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Camp Facilities

 

On this Page:

Location

What to Bring

Camp Rules

Photographs/Videos

Driving Directions

 

Location

This year will be gathering at Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma, CA

The address is 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road • Petaluma, CA 94952.

Here are some highlights of this beautiful location.  You can find additional information at the Walker Creek Ranch web site.

 

Nearby Location:  The Ranch is less than 50 miles from Oakland and San Francisco and is about an hour's drive from either location. It is 14 miles South West of Petaluma. For driving directions, see below.

Flexible Accommodations:  We are able to choices of accommodation -- including spaces for tents and RV's, dormitories of various sizes, semi-private rooms,and private rooms.  The dormitories are spacious. Semi-private and private rooms include a shared public space with kitchen amenities.  Prices vary depending on accommodations selected.  See our home page for camp costs. We are also able to provide commuter options and day passes.  All prices are on the main page.

Good and healthy food:  The chef uses local and organic produce whenever possible, including fresh herbs and vegetables from the  Ranch garden.  Vegetarian and Vega options are available and special needs will be accommodated.  The chef is a woman who is enthusiastic about the camp -- we hope to see her in some classes!

Classrooms:  There are ample classrooms of various sizes, including several large rooms, and an outdoor amphitheater and fire pit.  We will be able to accommodate all of our classes and workshops indoors even in the event of inclement weather.

Natural Setting:  "Walker Creek Ranch is located on 1,741 acres in pristine West Marin County ... and is blessed with diverse habitat and an abundance of wildlife."  A creek runs through the property and Turtle Pond will be available for swimming.  There are many hiking trails at the camp. 

This is the land of the Miwok First People, and we honor their presence. 

Room for Growth:  The conference center can accommodate 400 people.  If the Ranch works for us this year, we will be able to continue to develop new programs and grow existing ones, without having to find another location.

Exclusive use:  Born to Drum has reserved the Ranch for the week-end and will have exclusive access to the facilities while we are at camp.

 

What to Bring

Download the list of What to Bring

If you are camping or staying in the Dorm: Bring a sleeping bag or linens , blanket, pillow , towel and washcloth-- Sheets and blankets are not provided at the camp


If you are staying in a semi-private or private room: linens, blanket, and pillow, washcloth and towel are provided.


Weather: 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!"

 

  • Your drum(s) or percussion instrument(s)!
  • Tape recorder and tapes or other recording device with extra batteries, a notebook to write in
  • Tape or band aids for your fingers – plain white adhesive is good.
  • We will have several altars in the main room; you are invited to bring photos of departed loved ones for the ancestor altar and also sacred items for the other altar. If you do, please remember to take your items from the altars before you leave!
  • If you would like to participate in gifting to Jeannette Anglin and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, there will be a basket at registration where you can place a small gift.
  • You may want to bring some material to decorate your room or to make your bunk more private. You might also want to bring a piece of foam to make your bunk more comfortable.
  • Snacks for quick energy between classes
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Prescription Medications
  • Pajamas
  • Towel and wash cloth
  • Toiletries, Soap/shampoo
  • Earplugs
  • Sunscreen (#15 +)
  • Flashlight
  • Changes of clothes
  • Sturdy shoes for hiking
  • Warm jacket
  • Raincoat
  • Day Pack
  • Bathing suit for swimming in Turtle Pond!
  • Alarm clock for waking up on time and watches to keep track of class time schedules throughout the day.
  • Still Camera (no videos please)
  • If you are hiking, extra shoes and socks
  • Quarters and soap for laundry
  • Change or dollar bills for vending machines
  • Cash or checkbook for Marketplace items (see below)

See class descriptions for teachers’ suggestions about instruments to bring to classes.

Walker Creek Ranch and Born to Drum assume no responsibility for loss of or damage to personal property. Please do not bring unnecessary items of value. You may want to carry with you or lock in your car any valuables that you must bring.


Teacher CDs, T-Shirts and Marketplace--Our faculty are invited to bring CDs which we will be sold at the marketplace. We will have T-Shirts, scoop-necked shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts with our beautiful logo for sale. There will also be a marketplace including goods and body work. So you may want to bring some cash or your check book as well!

 

Camp Rules

The Walker Creek Ranch has rules that we must follow.  Failure to do so could result in individuals or the group being asked to leave the facility and could jeopardize our future use of Walker Creek Ranch.

We are able to drum outdoors until 10 pm; after 10 pm we can drum indoors as long as we want.  Rooms will be set aside for late-night drumming including a facilitated drum circle.

The following are not allowed on the premises:

  • illegal substances
  • fireworks,
  • pets
  • weapons of any kind

Smoking is never allowed in a building. When smoking outdoors, please deposit butts in appropriate containers, and NOT in trash cans or the campfire

Photographs and Videos

There will be designated camp photographers and videographers at camp. These media materials will be used for Born to Drum promotional purposes.

  • Video photography is NOT allowed, other than by the designated camp photographers.
  • Still photography is allowed during classes, and teacher performances, with permission of the teacher.
  • Photos are not allowed during the opening and closing ceremonies, other than by the designated camp photographers.
  • Please respect our faculty by asking their permission before taking their picture.

 

Driving directions

Download Directions

Directions coming Northbound on Highway 101

* U. S. 101 to San Marin/Atherton exit in Novato.
* LEFT on San Marin, over freeway. Follow about 3 miles.
* RIGHT on Novato Boulevard. Drive about 6.3 miles until you reach Point Reyes/ Petaluma Road.
* RIGHT on Point Reyes/Petaluma Road. Follow about 1⁄4 mile to Hicks Valley Road.
* LEFT on Hicks Valley Road. Follow about 3.3 miles to Marshall/Petaluma Road.
* LEFT on Marshall/Petaluma Road. Proceed 5 miles to 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road.
* Ranch entrance is on the right


Directions coming Southbound on Highway 101
* U.S. 101 to East Washington exit in Petaluma.
* RIGHT on Washington. Follow to Petaluma Blvd.
* LEFT onto Petaluma Blvd. Follow one block.
* RIGHT onto Western Ave. Continue approximately 2 miles until you see a sign for Walker Creek Ranch.
* LEFT onto Chileno Valley Road. This becomes Wilson Hill Road, and eventually becomes Marshall/Petaluma Road.
* Drive approximately 14 miles to 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road
* Ranch entrance is on the right.

For directions from a specific location, enter the information here with the "To" address 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road, Petaluma, CA: