A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
March 05, 2009

Welcome to the Friends of San Jose Family Camp website.

The 2008 regular summer camping season and the two mini-weekends at the end of the season were very successful. The number of camp reservations were up significantly from 2007, with many new campers and a 95% approval rating by the campers. For 2009 reservations see the "Camp Reservations" link on the left.

The Friends again contributed thousands of volunteer hours throughout the year to the camp, particularly at Fish Camp and the major work weekends in May and June (the dates and application forms for membership in the Friends, Fish Camp and the major work parties can be found on the website). In addition, the Friends again donated free donuts and coffee at Camp Pre-registration and conducted fund-raising raffles during the year with a number of great prizes.

The “Happy Moo Year” donation campaign was successful in raising some $1400.00 to buy a new milk dispenser for the dining room. This year, the Friends will ask for donations for the “Barbeque Boost”, which will be used for replacing the burners on the outside BBQ. The Friends again raised funds from their concession stand at the Strawberry Festival at Camp Mather during the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Gil Dovalina and Joe Garvin will again return as camp manager and assistant manager, respectively, and Art Catbagan will continue to oversee San Jose Family Camp for the City of San Jose. City personnel continue to work with the National Park Service on a 20-year lease renewal and master plan for Family Camp.

The Friends learned that Deb Crow, one of our hardest working members, passed away in January, 2009, just short of his 101st birthday. He was born January 28, 1908. That’s 100+ years!! Family camp is good for you.

Finally, the Friends will again provide complimentary specialty coffees and teas on the patio deck on weekends during the regular camping season, and assist camp staff as necessary.

We shall look forward to seeing you at camp this year!

Garry W. Solmonson
President,
Friends of San Jose Family Camp