John Muir Mountain Day Camp

John Muir Mountain Day Camp includes activities such as exploring nature trails, discovering local plants and animals, painting, drawing, sketching, singing, baking sourdough bread, journaling as John Muir did, creating a journal, and creating inventions. At a typical weekly session, campers also take part in daily activities with National Park Service Rangers. Activities vary for each week, and campers who register for both weeks have a different set of activities each time.

• Schedule: At a typical weekly session

At John Muir Mountain Day Camp, campers explore John Muir’s land and his 1882 Victorian home and view his “scribble den,” where he penned many of his influential works. Campers bake sourdough bread using a 143-year-old starter. The camp includes drawing and painting with California landscape artist Susan Barry. Campers also experience John Muir through National Park Service Ranger Frank Helling’s portrayal. The camp is led by Camp Director Jill Harcke. The program’s stated mission is that kids have a great time while they learn how Muir’s legacy is still helping the earth be a healthier, more beautiful place to live. Campers have come from as far away as Hong Kong, Massachusetts, Virginia, Oregon, and Lake Tahoe, as well as from the Bay Area. John Muir lived and raised his family at this site for 24 years.

Last updated July 26, 2026.