We are so excited to have you as our guest at The Oaks! 

With your trip right around the corner, here are some frequently asked questions that we thought might help with your planning!

I’m getting ready to come, what should I bring?

We are located approximately 20 minutes from town, so please come prepared. We will provide towels, bed linens, snacks, an alarm clock, USB charging stations, and essential toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner). We highly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle or camel pack if you’re planning to do hiking in the summertime.

Dress is casual. Some activities may take place outdoors. Please bring warm clothing during late fall, winter, and early spring months. We suggest layers due to variable temperatures inside and outside. Finally, the temperature can fluctuate as much as 40 degrees and really drop in the evenings. Please plan accordingly and dress in layers. Some people even bring coats and hats to stay comfortable outdoors.

General Packing List

Heavy jacket or coat for fall and winter months

Light jacket for fall and spring months

Hat

Shorts (in modest length)

Blue jeans or casual pants

Shirts/blouses (short and long sleeved)

Comfortable shoes

Closed toed athletic shoes

Swimwear (Pool towels are available. Pool is not heated.)

All daily toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)

Hair dryer and other styling tools

Watch

Prescription medication(s) in original labeled container from pharmacy*

*The Oaks does not have access to a pharmacy or doctor. Bring enough prescription medications needed for your stay. If your medication requires refrigeration, please notify The Oaks prior to your arrival. There are no refrigerators in individual rooms.

I’m here! Now what can I expect?

Check-in

When you arrive at The Oaks, your team will have a check in table set up at the top of the hill near the roundabout. After parking, we’ll bring you back up to check in, give you a lay of the land, and get your room key. Be ready to relax, rejuvenate, and appreciate time away! We’re excited to help make your time here one to remember!

Housing

Your planning team has been working hard to put together your housing assignments! There’s not a bad room in the house, so no need to worry! Make sure you take the time to go out on any decks to take a peek at the beautiful views!

Rest assured, your rooms will be all clean and ready to go when you get here, including comfortable bedding and cozy bedrooms. Room set-ups range from twin to king beds. We have taken extra safety precautions to ensure you are covid safe during your stay with us. At the end of your time, there’s no need to strip your beds. We’ll take care of that for you! Bathrooms are stocked with soap, shampoo and conditioner. We recommend bringing your own hair dryer. You’ll have your own towels provided as well, just like a hotel! We do not offer housekeeping services to individual rooms during your stay.

There are no televisions or telephones in the room. If you don’t have access to a cell phone, there is a phone available for emergency use.

Smoking, burning candles, burning incense, smudging, etc. is prohibited. We also do not allow you to bring your own alcohol on campus. Please return room keys upon departure.

Bring on the fun!

Along with any plans your group coordinators have put together for your stay, we have a variety of leisure activities you are welcome to participate in on your own time!

Hiking

Swimming (non-heated)

Basketball

Sand Volleyball

Pickle ball

Tennis

Frisbee Golf

Large field for group games, competition etc

Game-room with ping pong, foose-ball, air-hockey, billiards

Large decks with fire-pits and adirondack chairs for comfy conversations

Hammocks

Horses (not available for riding, but you’re welcome to visit and give a treat)

Nearby attractions

The Oaks is just a 25 minute drive to the historic town of Julian where you will find fun shops, quaint restaurants and amazing hiking and biking trails.

If you want more hiking and mountain biking options, then head for Mount Laguna and Lake Cuyamaca, a scenic 40 minute drive. There you will find some of the most beautiful trails suitable for all levels of enjoyment as well as fishing at the lake.

Ramona is home to over 40 wineries - 4 of which are only 10 minutes from The Oaks.

Downtown Ramona is only 20 minutes from The Oaks where you will find a wonderful plethora of antique shops and a variety of eateries.

What are the general guidelines?

To promote our primary goal of creating a safe place for your group, we have created these guidelines. These help to ensure quality care and consistency at The Oaks. Please read carefully. Should you have any questions, please contact us.

Attendees are permitted to leave The Oaks at any time, however, the gate will close at 10pm and reopen at 7am, daily. Please let staff know if you plan on leaving or returning when the gate is closed. The gate will allow you to exit from camp, but you will need to notify us to reenter.

The Oaks sits on 240 acres. Property boundaries are not clearly marked so we ask that you review the property map and require you to stay on our property.

In case of an emergency, contact a staff member. Firearms and weapons are prohibited on property. We do not allow guests to bring their own alcohol. For your safety, we recommend that you gather in groups of three or more when hiking and use caution on rocks and near areas where there may be poison oak.

The Oaks is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please report any property damage to a staff member. Any willful damage of property will be the financial responsibility of the participant.

Medical Needs

The Oaks cannot provide direct medical assistance. If you need to see a doctor, the on-call staff member will be able to help you access medical assistance.

Exercise

Physical activities are optional. Please be gentle with yourself. If you are experiencing any discomfort or ailment, please notify staff as soon as possible. For walking/running, we suggest participants go in groups of two or more. Be aware there are snakes, ticks, and other wildlife and insects on property.

I’m on my way...

BEST GOOGLE DIRECTIONS TO THE OAKS

DIRECTIONS TO THE OAKS FROM SAN DIEGO:

Take I-5 to CA-163 North

Stay on CA-163 North toward Escondido (11 miles)

Merge onto Hwy 1-15 North

Take Exit 17 - Scripps Poway Parkway and turn Right

Stay on Scripps Poway Parkway for 8.5 miles

Turn left onto Hwy 67 - continue 11 miles to Main Street

Continue on Main Street and cross over 10th Street - DO NOT turn left onto Hwy 78.

Main Street will then eventually turn into Hwy 78 North (towards Julian)

Stay on HWY 78 for approximately 10 miles (NOTE: at 9.5 miles you will see Oasis Camel Dairy on your right)

Drive past Oasis Camel Dairy and turn LEFT at Slaughterhouse Road - look for the large old red GOLDEN EAGLE FARM SIGN. NOTE: if you get to Trumper’s Honey and Fruit Shack, you’ve gone just a bit too far.

At the fork in the road you will see THE OAKS sign. Stay left and follow the signs to The Oak, approximately 1.5 miles. Please note the road construction at our entrance and proceed past and up the hill to the gate.

Once you arrive at The Oaks driveway, continue to the top of the circle drive. We will help you unload your belongings and then promptly drive back down to the first parking lot on your left. A golf cart will be there to transport you back up for check in.

NEED A RIDE?

Please call our friend, Ben McCracken at 619.838.9383