Statement for Guests

Welcome

Shasta Methodist Camp (SMC) is a lightly staffed retreat center capable of hosting up to 150 overnight guests. It is managed by a committee responsible for maintenance, funding, planning, guest satisfaction and ensuring compliance with the guidelines of our lessor, the United States Forest Service.  SMC is also a charitable organization (501c3) sustained through private donations, foundation grants, and fees charged to guests.  No committee member or volunteer receives pay or salary for their contributions. The Camp receives considerable help from two service organizations, The Care-A-Vaners and The Bridge Restoration Ministry of Napa. The Camp also benefits from groups that make a service project part of their program. 

This is our mission statement

The purpose of Shasta Methodist Camp is to provide a place of retreat where all may encounter the Creator's Spirit and Grace in Self, in others, and in the world of nature, and thus develop a conviction of a shared responsibility for the stewardship of all creation.

In support of our mission, we ask that the leadership of visiting groups share this statement with their membership and that guests:

  •         Refrain from feeding wildlife

  •         Stay out of the meadows

  •        Take only photos and memories

  •         Conserve resources

  •         Be good housekeepers

  •         Love one another

By following the policies below, guests will be helping SMC maintain the facilities and reduce our expenses.

Solid Waste

Guests are responsible for collecting their own trash and placing bagged trash in the Waste Collection Station near the Pavilion entrance.  The Waste Collection Station accepts securely bagged or boxed garbage and uncontaminated recyclables. It is a multipurpose building, not a dumpster.

SMC will supply trash bags.

All food should be stored in a building or vehicle.  Food scraps are not to be left on the grounds or in the forest. This would include things like melon rinds, potato peelings or a peanut mandala.

Please help reduce waste. Make it small. Consider taking it home.

Effective 01/01/23, Guests will be charged $3.00/bag or box of trash left for the camp to dispose of. Uncontaminated recyclables (glass, aluminum, and hard plastic) will be accepted at no charge.

Electricity

SMC has its own grid.  Our free electricity comes from solar panels that charge a bank of batteries and is most abundant from midday to early evening.  Often, the day's production is not enough to see us through the night. When either the batteries' state-of-charge or voltage drops bellow a preset level, the system shuts down.  This most often happens on overcast winter days or when there is high demand. SMC has a propane generator capable of charging the batteries and turning the system back on.  The generator will only be turned on at the request of a group's leadership team. 

Appliances like coffee makers, hair driers, and toasters should be used sparingly. Electric heaters are not permitted.

Electricity is not available to RVs or campers outside the buildings via extension cord.

Effective 01/01/23, SMC will charge guests $30/hour for generator time.

Water

An underground spring is the source of SMC's drinking water. The supply is finite. In July of 2021, the spring was unable to supply the camp's basic needs. Water had to be brought in from the city of Mount Shasta. 

For this reason, SMC requests all guests be thrifty with water usage. Please, take short showers and do not let the water run while doing dishes or brushing teeth etc.

Housekeeping

Guests are expected to keep Camp facilities clean and tidy.

Waste and litter should be properly disposed of. Spills and splatters should be wiped off of floors, walls and furnishings. Upholstered furniture should not be taken outside or used as a step stool while wearing street shoes. Dish towels should be rinsed and wrung out prior to placement in a hamper.

Check-out time is noon. Plan ahead to have the following complete prior to departure.

·         Sweep and mop wood, vinyl and concrete floors

·         Remove all food from the refrigerators and wipe them down

·         Range should be wiped down, grill cleaned and grease trap emptied

·         Wipe down counter tops, porcelain fixtures and sinks

·         Take all trash and recycling to the Waste Collection Station

·         Clean and dry all kitchen ware and put them away

·         Check for personal belongings that may have been over looked

·         Return cots, tables, chairs etc to their places 

This is how you should have found the Camp on arrival and how the next group should find the Camp when they arrive.

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Shasta Methodist Camp will provide cleaning supplies and equipment.   

Campfires

Campfires are only allowed at designated fire circles and only with the explicit permission of the camp host or the camp host's authorized representative. Permitted campfires must have water hose, shovel, and iron tooth rake at hand and be attended by a responsible person at all times until the fire is dead out.  

Campfires flames should not reach more than four feet in height. If your fire's flames are reaching more than four feet, do not add fuel until the flames have settled.

“Firewood is stacked from the ground up. Taking wood from the sides undermines the pile's stability. Please, don’t play firewood Jinga, take from the top and only from a designated pile

Vehicles

Vehicles should be driven slowly so as not to raise dust, stay on established roadways.  Parked vehicles may not constrict traffic, obstruct the road or other vehicles from available parking.   SMC can accommodate up to 50 vehicles. Groups anticipating more than 30 vehicles should have a parking plan. 

Note to guests not familiar with gravel surfaced mountain roads: Our lane has a gravel surface. It is fragile and unforgiving. If you find your tires spinning, your car has insufficient traction and you are creating a pot hole. This is no time to double down. Stop and back up to a flat spot. If you have four-wheel drive, engage it. If not, try again this time with sufficient speed to maintain momentum. If you find yourself without traction, stop go back and do not try a third time. Proceed on foot or not at all

Dogs

Well-mannered dogs with up-to-date shots are welcome at SMC provided:

  •          They are kept under control (no chasing wildlife, no excessive barking etc.)

  •          They are not left unattended

  •         Their waste is disposed of properly

  •          Their shots are up to date

  •          Their presence is acceptable to the group's leadership team.

 

Thank you in advance for supporting our mission and policies.

Enjoy your stay