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For more information on YMCA Camp Ravencliff contact
Bria Cartwright at bcartwright@ymcaeastbay.org or (925)371-8401x31

YMCA Camp Ravencliff

YMCA Camp Ravencliff is located in the heart of redwood country approximately 200 miles north of San Francisco.  The camp occupies a beautiful meadow and wooded hillside on the banks of the Eel River near the small town of Redway. Partially bordering on Humboldt Redwoods State Park, with access to groves of towering ancient redwoods, Ravencliff's unique setting gives it a feeling of serene isolation, yet the camp is conveniently close to town services in Redway and nearby Garberville, including two major grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and a hospital with a 24-hour emergency.

Located along the scenic Eel River in southern Humboldt County, Camp Ravencliff offers a memorable camping experience children, teens and adults. Camp Ravencliff's rustic setting makes for a unique experience for young and old alike. Our traditional Youth & Teen Summer Camp activities include swimming, crafts, canoeing, sports, archery, games, nature, campfire, an overnight campout and much, much more! Our Family Camp offers families the opportunity to enjoy the magic of Ravencliff together, and a special opportunity for young children to be introduced to the beauty and fun of a visit to Ravencliff. Additionally, YMCA Camp Ravencliff is an exceptional location for outdoor education, retreats and gatherings and is available for group rentals in the spring and fall.

YMCA Camp Ravencliff's History
Archaeological studies have established that the hillside Camp Ravencliff now occupies has been inhabited by human beings for at least 4,000 years.  At least two major groups of Native Americans used the site as a winter village to which they returned year after year. 

The most recent Native group to inhabit the land were the Sinkyone people, who occupied Ravencliff until the 1860's. The Sinkyone called their village "To-che-be" (pronounced "Toe-chay-bay").  The name "Sinkyone" (pronounced "Sin-kee-oh-nee") comes from their name for the South Fork of the Eel River, "Sin-ke-kok."  They named the cliffs on the opposite river bank "Bus-ke-nes" (pronounced "Boosh-ka-nesS"), meaning "talking cliffs," because of the remarkably loud and distinct echo, which many Ravencliff campers have experienced for themselves.  Traces of the Sinkyone occupation can be seen around camp, most notably the round mortar holes in the sandstone outcroppings near the lodge, where acorns were ground into meal.

Settlers in the area supported their families by farming, ranching, and logging, and established many small towns along the river, including Redway and Garberville.  In or around 1930, the YMCA in Eureka, the county seat, purchased four acres on the west bank of the Eel River near Redway and established Camp Ravencliff.  In 1931, the Richmond YMCA began sending boys to camp at Ravencliff as well. Some of the camp buildings date from that era.  The original cabins and shower house were located close to the river, and were washed away in the 1964 flood.  During that flood, the raging waters tore the deck off the lodge and water inside the lodge was a foot deep.

In the 1960's, the Richmond YMCA acquired Ravencliff from the Eureka YMCA, and also purchased an additional 60 acres of surrounding meadow and woodland from local owners.  With consolidation, ownership of Ravencliff has passed to the YMCA of the East Bay.  The southern camp boundary is shared with Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

For over 75 years, thousands of children, teenagers and adults have been touched by "Ravencliff magic."  An unusual number of Ravencliffers have returned summer after summer, first as campers, then counselors, and then as alumni contributing time and energy to upkeep and improvement of the camp. Local schools, youth groups and adult groups in Humboldt County have also come to Ravencliff for campouts and conferences.