FAQ
HOW IT WORKS
Trail Tykes
How long are the campouts?
Many campouts are one night. The campsite opens at 2pm on a Saturday and closes the following day at noon.
Some campouts are two nights, in which case the campsite opens at 2pm on the first day and closes two days later at noon. On two-night campouts, you have the option of attending for only one night; a separate signup will be made available for this option.
What is included?
Trails Together will provide the following supplies for use by participants during car camping: wash station (soap, sponge, basin), hand soap and hand sanitizer, two-burner stove, fuel, pot and pan, some cooking utensils (cutting board and knives, bbq tongs, spatula, wooden spoon), a poison oak treatment called Tecnu, family-friendly bug spray, as well as a bundle of firewood, a bag of charcoal, and s'mores fixings.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring camping gear, including tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, and head lamps, as well as weather-appropriate clothing and toiletries. Bring enough reusable plates, cups, and utensils for your family. Meals are potluck, so be sure to have serving dishes and utensils for your contribution. A detailed list will be provided by Trails Together, if needed.
What amenities are available at the campsite?
Most campsites, unless indicated in the campout description, have a fire pit and charcoal grill. All campgrounds have bathroom facilities, though they vary in style. Some have hot running water, flush toilets, electric lights, and showers. Others have flush toilets, cold running water, and no showers. Still others have pit toilets or porta-pottys and no immediate way to wash hands (other than at the spigot in the campsite).
Why are meals done as potluck?
In order to encourage the group to build community, all families will eat together. This also helps families who are less familiar with camping, so they only have to worry about bringing one dish per meal to share, rather than have to plan all the food for themselves. A spreadsheet will go out to families via email two weeks before the campout, so that everyone can sign up to bring food.
What about allergies?
You will have the opportunity on the potluck spreadsheet to indicate dietary restrictions and allergies; however, it is your responsibility to keep yourself and your children safe from allergies. If you or your child require an EpiPen for allergic reactions, be sure to bring one in your first aid kit. Some campgrounds are at least a half hour (or more) from a hospital.
Can I bring my dog?
All campsites, except for Henry Coe and Angel Island, allow dogs. Please indicate in "note to seller" that you plan to bring your dog(s). Dogs must be friendly and get along with children and other dogs. Dog owners must abide by the rules set by the state park, including keeping your dog on a leash, using the appropriate trails for dogs, and not leaving your dog unattended.
Is babysitting available during the campout?
Trails Together campouts are a time to connect with your family and build relationships with other families. You are expected to be responsible for the safety of your own children during a campout.
How do the subscriptions work?
You will pay a discounted rate up front for either all the campouts or for a block of campouts. Refunds are not available for subscriptions; however, your spot is transferable, so another family that you know may take your place if you cannot attend.
Trail Teens and Friends Together
How long are the backpacking outings?
Every outing is different. For the 2019 season, Trails Together will be offering several one-night weekend outings. Longer outings are available as a custom trip; please contact us for details.
What is included?
Trails Together will provide the following items: food (including all trail snacks) and group equipment, including pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, and in-camp water purification treatment. We also provide knowledgeable guides and pre-trip emails to give you an idea of what to expect on the trip.
What do I need to bring?
Each participant must provide their own personal equipment and bear canister. At the beginning of the trip, the canister will be filled with food, plus you will be given a portion of the group gear, which together may weigh up to 12 pounds. You will be required to limit your personal gear to 20 pounds or less, so that your total pack weight is less than 35 pounds, including up to 2 liters of water, which can account for almost another 5 pounds.
We require sturdy, fully broken-in boots with rubber lug soles for this trip. We recommend that you waterproof your boots before beginning the trip. For shelter, we strongly encourage you to bring a tent with a rain fly — a lightweight waterproof tarp is the required minimum. For rain gear, bring a waterproof jacket and pants instead of a poncho. Trails Together will send detailed equipment recommendations to participants well in advance of the trip.
Can my children attend without me?
Trails Together outings are a time to connect with your family and build relationships with other families. Trail Teens outings are designed for children and their parent(s). You are expected to be responsible for the safety of your own children on a backpacking outing.
May I bring electronic devices on a backpacking outing?
Electronic devices may not be used if they create a distraction or a disturbance to other outing participants. Devices that emit sounds must be kept to the participant's tent and be used with headphones. Headphones may not be used on trail, as participants must be able to hear clearly at all times, to hear directions from the staff and in the event of an emergency. Phones may be used as cameras on the trail and in camp. Discreet use for GPS or as a book is fine.
What do I need to know about medical issues and safety?
Backpacking outings take place in areas where the group may not have immediate access to 911 and emergency services. Staff is trained in Wilderness First Aid and carries an extensive first aid kit and satellite communication device. We ask that you also bring your own small first aid kit, with personal prescription medications and any needed over-the-counter medications.
The medical history of you and your family will be taken into consideration when you are going through the approval process. All medical information that you provide will be kept completely confidential and will be destroyed at the end of the outing.
Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Please review Trails Together's cancellation policy. If you do need to cancel for some reason, it is recommended that you have travel insurance. This will also help to cover the cost of other nonrefundable arrangements, such as airfare.