Mission Statement:

We are devoted to helping those with special needs and those who support them by providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education, and recreation.

History:

Camp Tuolumne Trails was conceived in 2002 when its founders, Jerry and Paula Baker, started looking for ways to give back. After enjoying a successful career in the semiconductor industry, they felt it was time to move into the world of philanthropy. Many years before, the seed of supporting children with disabilities and special medical needs was planted when their youngest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Happily, he recovered, but the traumatic experience of caring for a seriously ill child gave them a perspective that would affect the rest of their lives. With this in mind, they established the Jerry and Paula Baker Foundation.

After retiring to the beautiful Sierra foothills, the concept of an accommodating and fully-accessible camp, purpose-built for children with special medical needs was born. In 2005, the Bakers and their team broke ground.

In June of 2008 Camp Tuolumne Trails welcomed its first campers. After a few years of partnering with organizations whose missions also support individuals with disabilities, Tuolumne Trails began to shift its focus. While individuals may age out of programs, they are still in need of respite and recreation. After growing to understand that there was a strong need for programs serving adults in the disabled community, Tuolumne Trails expanded its focus to running its own programs for individuals of all ages and abilities, their families, and returning veterans.

Sixteen years later, Tuolumne Trails continues its quest to be the most accommodating facility in the state, with added amenities and services to enrich the experience of all campers.

The Jerry and Paula Baker Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Visit our website at tuolumnetrails.org for more information.

About the Summer Program:

Camp Tuolumne Trails’ offers short-term residential summer programs for individuals with disabilities of all ages. CTT promotes a typical summer camp experience in a safe and accessible setting. Campers are able to socialize, practice independence, and advocate for their own needs in a safe and accommodating environment. Campers and counselors sleep in fully accessible cabins and participate in a variety of traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, campfires and sing-alongs, archery, field games, naturalist walks and scavenger hunts, gold-panning, hayrides, camp-outs, and many more.

Prior to our campers’ arrival, our seasonal staff participate in 10 full days of staff training. We train our staff in leading activities, service provider “do’s and don’ts”, personal care, and most importantly, how to have fun and create fun for our campers.

Volunteer Tasks:

Volunteers who want to participate in summer camp programs can lead special activities, offer support for program leaders, join our evening program "cheer" team, or help serve meals.

Volunteers interested in participating in tasks outside the summer program can support special building projects, perform light maintenance work, trail maintenance, or support special fundraising events.