Life at Camp
Communications with the Outside World
The Summer Field Program is taught on the Plumas National Forest, nine miles west of Quincy. The outside world can reach you by mail and telephone at:
Mail: c/o University of California Forestry Camp, P.O. Box 340, Meadow Valley, CA 95956
Telephone: Cell phone reception is highly variable depending on carrier and location. Please, no calls during the day – tell your family and friends that you’ll be in class or out in the woods and unable to be disturbed. We will have an internet link set up so that you can read your email.
Living Arrangements
Accommodations consist of a number of 10-person (two people per room) dormitories. Rustic two-person cabins are also available. Beds and mattresses are provided, but students must provide their own bedding and pillows. Meals are provided by a cook and staff who are hired for the summer by the Department. There are no accommodations for visitors except on weekends. Prior approval for overnight visitors is required, and room charges should be paid to the Camp Manager. No pets are allowed.
Other facilities include a study hall, a dining hall, a fire circle, toilets, showers, clothes washers and dryers. Volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, and basketball areas are on-site, while other recreational opportunities exist at Bucks Lake, in Quincy, and in the surrounding Plumas National Forest.
Schedule
Forestry Camp facilities will open on Sunday morning before start of camp. Students will be expected to register by 5 p.m. There will be an informal evening organizational meeting that evening at 7 p.m. Classes will officially begin at 8 a.m. the following morning.
Upon arriving at Forestry Camp, students should report to the office in the “upper camp” area for assignment of accommodations. Parents or visitors accompanying students on their trip to Camp are encouraged to visit and familiarize themselves with the students, staff, and facilities.
Instruction and related activities occur Monday through Friday and on some weekends. Although there is considerable variation in the daily work schedule, a typical day goes something like:
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7:00 – 7:45 a.m. |
Breakfast and pack lunch |
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8:00 – 9:00 a.m. |
Lecture on the day’s work |
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9:15 a.m. |
Begin field work |
Lunches are usually eaten in the field.
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4:00 p.m. |
End of field work |
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6:00 – 6:30 p.m. |
Dinner |
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7:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
Evening study hall |
Climate
There may be occasional evening sessions and visitors to camp (alumni and other professionals who may be available to talk with students). Additionally, the students can plan on about one hour of chores per day such as clean-up and maintenance activities. On most nights, some time will be spent writing reports, making computations, or studying. Each student will be assigned some work related to closing of camp, and will be free to leave after this work has been satisfactorily completed.
Food Services
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served from Monday through Friday. Lunches are usually eaten in the field, and are prepared by each student following breakfast. A regular breakfast is served on Saturday, and a limited breakfast and full dinner is served on Sunday.
One or two dinners per week will be entirely vegetarian. Students who are vegetarians or who are on special diets should have indicated their needs on their application form. The cooks will make special arrangements to provide adequate food at all meals for vegetarians. However, students who do not eat any dairy products (milk, cheese or eggs) must contact the Program Director before going to camp.
A refrigerator and microwave oven are available for student use in the dining hall. The main kitchen is not available for student use. Because of wiring problems and potential fire hazards, hot plates are not allowed in the dining hall or in any other building at camp.
Medical Care
Students are required to provide proof of summer health insurance before leaving for camp and should also remember to take insurance cards to camp. Students currently registered on the Berkeley campus can obtain a SHIP card from the front desk at the University Health Service (Tang Center), 2222 Bancroft Way. Non-Berkeley students are responsible for acquiring their own insurance coverage. Those currently registered at another University of California campus should check with the student health service at that campus.
In addition to the student’s own health insurance, each registered Summer Camp student is covered by a $5,000 University insurance policy which covers injuries sustained in connection with University-sponsored activities. In the event that a student is seriously ill or injured during residence at camp, he or she will be taken to the hospital in Quincy and the person(s) the student has specified to be notified in case of illness will be informed. Normally, there will not be any out-of-pocket expenses for out-patient treatment. However, if prescription medication is required as a result of illness or injury while at camp, students should be prepared for out-of-pocket expense. Prescription cost may not be reimbursed or may be only partially reimbursed. If you currently require prescription medication, please acquire a supply adequate to your stay in summer camp prior to departure and remember to bring it with you. Students should be up-to-date for tetanus shots or boosters. Please see your doctor for advice and inoculation prior to leaving for camp.
Procedures for Obtaining Medical Attention
In the event you or a fellow student needs medical attention during residency at camp, you will be taken to a doctor, to a community clinic or to the Plumas District Hospital in Quincy. You or your escort should state that you are part of the UC Forestry Summer Field Program, and you should present your personal health insurance card [whether Tang Center (SHIP) or other insurance]. In addition, an American Home Assurance (the carrier for the $5000 policy) Proof of Loss Form must be filled out by the Camp Manager or by a GSI prior to receiving treatment. The filled-out form must be left with the doctor or hospital to be completed, signed and returned to the Camp Manager with the hospital’s invoice. If neither the Camp Manager nor a GSI is available, you or your escort should fill out the form. There are forms in all the camp vans and in the office. [Note: The American Home Assurance policy will cover only prescriptions that are required due to an illness or an accident that occurs during summer camp. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the emergency contacts person(s) you have specified will be informed.
Student Health Insurance Plan Coverage (SHIP)
To obtain authorization for non-emergency services call Tang Center at (510) 642-5700. Prior authorization for non emergency service is necessary to insure that the claim is paid. Note: SHIP will cover 80% of pharmacy changes up to $500 maximum per calendar year. In the case of emergencies, you must notify the Tang Center within 24 hours after receiving emergency treatment.
Other Health Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance coverage other than UCB SHIP, follow the instructions on your health insurance card. Most health plans require prior authorization for non-emergency service outside the home area and most health plans require notification within 24 to 48 hours after receiving emergency treatment outside the home area. Individual plans vary on their coverage of prescription medications.
Medical Bills
If the medical services you receive are not covered or only partially covered by SHIP or another health plan, you may receive an invoice in your name. If you receive such an invoice while you are at camp, give it to the Camp Manager. If you should receive an invoice after you leave camp, you must send the invoice to the ESPM Director of Administration and Operations at the address below. If they do not receive the invoice, it will not be paid and may affect your credit rating.
Getting to Camp
The GSI(s) will coordinate car pooling for transportation to camp. Students with cars with room for extra passengers and students desiring rides should identify themselves to the Program Director as soon as possible. There may also be room for passengers in the van(s) used to transport supplies up to camp.
Location
UC Forestry Camp
8091 Schneider Creek Rd
Meadow Valley, CA 95956-0340
Coordinates: 39°55’04.6″N, 121°03’46.1″W
c/o UC Forestry Camp
P.O. Box 340
Meadow Valley, CA 95956
Directions
To reach Forestry camp by car, you should: (1) drive to Quincy; (2) drive eight miles west from Quincy on the Buck’s Lake Road; (3) turn left on Schneider Creek Road, following signs directing you to the “University of California Forestry Camp” about three fourths of a mile east of the main road.
Detailed directions:
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From Quincy, go about 8 miles west on Bucks Lake Road
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Look for an old round concrete silo in the field to your left — Schneider Creek Road turns off about 1/4 mile past it. (If you pass the Meadow Valley Country Store or the Creekside Diner on the left you have gone too far).
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Turn left on Schneider Creek Road
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The pavement ends soon after crossing Meadow Valley Creek and the road travels up a gentle hill.
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Follow the left fork at the “Y” and cross Schneider Creek
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Take the second right turn (at the top of a gentle hill, less than 1/4 mile after you cross Schneider Creek).
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Look for the sign welcoming you to U.C. Forestry Camp. The gate is open when the camp is active.
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Please park in the parking area and walk into camp.
Costs
The Summer Field Program costs approximately $5,061 per UC Berkeley undergraduate student. Costs are higher for non-UC Berkeley students and graduate students.
UC Undergraduate Students
Only students who are currently enrolled in a degree program at a University of California campus, without academic sanctions, are eligible for the UC student rate.
$419 per unit$452 one-time Campus Fee (for ASUC, Student Services)
Total: $5,061
Additional fees may apply including a one-time, non-refundable Document Management Fee (new students only), and a Class Pass Transit fee (for students not registered in the previous spring). All fees for summer session are outlined at http://summer.berkeley.edu/application/fees
Visiting U.S. Students (Domestic undergraduate & graduate students)
See Summer Sessions fees and tuition. Forestry Camp consists of 11 units.
All fees are subject to change. For more information about summer fees, visit http://summer.berkeley.edu/registration/fees
The remaining costs, approximately $2200 per student to cover food and lodging are paid from our Schwabacher Endowment which is supported by generous donations from our alumni.
UC Berkeley students may be eligible for summer financial aid. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Office’s website for summer aid. Specific questions should be directed to Cal Student Central in 120 Sproul Hall or open a case online
Summer financial aid awards are based on the total costs of attending the Summer Field Program. Please see the Berkeley Summer Sessions website for details (http://summer.berkeley.edu/).
Equipment
A recommended equipment list will be provided upon acceptance to the program. For specialized equipment at camp, students will check out equipment as groups or individuals for field exercises. Students are responsible for maintaining this equipment and returning it to the GSIs. Lost or damaged equipment must be replaced and final course grades will be withheld if lost or damaged equipment is not paid for.
Camp Rules
We will try to make your stay at camp both educational and enjoyable. To facilitate the smooth running of camp students will be asked to elect a committee which meets weekly with the instructors, cook, and camp manager to discuss any matters of interest.
We expect that the rules noted below will be respected. Living in camp is a privilege. Persons who do not comply with these rules will lose the use of camp facilities.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all lectures, field exercises, field trips, and officially scheduled evening guest lectures. Absences of up to one full day are to be arranged with the instructor concerned; for absences of a longer period, the student must obtain permission from the Program Director.
Safety Policy: Hard hats, ankle-length pants, and heavy boots are to be worn for protection while in the field during official camp exercises. They are also to be worn in camp by all work parties which are operating outdoors. Safety goggles are to be worn during any operation which involves possible danger to eyes via small flying objects.
Access to Shop: Tools and other equipment stored in the camp shop are issued by the resident manager only. Students may not use the shop for any purpose, except when under direction of the resident manager. Damaged tools should be returned to the shop immediately. Students will be charged for the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that is lost or damaged through negligence or misuse.
Fire Equipment: Students will be trained in the use of fire equipment, which is to be used only in the event of fire, or as otherwise authorized by the camp director or teaching associate.
University Vehicles: University vehicles may be driven only by authorized drivers. Use of these vehicles is limited to official business associated with the instructional program and the administration and maintenance of the camp.
Standard of Conduct: Students enrolling at summer camp assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. Shoes and shirts (or equivalent dress) must be worn during meals. Students shall refrain from conduct which significantly interferes with teaching, administration, or other related activities, which endanger the health or safety of members of the camp community, or of visitors to the camp, and from disorderly conduct in the camp area or at camp-related events. The instructor in charge has the authority to suspend students from classes and/or to require the student to meet with the chair of the department division to resolve any problem.
Smoking: Smoking is permitted only in the main camp area centering on the campfire circle and inside the area bounded by a line between the buildings adjacent to this area provided the smoker is within a 3-foot diameter area cleared to mineral soil, is seated over the cleared area, and extinguishes the match and “smoke” in mineral soil. Smoking is not permitted in any of the camp buildings, University vehicles, or in the field.
Visitors: Parents and friends are welcome to visit camp between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on weekends. Arrangements for visitors at other times must be approved in writing in advance by the instructor in charge or, if the instructor is not available, the teaching associate.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times in the Dining Hall (including the porch), Fritz Hall, Zivnuska Hall, the Shop, the GSI Office.
Possession of bulk quantities of alcohol is prohibited. Bulk is defined as any amount of alcohol that is unreasonable for the individuals present to consume in a single sitting. An example of bulk alcohol would include, but is not limited to, a keg. Students aged 21 and over may possess alcohol in their bunkhouse rooms or shanties. The inability to exercise care for one’s own safety or the safety of others due in whole or in part to alcohol consumption or the use of controlled substances is considered a violation of policy.
Personal Vehicles: Student-owned automobiles, motorcycles, and other personal vehicles must be parked in the parking area north of camp provided for that purpose. Since the dust created by vehicles in camp can be a real problem, personal vehicles may not be driven into or through camp. Vehicles may be brought to the edge of camp only on: (a) opening day of camp; (b) last day of camp; (c) other times as approved by the instructor-in-charge, teaching associate, or camp manager The speed limit in camp is 5 MPH.
Miscellaneous:
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Absolutely no pets or firearms
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Personal stereo units with earphones are OK, but please don’t bring stereos with speakers (trust us, it makes for big problems)
If You Have Questions Contact:
Scott Stephens, Forestry Summer Field Program
Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
130 Mulford Hall, MC 3114
Berkeley, CA 94720-3114