral challenges are beyond the scope of the camp’s ability to safely accommodate will be sent home immediately. 

We maintain a 3-to-1 ratio of staff to campers at all times. Campers are also supervised overnight in cabins with at least two staff members per cabin group.

At this time, we are limited in 1-to-1 care for most sessions. Please contact Erin Smith-Soeten, Program Director, directly for availability. (209)-962-7534

Acceptance will be determined based on overall camper care required and staff ability to meet individual needs in a safe and appropriate manner.

Caregivers may attend free of charge. Background checks, interviews, and approval are required for a caregiver to attend (Please note: parent/guardian may not attend as a caregiver. We are offering a family camp more suitable- this session is designed to help develop independence in a safe, well structured, and fun environment in a very small ratio.)

Contact Erin Smith-Soeten, Program Director, at (209)-962-7534 for more information.

Campers sleep with their assigned cabin group. This group is assigned based on the age and gender of each camper. Caregivers are welcome to request specific cabin assignments during the registration process.

A typical session at camp follows this daily schedule:

During morning activities, campers are split into smaller activity groups. This allows for campers to socialize outside of their cabin group and offers more personalized attention from our Program Leaders. These activities are updated each summer and include activities like:

• Arts & Crafts
• Adapted Sports
• Music/Theater
• Nature Studies
• Archery
• Gold- Panning
• And much more!

Yes! At Camp Tuolumne Trails, we do our best to ensure no camper is turned away for inability to pay. Our staff would be happy to assist you in finding the best options for your camper! More information can be found at the Financial Aid page, or by calling our office at (209) 962-7534

Application Processing and Session Assignment 

All registrations will be processed online through Activeworks, our registration partner. You will be directed to this site from our registration page once you are ready to register.

Once registered, all new applicants will receive a follow-up telephone call to review individual needs and expectations to determine that Camp Tuolumne Trails can adequately meet such needs. 

If you would like to complete an intake form prior to registering online, please contact Erin Smith-Soeten (Program Director) at (209) 962-7534.

Applications will be processed and sessions assigned by date received. Please note that sessions do fill up quickly and reservations cannot be secured until registration is completed and you have received a confirmation email.

No deposit is required. Full payment is due on or before the session start date.

After completing registration, you will receive a confirmation email with attached supplemental waivers and medical forms. All supplemental forms must be complete with a physician’s signature and all medications signed off by a physician 2 weeks prior to the start of session in order for the camper to attend. Failure to submit signed medical paperwork will lead to a cancelation of the camper’s registration.