Our Roots
Camp Unalayee was founded in 1949 in the coastal mountain range above Santa Cruz, California.  Unalayee was originally started by the American Friends, and while an independent organization since 1956, the camp still holds peace, community and nature as high ideals.  In 1960 the camp moved to its current location in the Trinity Alps of Northern California.  In 1968 the lands around our property in the Shasta-Trinity forest were designated an official primitive area.  In 1985 when the Trinity Alps Wilderness area was officially created our land holding was "grand-fathered" and allowed to remain private.

Our mission is to bring together children from all walks of life to learn the lessons of respect for nature and community, as well as sharing the joys of camping and backpacking. 

After operating for over 50 years we still maintain close connections to our root values of diversity, community and simplicity.  We practice the "Leave No Trace" wilderness ethics.  Camp Unalayee operates as an independent private camp under as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.