Summer Family Camp 2024 Update
We are thrilled to announce that we will be re-launching our beloved alumni family camp, Bruin Woods, this upcoming summer of 2024 and are committed to making it an unforgettable experience for all.
As we gear up for Bruin Woods 2024, we want to share some important changes to the program. These modifications have been carefully considered to ensure that every member of our Bruin Woods family, from parents to children to staff, will have an exceptional Bruin experience.
Warm regards,
UCLA Student Affairs and Lake Arrowhead Lodge Team
A Fresh Start for 2024
- UCLA Student Affairs Takes the Lead – One significant change is the shift in responsibility for the design and management of the Bruin Woods program and the support of our student counselor staff. UCLA Student Affairs (Recreation) will now train, supervise, and provide support services to these dedicated Bruins.
- New Six-day Program and Extended Stay Option – Our program will now span six days, from Saturday through Friday. This will allow us to provide necessary down time for our student counselors and staff, enhance staff training, and enable more opportunity to implement improvements. Recognizing that many families may want to continue to enjoy a full week at Lake Arrowhead, we are delighted to offer an optional seventh day (Friday night through Saturday) for an additional fee for families who wish to extend their stay. On this day, there will not be any scheduled programs available, but families can participate in activities on the property for families to enjoy together, such as arts & crafts, bike rentals, tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and pool time with certified lifeguards will be available. On this day, children will need to be supervised by their parents or guardians at all times. We will also continue to provide a three-meal buffet and dining at the Bear & Grill for your enjoyment.
- Changes to Childcare Services – Private childcare services offered by Bruin Woods staff will no longer be available. Families will be able to participate in new group child care programs that will have corresponding hours with evening programming for older guests.
- Renovated North Shore Tavern in Place of Honor Bar – Next summer’s sessions will feature a full-service, staffed bar, where guests over 21 can purchase craft cocktails, local brews, and wine from a curated list. With this new addition to our property, the traditional no-host honor bar will no longer be offered.
- Expanding Access Criteria – We plan to have Bruin Woods continue for future generations of Bruins, though it will evolve as needed to be sustainable, inclusive and of value for our visiting families over the decades to come. The Alumni Association will be forming an advisory committee to gather valuable input and feedback on expanding access and diversity to the Bruin Woods program for future years. The committee will be made up of representatives from our diverse UCLA Alumni members, and will include some representation from our dedicated returning and waitlist families.
- Pausing Family Holidays – Our primary focus is on ensuring an exceptional Bruin Woods experience in 2024. The family holiday programs were previously staffed by student counselors from the summer program, and since we did not have the program this past summer, we do not have the trained student staff in place this year to host the kind of Family Holidays experience Bruins expect and deserve. The Lodge will still be available for reservations, allowing you to create your own family memories at UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. However, there will not be planned activities as part of a formal program.
Warm regards,
UCLA Student Affairs and Lake Arrowhead Lodge Team