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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

If you don't see an answer to your question here,it may be addressed on the "Facilities" page. Contact us if you don't find the information you need.

Question:	I have never drummed before. Is this a suitable event for me?
Answer:	Absolutely! There will be basic skills classes each day and every teacher will teach a beginning class. Drum circles are facilitated and the leader will help you participate. Contact Jackie if you would like to talk with someone who was new to drumming when she first came to camp.

Question:	I don't have a drum. Will there be drums available for me to use?
Answer:	Some of us will bring extra drums that you can borrow during classes and events. Each of these drums will be placed in an appropriate room for the classes being taught. The drums may not be removed from the rooms where they are placed. Sue Lundquist will bring about 20 congas and small djembes that she will rent. The cost is $20 for the week-end. You can arrange a rental with Sue in advance or contact her when you arrive at camp. Please contact Sue directly for more information or to reserve a rental drum. email: suelundquist@earthlink.net phone: 544-488-1078. You can also bring other percussion instruments such as bells and shakers.

Question:	Are scholarships or financial assistance available to help with the cost of camp?
Answer:	We want Born to Drum to be accessible to all women. A limited number of work study positions are available to assist women with the cost of camp. This is a needs-based program. Work Study applications are closed for this year. Please check with us next year to apply for Born to Drum 2009.

Question:	I would like to bring my child with me to camp. Is that okay? If not, can he or she visit me at camp?
Answer:	Our current camp is designed for women and girls 15 years old or older. We cannot accommodate younger children on site even as visitors. If your young child needs to visit you, please arrange to meet off site. Point Reyes Station and Petaluma are both nearby. If you are interested in helping to develop a program for children for future camps, please contact us.

Question:	I would like to sell my art, crafts, etc at camp. Will there be a marketplace?
Answer:	Yes, we will have a marketplace. This year you will be able to participate in the marketplace on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Costs are $40 per day for women who are not attending for the week-end; $25 per day for women who are registered for the week-end. This is a women-only event and only women may participate in the marketplace; As noted above, we cannot accommodate children. An marketplace application form will be available soon.

Question:	I have special meal requirements that may not be met by the camp offerings. Is there a place where I can keep food and/or cook for myself?
Answer:	The camp chefs make an excellent effort to meet our needs. If you have special needs it is a good idea to bring some food to ensure that your nutritional requirements are met. There is a refrigerator in the Naturalists Kitchen (next to Muir Room). Fires are not permitted at the camp. Women staying in private or semi-private rooms have access to refrigerator and stove. These are available only to women how have selected this type of accommodation.

Question:	Is food available outside of meal hours?
Answer:	Born to Drum will have snacks, coffee, and tea available for purchase in one of the purlbic rooms and at the concert. This will be on the "honor system". Please bring change and dollar bills! The Ranch store may be open during the day and will also have snacks. Sodas may be purchased from a vending machine outside the Ranch office. The Ranch drinking water is good and we encourage to bring refillable containers for your water, though bottled water is also available at the Ranch store.

Question:	Are computer facilities and wireless available?
Answer:	There are several wireless networks on site. No password is needed,. Here is a .pdf document with information about wireless access. Some computers are also available. These are in the building where we will sell Born to Drum and Women Drummers International tee shirts and teacher CDs so there may be limited access. See one of the Born to Drum volunteers if you have an emergency.

Question:	Will my cell phone work at camp?
Answer:	According the the conference center information, cell Phones do not work at Walker Creek Ranch. Two payphones are available for guests at the Ranch Office (415-663-9904) and Buckeye Meeting Room deck (415-663-9907). These phones are set up to receive calls.

Question:	How can I be reached in an emergency at home?
Answer:	During business hours an emergency message can be left at the Ranch office at 415-491-6603. Two payphones are available for guests at the Ranch Office (415-663-9904) and Buckeye Meeting Room deck (415-663-9907). These phones are set up to receive calls. There are no arrangements to take messages at these phones. We will set up a message board that you can check if you are expecting a call. As noted above wireless computer service is available and you can also be reached by email.

Question:	What will the weather be like at camp?
Answer:	According to the conference center information, "The weather varies greatly at the Ranch at all times of the year. Be prepared for both hot, sunny California days and cool, foggy Coastal conditions. Bring both your sweater and shorts!"

Question:	Is there a pool at the ranch?
Answer:	There is no pool; however Turtle Pond is a brief hike from the main camp buildings. Swimming is allowed only when a lifeguard is present. We hope to have a lifeguard and if so swimming hours will be posted.

Question:	I am camping. Are there facilities for showers and bathrooms nearby for me?
Answer:	There are showers and bathrooms available for campers. These are all near the main classrooms, dorms, etc. If you prefer more remote camping place you will need to come to the central area to use the showers and bathrooms.

Question:	I would like to camp but don't own a camper or tent. Are there rentals?
Answer:	REI has a small number of rental tents. You can contact them at one of their store locations. You can find these on line at the REI web site. You might also ask this question on the Born to Drum Yahoo Group. If you are not already a member you can join here: Born to Drum yahoo group.

Question:	Can I bring my camper, van, etc and register as a camper?
Answer:	Yes, you can camp in your van, camper, pop up tent, etc., and you may register as a camper.

Question:	Are there "hook-ups" and electrical outlets for campers/vans et?
Answer:	No, there are no hook-ups for campers and vans. There are no electrical outlets for you to plug your camper or van into.

Question:	I'm bringing my tent. Are there restrictions on where I can put it up?
Answer:	There are many beautiful locations for your tent; Some are close to the classes and events; others are more remote. There are no restrictions on where you can put your tent.

Question:	I'd like to come early on Friday to select my room and get set up in the dorm before registration. Is that okay?
Answer:	Dormitory rooms will be available after the first class. Private and Semi-Private rooms will be available after you register. These rooms are assigned and must register before going to your room. Campers can set up their tents before registration but Walker Creek Ranch facilities will not be available until 1pm.A group of young people is leaving on Friday morning. Staff will be cleaning the dormitories in the morning. The Ranch staff wants to make sure that everything is clean and in order for us and will let us know when each dorm is available. There is ample space in the dorms and they are very comfortable. So we are confident you will be able to find a good space in the dorm.

Question:	I need a ride or would like to ride share. How can I arrange this?
Answer:	You can use the Born to Drum Yahoo group to seek a ride or to organize ride-sharing. If you are not already a member you can join from the link on our main page.

Question:	I have a cpap machine or other medical/health requirement for an electrical outlet. Will that be available in my room?
Answer:	Electrical outlets are available in semi-private and private rooms. Since the dorms don't have outlets, the staff will run a electric to one of the dorms for those that require this. Let us know your need at registration and we'll help you get your room. The dorm room will also have a sign identifying it.