Camp Arroyo

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A healthy place for children, the environment, and sustainable futures

• About Camp Arroyo
• The Site
• The Curriculum
• Reservations Information
• Fact Sheet

About Camp Arroyo

Camp Arroyo is a beautiful residential camp serving children year-round as a place to explore, learn and grow in an ideal outdoor setting. Nestled in the hills surrounding the 138-acre Del Valle Regional Wilderness in Livermore, California, the camp was formally opened in 2001 and serves thousands of children each year.

Camp Arroyo is owned by the East Bay Regional Park District. From September to June, Camp Arroyo hosts school children through environmental education camps that introduce students to science, nature, and sustainable living concepts. Over 4,000, campers attended the environmental education camps each year.

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During the summer months, and several weekends throughout the year, the camp is a haven for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to enjoy together, thanks to The Taylor Family Foundation (TTFF). Each year, TTFF hosts a racially and socio-economically diverse group of nearly 3,000 campers with chronic medical, developmental disabilities and youth at-risk for over 30 camp sessions throughout the year—free of charge. The Taylor Family Foundation provides a safe, nurturing environment, filled with positive energy and support. It’s a place where kids are surrounded by children with similar conditions, and where individuality is not taboo, but celebrated.

The development of Camp Arroyo and its curriculum has been generously supported through funding, grants and donations from:

• East Bay Regional Park District
• The Taylor Family Foundation
• State Department of Parks and Recreation
• California Resources Agency
• California Integrated Waste Management Board
• Alameda County Waste Management, Source Reduction, and Recycling Board
• Regional Parks Foundation

"I liked going on the solo hike the best because it was a time when you are by yourself breathing in nature looking over all the mountains.”
- 5th grade Outdoor School student

"The staff did an incredible job mixing standards and content with fun! I love how the students were able to get active and explore. Can’t wait until next year!”
- Murray Elementary School, 5th grade teacher

“I like that I got off my mobile devices and explored the wonderful environment”
- 6th grade Outdoor School student

“”It’s an extremely organized program, no time is wasted, nonstop learning opportunities and ton of fun! I think everything they did was valuable in some way.  The adventure groups are such an incredible hands-on learning experience. The evening programs really brought everyone together! All the naturalists are amazing!!” 
- Hidden Hills School, 4th grade teacher

The Site

Camp Arroyo is a 138-acre park owned and maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District since 1995. The site retains a sense of isolation as it is situated at the end of a winding road in the countryside.

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The "green" camp design not only provides beautiful living and learning facilities but also serves as a tangible example of sustainable development. A core goal of the site construction is to incorporate responsible building practices such as using recycled, sustainable materials; installing energy-efficient lighting and climate control; preserving natural features including trees and wildlife habitats; and reusing existing infrastructure. The ecologically friendly design encourages students to visualize innovative building practices.

The site contains six duplex cabins that comfortably house 144. Each side of the duplex has its own bathroom and sunroom as well as sleeping quarters for ten students and two chaperones. The nutritious meals are served in the large, multifunctional dining hall. The site also has a large, guarded swimming pool and adjoining bathhouses, an infirmary, an indoor/outdoor art, and crafts yurt.

The Curriculum

A central goal of the environmental education camps is to foster critical thinking about the environment and help students develop creative solutions to issues that they will encounter throughout their lives. Through a series of fun, hands-on activities the students will increase their understanding of and respect for the environment and each other. The intensive, project-based curriculum fully addresses the California State Frameworks and Standards. Camp Arroyo not only helps produce the next generation of environmental stewards but also fosters community leaders.

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Teachers can choose from a 3, 4 or 5-day program that provides students with a deeper understanding of individual concepts as well as an awareness of the interrelationships among the different themes. The curriculum directly correlates with California Education Standards and has been recently updated to match the Next Generation Science Standards, creating a program that complements and expands upon what is being taught in the classroom.

In addition to the academic curriculum, Camp Arroyo provides a variety of community-building experiences for the students including:

• Sports and Games 
• Swimming
• Campfires
• Night hiking
• Arts and crafts
• Camp chores and service projects
• Social mealtimes

Reservations Information

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As of June 1, 2019, United Camps, Conferences, and Retreats (UCCR) took over operating Camp Arroyo. UCCR will operate the camp year-round, offering camp programs, and weekend group rentals for retreats and events.

During the school year, UCCR Web of Life Field (WOLF) School will operate day and week-long science and environmental education camps open to 4th through 6th grade classes.

For information about camp reservations, call UCCR at 1-800-678-5102.

During the summer, The Taylor Family Foundation uses the site to serve children with life-threatening illnesses. For information about The Taylor Family Foundation, visit www.ttff.org.

Camp Arroyo is open to groups by reservation only.