Camp Manu is a children’s wilderness survival & hiking summer camp based in Los Angeles.

‘WALK-A-BOUT’ OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ALSO PROVIDE ADULT AND FAMILY CAMPS FOR WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, INTERACTIVE HIKES & BACKPACKING, ROAD TRIPS TO NATIONAL FORESTS, AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR EARTHQUAKES OR DISASTERS. ALL PROGRAMS ARE INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED TO BRING AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET AND FOR YOUR SURVIVAL.

Please, make sure you read ‘HowTo Prepare’ for clothing attire and backpack essentials before Registering your child. This is extremely important information to ensure your child’s safety and comfort. I strongly advise that you contact me directly if this is your child’s first time in camp or even camping away from home. Also, you must understand that most locations are in the wilderness and up in the mountains where I do not have cell service. I do, however, take all precautions for emergency preparedness including a Satellite Emergency Beacon and SATELLITE PHONE, and procedures are in place always. Most of you are aware that I am very experienced in ALL wilderness and outdoor survival adventures and all staff is trained in Wilderness First Aid Medicine.

CAMP MANU MISSION

It’s all about empowering them with confidence through teaching Wilderness Survival Skills, Environmental stewardship, and more importantly, Life Skills that will be of great value in their lives forever. Every child who has the Camp Manu Experience will walk away with a new understanding of how they relate to their environment and a sense of achievement and more importantly, personal growth.

Our mission is to foster wilderness survival skills, protect wildlife, promote outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and encourage a deep connection with nature. Through education, awareness, and hands-on experiences, we aim to empower individuals to embrace the challenges and rewards of outdoor living while respecting and conserving our natural world.

1. Wilderness Survival: We strive to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive and thrive in the wilderness. Through Camp Manu’s programs, we enable people to develop self-reliance, resilience, and a profound understanding of their environment. Our focus is on fostering responsible and sustainable practices that minimize the impact on the delicate ecosystems we encounter.

2. Wildlife Protection: We are committed to safeguarding the rich biodiversity and habitats that support our planet's wildlife. Through conservation initiatives, research collaborations, and advocacy, we work towards preserving endangered species, promoting ecological balance, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. We believe in coexistence and aim to inspire reverence and compassion for all living beings.

3. Hiking and Camping: We encourage outdoor enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature through hiking and camping experiences. By providing resources, guidance, and organized trips, we enable individuals to immerse themselves in awe-inspiring landscapes, fostering personal growth, physical well-being, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. We emphasize safe & responsible outdoor practices.

4. Connection with Nature: We recognize the inherent value of forging a profound connection with the natural world. Through immersive experiences and educational programs, we inspire individuals to cultivate a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Earth. By fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature, we strive to promote sustainable living and create a more harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.

Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals to embrace the transformative power of nature while fostering a deep sense of responsibility and reverence for the wilderness and its inhabitants. By instilling a love for the outdoors and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to create a future where humans and nature thrive in harmony.

The age grouping from ages 6 to 14, creates an amazing dynamic for the older kids to assist the younger kids, and the younger kids feel part of a big kids’ camp and build amazing confidence and overcome fears.

ADVENTURE DAY CAMP TRIPS

LEWIS FALLS RED ROCK CANYON COLD BROOK CREEK COLBY TRAIL BRIDGE TO NOWHERE GOLD MINE & RIVER HIKE

SANTA YNES FALLS BALDY RIVER HIKE VASQUEZ ROCKS SWITZER FALLS WEST FORK RIVER LIMEKIN CANYON AND HIKE

WILDLIFE LEARNING CENTER EATON CANYON FALLS MANZANITA CHILAO HIKE RANGER DAVE GEOLOGY / WATER CONSERVATION / NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY / LNT STONEY POINT BOLDER CLIMBING & NAVIGATION

PLACERITA CANYON NATURE CENTER WITH RANGER FRANK & ANIMAL EDUCATION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PREPARE FOR CAMP

Outdoor Wear

• Closed-toe sturdy Hiking Boots or shoes with tread (no Converse, flip flops, crocs, or open-toed shoes) 

• Hiking Socks

• Long pants with pockets (Shorts and leggings are OK, but keep in mind that exposed skin can get a sunburn, scratched from plants, etc. If your child chooses to wear shorts, please know I’ve made my recommendation in order to keep your child free from bites and scratches.)

• Cotton Shirt/lightweight shirt

• Full Cover Hat/Floppy hat (Protection for ears & neck)

• A well-fitted Hiking Backpack that is large enough for Lunch, extra shoes, socks, and other daily items. The point is, large enough to put a basketball inside. (PLEASE no CAMEL packs. They often leak and do not give an accurate gauge of water consumption.  They cannot be refilled easily and leave no room for other items)

Water

• Water is absolutely essential and it’s a #1 Priority

• 1Liter Water Bottle (Nalgene Tritan) or Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle.  NO, single-use water bottles, and insulated water bottles as they are too heavy.

• I must be able to visually see your child’s water consumption and be able to refill easily.

• Trick of the Trade:  Fill the water bottle 2/3 and freeze overnight. In the morning, fill to the top with water then wrap the bottle in a dish towel/chammy and use rubber bands to hold the wrap in place.  This will give them cold water for almost the entire day.

• No Bottles that have a straw if you are freezing water.

   

FOOD AND SNACKS

YOUR CHILD - You will need to provide a “healthy lunch” every day. Please limit plastic bags and wrappers if possible and most important try to avoid METAL or bulky lunch containers as your child will be carrying this in their backpack along with their water bottles.

• MORNING CAMP MANU SNACKS - Camp Manu provides Organic and Clean foods each morning before the start of each day at the location.

• Frozen Oranges, Cut Apples, Dates, Ozzie Cheese, Herbed Olives, Daily Home Made Tuna Salad, Gluten Free Crackers, Home Made Dried Mango, Strawberries & Kiwi, Peanut Butter or Almond Butter Spread (No PN if a child is allergic), Watermelon.

• Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly foods are also provided.

Overnight Camp IS NOW 5 DAY'S SLEEP AWAY

Please be advised that this is not your typical overnight camp. No tents, instead Tarp Shelters. No showers BUT HYGIENE CARE IS ESSENTIAL. Pop-up private toilet for extra safety and for maturing ladies and comfort. Basic survival skills, wilderness preparedness, and safety for camping and hiking are my main focus.  This is learning how to camp on absolutely basic equipment. This is the beginning of their life path learning life skills and knowledge of the wild outdoors. I provide exceptional organic delicious meals made with love.

Do not overpack with clothes. There is no daily change of clothes, only if necessary. Please no junk food. Healthy eating is encouraged.

• Backpack   (Ensure backpack is large enough, 40 Gallon minimum, to carry all items excluding sleeping bag. I can not express this enough. MUST CARRY ALL ITEMS as nothing is left at the campground. You can use Large ZipLock bags as a vacuum seal for clothing.)

• Water Bottle (1 liter ) No insulated or straw bottles

• Sleeping Bag   (If you don't have one, I can provide one for you)

• Warm Overnight Coat

• Small Camping Towel   (I use a Micro-Fiber quick drying Towel)

• Extra T-Shirt and Long Sleeve Shirt

• Extra Pants (MUST BE LONG PANTS FOR OVERNIGHTS)

• Spare Underwear

• Spare Hiking Socks

• Full Cover Hat

• Flash Light or Head Lamp (WITH RED LIGHT. This is important for Night Vision)

• Basic Hygiene Needs   (Toothpaste is harmful to wildlife and attracts Bears. Avoid mint or sweet flavors or smells and fluoride. Option - Charcoal)

• Something Personal (Optional)

• Camera (Optional. If you have a phone camera. I will not allow games)

• Camping Bowls and Utensils are provided 

FOR EMERGENCIES A SATELLITE PHONE AND ACR RESCUE RESPONSE BEACON WILL BE CARRIED AT ALL TIMES

THIS IS NOT GLAMOR CAMPING OR A CAMP WHERE THEY GET TO CHANGE INTO PAJAMAS, GET A SHOWER (Hygiene is still essential), OR SLEEP IN TENTS. IT’S AN SURVIVAL EXPERIENCE FOR THE KIDS. THEY WILL RETURN ABSOLUTELY DIRTY & VERY TIRED.

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ALL Camp Drop Off and Pick Up at Griffith Park Recreation Center, 3401 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Parking Lot at the Soccer Fields and Tennis Courts.

For Overnight Survival Camping Weeks, we are providing a full week of Survival Camping. Drop Off @ 9.15 AM for 9.30 AM Start on Monday / Pick Up between 2.00 PM & 2.15 PM on Friday (Due to Traffic - Pick Up location sometimes will be in the large parking lot directly South of GPRC due to parking lot crowding)

Remember to Subscribe for Upcoming Programs & Updates

CAMP MANU REGISTRATION

2023 Kids Survival Camp has finally graduated to now include Four Weeks of Survival Camping from Monday to Friday. There will be two sessions which will allow the camp to run for longer over the Summer Holiday period.

Registrations will be opened in late January, 2023 with the new schedule

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Walk-A-Bout Outdoor Adventures continues to provide epic outdoor experiences and learning throughout the school year. Check out our extracurricular events and birthday parties here.