Activities

YMCA Camp Marston and Raintree Ranch offer a wide range of guided and self guided activities.

The following activities are lead by our trained staff.

They are available for your group by request at the time of booking or during one of our famous family camps:

The Climbing Tower

The Marston Tower, equivalent in height to a 5-story building, is a way for guests to challenge themselves in a safe environment.  Guests set a personal goal, then try to achieve it with the support of others on the ground.  Helmets, belay lines and trained staff follow industry-standard practices to ensure safety on this memorable camp activity.

Marksmanship

Fort Marston is the site of our newest program area.  We just finished rebuilding the air rifle range into one of the nation's finest.  Guests learn responsibility and safety while handling our BB air rifles.  Strict supervision and clear range rules help Guests learn firearm respect and safety.

Archery

This time-honored camp activity is quite possibly our most popular. Our trained staff lead your group through the process of learning to shoot a bow and arrow. Before long everyone in your group will be hitting the target.

Canoeing

Currently due to drought conditions our lake is dry. Depending on the wet season we may have it back before to long - fingers crossed!!

Arts and Crafts

Depending on what your group would like to do we have some options. Make an arrowhead out of wood, a Gods eye or one of our crafts on offer - something fun and easy to take home as a souvenir!

Panning for Gold

Hark back to the days when Julian was a gold mining town. We have our own small "claim" where one of our staff will lead your group through the process of panning for gold. With some skill and a whole lot of luck you may walk away with a few "Marston nuggets"! BONANZA!!!

The following activities are available to all groups all of the time.

They are self guided activities:

Frisbee Golf

Our version of frisbee golf takes some pretty nifty disc work. Navigate your way through the forest on our 9 hole course.

Wild West Quest

Take the gang on a treasure hunt of sorts. Follow the character clues to different spots around camp and they will lead you to the final destination.

Critter Hunt

For the younger group members. Go on a hunt beneath the oak trees to find replicas of critters. See if you can answer the questions and match them up to the critters you find.

Paper Airplanes

An old favorite. Take some time out and see who can make the best flyer.

Indoor and Outdoor Games

We have an assortment of sports balls to play with by our grass field. During days when the sun is not so hot you can escape indoors and enjoy some pool, ping pong or foos ball or just read a book and relax in front of the fire in Lower Holmes Lodge.

Kumeeyaay Zone

You can take some time out in our very own wikiup or you can crush acorns the way the Kumeyaay used to. Acorns are usually plentiful and continue to be the source of great amazement for our younger group members.