Skylake is located in the Sierra National Forest on beautiful Bass Lake, just 15
miles from Yosemite National Park. The central camp facility consists of 37
screened-in sleeping cabins, 4 shower houses, a craft shop, and a 6500 square
foot lodge including the dining hall, a recreation room, and a large deck
overlooking Bass Lake through the pines.
Skylake was founded in 1945. Skylake was a founding member of the Western
Association of Independent Camps and has been a member of the American Camp
Association for over 50 years. The camp is privately owned and has had only
three directors in over 60 years of operation. Continuity and tradition are
two of the hallmarks of Skylake.
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Skylake is a camp in the East Coast tradition...in a pine forest…on a beautiful
warm-water lake…and with all the traditional waterfront and "land" sports
activities, crafts and nightly campfires. Some of our camp songs have been a
tradition for 60 years. A fundamental philosophy of Skylake is that today's
young people are in a very fast paced and highly competitive school and life
environment. Skylake believes and practices that young people need a vacation
just as adults do. While the days at Skylake are busy and structured, they are
designed to be noncompetitive, relaxed, and very flexible to the campers'
individual needs.
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Skylake has always retained traditional camp values. For example, most of today's
camps sadly do not permit parents to send traditional, homemade care packages to
their children. Nothing brings more joy to a camper than receiving a box of
homemade cookies from home. We are aware of how this wonderful tradition can be
abused…like sending too much candy, etc. But we would rather deal with the
"abuses" than ban the tradition.
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Skylake's 37 screened-in sleeping cabins each accommodate 8 people, including
campers and Camp Counselors. These small cabins are fundamental to the camp's
philosophy where campers form a new family unit each summer. Meals, cabin group
activities, being together at campfire, and other significant camp activities
promote strong bonds and lifelong friendships.
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SAFETY STANDARDS
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"Safety First" is the order of the day, everyday, at Skylake. Counselors attend
six days of staff training before the campers arrive and continue to participate
in workshops throughout the summer. The training is dedicated to making the
staff understand and appreciate the awesome responsibility of caring for
children. Many of the Skylake staff members are previous Skylake campers.
All Camp Counselors are CPR and First Aid Certified and the majority are also
Lifeguard Certified. Eligibility for staff requires that counselors are at
least 18 years of age and are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a
4-year university. All drivers for out-of-camp trips are at least 21 years
of age.
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