Dear Aachis & Annans — get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Mt. Madonna. Two nights, one community, and plenty of songs around the fire.
Overnight and day-camper registration are now closed. Thank you to everyone who signed up — see you at Mt. Madonna!
This year's Labor Day adventure is packed with hiking through Valley View, a Saturday BBQ lunch, evening songs and arattai around the fire, and s'mores for the kids (and the rest of us). Friday dinner is served for overnight campers — no potluck needed.
Monday, September 7 is Labor Day — a perfect rest day after the trip.
Two schedules — one for the full overnight stay, one for day campers joining just on Saturday.
Two ways to join Saturday: Option A starts at the 8 AM hike, Option B joins later for the BBQ. Pick whichever fits your family.
Two lists below — Overnight campers need sleep gear, day campers don't. Tap a category to expand it. Notes on renting locally are included where relevant.
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent (2/4/6-person) | Size for your group. A "6-person" tent fits tight with no gear room — size up if you can. | Yes – Sports Basement, REI | Amazon Basics Camping Tent, 3-Season Dome w/ Rainfly |
| Tarp/footprint (under tent) | Protects the tent floor from moisture and rocks. | Not usually – cheap to buy | REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Tarp |
| Sleeping bags | Nights run 50–60°F, but low-30s isn't unheard of with fog — pack a 30–40°F bag, not a summer bag. | Yes – Sports Basement, REI | Amazon Basics 30°F Sleeping Bag |
| Sleeping pad/mattress | Insulates from cold ground — matters as much as the bag rating. | Yes – Sports Basement, REI | Wevelel 3.1" Self-Inflating Pad |
| Extra blankets | Good backup layer, especially for kids. | No | Use what you have at home |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dustpan with brush | To clean the tent every night. | No | Dust Pans with Brush |
| Wet wipes | To clean the tent before packing it up. | No | Clorox Disinfecting Wipes |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp chairs (1–2 per person) | Look for packable ones — extra seating matters for groups. | Yes – Sports Basement | Amazon Best Sellers: Camping Chairs |
| Extra tarp for gathering area | Great shared shade/rain spot for group hangouts. | No – buy | REDCAMP Waterproof Tarp |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking water + reusable bottles | Bring your own. At least 1 gallon per person. | No | — |
| Coolers | 1 per family (especially those bringing milk and chicken). | Yes – Sports Basement | Coleman Chiller Cooler (9/16/30/48/60qt), Ice Retention |
| Reusable plates/cups/bowls/utensils | No paper products provided by camp organizers — pack enough for every meal and family member. | No | 48-Pc Unbreakable Dinnerware Set |
| Snacks | Pack as required. Bring enough to share with the group if possible. | No | — |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanterns / flashlights | One for the tent, one for carrying around, one for kids. Bring extras + batteries — little to no cell service in the park. | Not usually – cheap to buy | Tent: Lepro Rechargeable LED Lantern · Carrying: LED Camping Lantern (2-Pack) · Kids: Blukar LED Headlamp / Ozark Trail Mini LED Headlamp |
| Bug repellent (kid-safe) | Picaridin formulas are gentler than DEET for kids. | No | OFF! FamilyCare Picaridin Repellent |
| Sunscreen | Even in fog, days can get sunny once it burns off. | No | Coppertone Sport SPF 50 |
| Medicines / first-aid kit | Pack your own prescriptions, plus a basic first-aid kit. | No | 100-Piece Waterproof First Aid Kit |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toiletries | Flush toilets and hot showers are available on-site (camping fee covers use). Flushable wipes optional. | No | Flushable Wipes |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking / closed-toe shoes | 14-mile trail system on-site, incl. Blue Springs, Redwood & Tan Oak trails. | No | Amazon Best Sellers: Hiking Footwear |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable camp chairs | Look for packable ones — extra seating matters for groups. | Yes – Sports Basement | Amazon Best Sellers: Camping Chairs |
| Bug repellent (kid-safe) | Especially important for kids on the hike or around the picnic site. | No | OFF! FamilyCare Picaridin Repellent |
| Blankets (as needed) | Handy for sitting on the ground or an extra layer if it's breezy. | No | Use what you have at home |
| Hiking / sports shoes | Suggested for anyone joining the hike starting at Valley View 2. | No | Amazon Best Sellers: Hiking Footwear |
| Extra tarp (to sit on) | Bring one to sit on during group activities at the picnic site. | No – buy, ~$20–$40 | REDCAMP Waterproof Tarp |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reusable plates/cups/bowls/utensils | No paper products provided — pack enough for your family for the full day. | No | 48-Pc Unbreakable Dinnerware Set |
| Drinking water + reusable bottles | Bring at least 1 gallon per person — more if joining the morning hike. | No | — |
| Snacks | Pack as required. Bring enough to share with the group if possible. | No | — |
| Item | Notes | Rent it? | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toiletries | Flush toilets and hot showers are available in the campground. | No | — |
| Flushable wipes | Handy backup for the on-site restrooms. | No | Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Wipes |
| Sunscreen | Even in fog, days can get sunny once it burns off. | No | Coppertone Sport SPF 50 |
| Medicines (as needed) | Pack your own prescriptions, plus a basic first-aid kit for the day. | No | 100-Piece Waterproof First Aid Kit |
Everything above is also available as the original documents, if you'd like to view, print, or share them directly.
Both waves have concluded — spots were confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you to everyone who registered!
Know any new Nagarathar families in the area? Reach out to ncnacampingorgnaizers@gmail.com so we can keep them in mind for next year. It's a wonderful way for newcomers to connect with the NCNA Bay Area community.
Reach the 2026 Camp Organizing Team anytime at:
ncnacampingorgnaizers@gmail.com