2025 Camp Tasty Gazette Vol. 1 – Registration is Officially Open! 

Howdy Ho Tasty Campers!

Summer is in full swing and while the Bay Area might be one of the coldest on record, we’re coming in HOTT with two T’s as we’re off to the races for Camp Tasty! Time got away from us and we didn’t send as many updates leading up so this Gazette will be jam packed with details. Per usual, we’re heading back to Black Oak Ranch for another fun-filled weekend – Friday, Sep 26 – Monday, Sep 29. And registration is officially open.  Let’s jump right in.

In this edition of the Gazette… (all editions are posted to our Tasty website)

  • Ready, Set, Register!
  • Camp Dues
    • What’s included
    • Sliding scale
    • Paying Your Dues
    • Refund policy
  • Camp Experience
  • Inviting Guests
  • Calling All Volunteers!

Ready, Set, Register!

Camp Tasty registration is now open! Please complete the registration form and submit your camp dues to lock in your place. First folks to register get preferential placement and our planners’ gratitude. Register and pay your dues by Sept 14 to avoid late fees. If you are nearly positive you’ll come, but not quite ready to commit, complete the registration form anyway, or let us know via email, so we can plan accordingly. Registration closes after Sept 21.

Camp Dues

  • Adults 18+: Sliding scale from $325++ until Sept 14. $360++ afterwards.
  • Youth 6-17: Sliding scale from $160++ (No late pricing for youth.) 
  • Kids <5: $0

What’s included: ALL meals(!), pop-up food and drink, artisanal coffee, tiki drinks, schwag for all, and a priceless great time. 

++Sliding scale++: Able to contribute more? This year we’re asking anyone who can give more, please do in support of next year’s 20th anniversary of Tasty! We’ve got special plans in store and would love to finally get serious about leaving our teen years behind. So we’re encouraging folks who can contribute $325 or higher to do so. And as always, for those in tougher financial situations, let us know as we do have scholarships.

Paying Your Dues

To secure your spot at Camp Tasty, complete the registration form and then PayPal the total amount as a PERSONAL payment to: https://paypal.me/tastysf. To make alternate payment arrangements, please email tastytastysf@gmail.com. 

Refund policy

We know unexpected things can happen, but we also have significant upfront budget commitments for planning for this event and once those are locked in we need to cover those costs. So any time before Sept 14, we can provide a full refund of your camp dues. After Sept 15, we’ll return as much as we can.

Camp Experience

In case you’re new to Camp Tasty, a reminder of what’s in store for you:

  • Music-filled nights and fun-filled days at the Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville, CA.
  • All meals from Friday dinner to Monday brunch
  • Tasty snacks and late night eats
  • Teepees for sleeping, bathrooms, showers, kitchen facilities, and parking
  • Unparalleled community, priceless memories, and much much more!

Inviting Guests

Your friends and family are welcome… if you know they’re TASTY. Our community is what it is because of the deep friendships, old or new, developed through shared experience, so be intentional with who you bring. You’re accountable for your guests, so please ensure they’re up to speed on Tasty and bring the right spirit. 

Calling all Volunteers!

Many of you know that Camp Tasty is a community event that is made possible by every single person who volunteers a bit of time. We expect everyone to volunteer some time and we’ve created roles for all ages including kiddos! From ambiance and lighting to karaoke and kids activities, we’re putting out our call for everyone to help bring this year’s event to life! Please take a peek at the roles available and put your name down for something in this sheet. Our team captains thank you in advance! 

  • Teepee Hosts
    • For those new to Camp Tasty, every year we transform the 10+ teepees around the campfire into a fun-filled event of magic and wonder for all ages. This year’s teepee crawl theme is….Carnival! It’s where neon lights meet samba nights, midway thrills collide with circus chills, and every beat feels like a ride. From county fair kitsch to Caribbean flair, it’s a kaleidoscope of music, magic, and mayhem.
    • Want to create your own magical Carnival? We have modest stipends available to help teepee hosts bring their ideas to life. If you don’t have your idea totally fleshed it’s ok, submit one anyway! Note: If you wait too long to submit your idea, stipends will not be guaranteed after a certain point. 
  • Caretakers and Overseers
    • These are the folks that keep the camp humming. Operations, stage manager, welcome tent, etc. 
  • Builders and Dreamers
    • Build it up and break it down. These folks create and take down the infrastructure. From truck load and strike, to big top decor and everything in between. 
  • Creators and Makers
    • Calling all creative to breathe life and fun into our weekend. We need our DJs, performers, and artists… no idea too big. Some past art includes Bear Car, the Moth, fluffy clouds, and the disco dancefloor. Some past activities include Framily Feud, Todd Talks, yoga, bubble olympics, and karaoke lounge. Note: DJs / Live Music please use this form to sign up.
  • Nourishers
    • Food for the soul. What’s a Tasty event without this? These folks keep us nourished all weekend from coffee and bloody marys to last night snacks and big top bar. Sign up for a role or if you feel inspired, come up with a snack of your choice and serve it up! Past food pop ups include an ice cream social, lumpia rolling, and anything and everything from Dang’s (In)Famous Bamboo Lantern.
  • The Next Generation
    • Calling all parents to provide a safe and fun weekend for our Tasty Tots. We need volunteers to run everything from our Art Shack and Kiddie Pool to keeping our Big Top tidy.

That’s all for now. Happy trails!

 Jen & your Camp Tasty Captains

[PLEASE READ] Final Camp Tasty Details: Schedule, Directions, Parking, Weather, Reminders! 

Fellow campers!

Camp Tasty begins THIS FRIDAY! This is our final email with important information. Be sure to read through. If anything pressing comes up last minute we’ll send one more communication Thursday night. But we should be set to party in the wilderness all weekend long!

In this edition…

  • Key Links
  • Request for Starlink
  • Program Schedule
  • How to get to Camp
  • Parking
  • Parent To-Do’s
  • Don’t Forget to Bring
  • Food Details
  • Weather
  • Strike reminder
  • Covid reminder

Key References

Starlink anyone??

Last year we had a Starlink on site and it really made communicating and any last minute changes super easy. If anyone has a Starlink they can bring, we would be very appreciative. Give me or Amit W. a shout. 

Program Schedule

Thanks to the creativity and excitement our community has, we have an action packed weekend of events which have been thoughtfully curated and turned into this awesome schedule and Teepee Crawl teepees you can find here. This year we also have mobile-friendly JPGs you can save to your phone. Zip file attached to this email.

How to get to Camp

In case you haven’t been to Camp Tasty, please make sure to refer to the directions section of the cheat sheet for point by point directions. It can be a bit tricky to find especially if you are arriving when it’s dark. Make sure to print and/or save the directions to your phone. 

Parking 

When you arrive, you’ll be directed to an unloading zone where you can temporarily park to sign-in and unload your things. Have your headlamp ready if you’re arriving after dark. We’ll have a few wagons available to help get your stuff from the unloading zone to your spot for the weekend. If you have a wagon, please bring it. Once you’ve finished checking in and unloading, move your car ASAP to the main parking area. Drive back the way you came to get to the parking area. You’ll see signs. We CANNOT leave cars in the unloading area.

Parent To-Do’s

This year we’ll have 25 kids in attendance. In advance, we’re asking parents to: 

  • Review the Parents Guide that was emailed to you and can be found on our website
  • E-sign the waiver emailed to you if you would like your child to use the Bounce House or Kiddie Pools. A copy can be found here.
  • Ensure there is adult supervision at the pool and bounce house at all times

Don’t Forget to Bring

  • uncheckedWine, Cheese or Charcuterie for Sunday Social 
  • uncheckedPuzzles and Costumes for the Swap
  • uncheckedStrange Brew for Strange Brews

Food Details [those with restrictions please read]

All meals from Friday night to Monday morning are included. We will also provide some late night eats too. This year we have an Asian influenced menu. We also have a lot of folks with dietary restrictions. So the team at Black Oak has asked that all folks with specific restrictions (vegan, veggie, GF, etc) introduce themselves to MJ. There is a fridge with limited space to store any specific items you want to bring for yourself. Just be sure to label it with your name. And please do not keep food in your tent!

Weather

As of today, Accuweather (the app of choice by Black Oak Ranch staff for local weather) is forecasting some great weather. Highs in the 80-90 range and lows in the 40s-50s. So be prepared for hot days and cold-ish nights.

Strike reminder

Strike is something we ALL must participate in no matter if you leave Sunday night or Monday. Monday morning, strike will begin at 9:30am and we must have the truck packed and ready to leave by 12pm. (Note that this overlaps with brunch so plan accordingly.) Camp Tasy is a leave no trace event. You’re responsible for packing out everything you bring in. Please do your part by striking your personal camp space and helping on a task or two with the main strike. 

COVID-19 Reminder

Yes, this is still a thing. COVID cases have been on the uptick again and flu season is coming up. Please test and stay home if you’re not feeling well. Use good common sense to reduce your chance of exposure before the event. You’ll officially be disinvited if you get others sick =)

Ok, that’s it. Final cross checks as we prepare to blast off to Black Oak this weekend. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out. Otherwise….

See you at CAMP! Jen & your Camp Tasty Captains 

Parents Guide to Camp Tasty 2024

Dear Tasty parents,

We’re so glad you and your kiddos are choosing to attend Camp Tasty.  We have an array of fun activities this year, along with the opportunities for kids to explore nature, experience the Art Teepees, dance to music, make arts and crafts, and create lasting memories with new and old friends.  

Kid Friendly Activities!

  • Art Shack- Anyone is welcome to use materials on the tables to get creative and make a project.  We’ll have a mix of paints, brushes, markers, paper, stickers, tape and other items to use.  If you have any to share/donate, please drop them off Friday or whenever you arrive.  We’ll have this available all weekend long.
  • Campfire S’mores – Friday and Saturday eve around 9pm, huddle around the big firepit amidst the teepees for the classic camping snack all kids love.
  • Paper Lantern Making – Saturday morning from 10-11:30am, come on down to the art shack to decorate your very own paper lantern.  Once completed we’ll hang these somewhere everyone can see and light them up at night!
  • Costume and Jigsaw Puzzle Swap – Saturday from 10:30am – 1:00pm during brunch, swing by the art shack to drop off any unwanted costumes (kid/adult) or puzzles in exchange for fresh digs and new puzzles
  • Bubble Olympics – Head to the Big Top at 1:00pm Saturday to try your hand at making the biggest bubbles Camp Tasty has ever seen.
  • Saturday Social – The Rainbow Stage will host several tasty treats, beats and special portraits, along with ice cream at the hottest part of the day 3:30pm. You know we all scream for ice cream!
  • Teepee Crawl – Help your kids dress up and get excited for the legendary Teepee Crawl Saturday 7:30-9:30pm.  Enter the Enchanted Realms of different teepees and savor their unique treasures, treats and libations, both boozy and non-alcoholic. Bring cups. Don’t miss Forest Glimmers teepee for evening storytime!
  • Enchanted Walking Stick and Magic Wand Workshop – Come down to the art shack Sunday from 10-11:30am for a whimsical crafting journey to create your very own walking stick or magic wand.
  • Cyanotype Photography – Sunday at 1:00pm starting at the art shack, scavenge around the festival grounds for items from nature to make into a unique photograph.  Completed cyanotype photos will be hung up to dry and taken home
  • Bicycles – Not essential but it is a bike friendly space if you want to bring them

Important Things to Note:

  • Friday dinner is not until 7p. Some snacks will be available in the Dish Room (supplies are limited), but if you’re accustomed to eating early, plan accordingly.
  • Brunch is not until 10:30am each day.  If you or your kids are hungry feel free to grab DIY breakfast snacks from the kitchen washroom in the morning.
  • If you need to store a few refrigerated items, feel free to use the fridge in the kitchen washroom but please bag and label them.
  • If you’re looking for quiet, Kids Camp is the camping area farthest from the Big Top, on the other side of the kitchen.
  • Please help participate in cleanup of the Dining Commons area after each meal.  Get your kids involved too! Trash bags will be provided to you.
  • The Welcome Table will have necessities including first aid kit, calamine lotion, earplugs, Advil, etc.

Bounce House

  • We’ll have a bounce house set up throughout the weekend for kiddos to play in
  • Maximum 6 kids at a time
  • Bounce house can be turned on in the morning (ideally after 10am so as not to disturb folks sleeping) and should be turned off before dinner at 6pm 
  • Please review and sign the waiver below- it is YOUR responsibility to look after your kids in the bounce house and intervene if there is unsafe behavior

Kiddie pools

  • We’ll have a shallow and deeper kiddie pool set up for kids to cool off and splash around in from 1-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Bring a towel! 
  • Please review and sign the waiver below – it is YOUR responsibility to monitor your kids or arrange to have someone watch them.

Other general information:

How to identify poison oak:

Poison Oak has three leaflets that connect to a single stem. Its leaves resemble oak tree leaves. Poison Oak grows as a vine or shrub.

If exposed to Poison Oak:

  • Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water
  • Wash your clothing
  • Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface
  • Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection

It’s unlikely any bears will come into camp, but if you decide to go hiking (there was a sighting last year)…

What to do:

  • If you encounter a bear while hiking and it does not see you. Back away and increase your distance. Clap hands or make noise so the bear knows you are there and will move on.
  • If you encounter a bear on the trail and it sees you. Do not make eye contact. Back away, do not run. Let the bear know you are not a threat. Give it a chance to leave.
  • If a bear approaches you, make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving arms. Use noisemakers, or yell at the bear. If small children are present, keep them close to you. Carry and know how to use bear spray as a deterrent. In the event of a black bear attack, it is usually recommended to fight back. However, each situation is different. Prevention is the key.