About the John Muir Mountain Day Camp

About the Camp

John Muir Mountain Day Camp was formed in the spring of 2003. Its first home was the John Muir Amphitheater and the Martinez Marina. In 2004 The John Muir Association and the National Park Service became sponsors and moved the camp to its permanent residence, the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California., the place where Muir called home the last 24 years of his life. This year is our 7th year and we have expanded the camp day from 8:30 am to 5 pm and added a 3rd week .

The Day Camp's goal specifically is to enlighten students to the teachings and legacy of John Muir as well as provide opportunities for expression, creativity and interaction in a safe environment which fosters growth and appreciation for nature and conservation.

About Our Staff

Photo: left to right:
Naomi Torres, Chief of Interpretation of the John Muir National Historic Site; Jill Harcke, Camp Director; Martha Lee, Superintendent; and Susan Barry, Assistant Director.

Jill Harcke has over 15 years experience as an elementary and high school teacher. She is a “life long student of Muir”, and the composer of the camp song, Born To Love the Wild. She organized the pre-show exhibits at The John Muir Mountain Days Musical and gave a presentation at the John Muir Conference with Muir scholar, Maymie Kimes. Jill also worked with Dan McIlhenny in co-producing the John Muir Tribute CD and been teaching people to bake with Sourdough starter since 1970. When she is not at camp she can often be found spending time with her horse, Ndeh or her Yellow Lab Max the Wonder Dog.

Assistant director Susan Barry is a professional artist, who teaches arts and crafts at the camp.

Camp Directors, Sue Barry and Jill Harcke created a John Muir Immersion experience where everything at camp is connected to John Muir in some way. Art, music, scientific experiences and observations, baking with sourdough starter, journaling and having BIG FUN name a few of the activities that make John Muir Mountain Day Camp a favorite for children. It’s an eclectic camp where all children feel welcome and connected to each other as well as Mother Earth.

Guest teachers are subject to change. In the past, they have included Frank Helling performing as John Muir (watch YouTube video), Dan'l McIlhenny performing songs from the John Muir Tribute CD, Dr. Bonnie Gisel of the LeConte Memorial Lodge as Dr. Nature, Eco-musician Bill Oliver, Children's book author Donnel Rubay, Megan Costello from REI-Concord, and John Muir’s grandson, Michael Muir, and Access Adventure, and his father, Ross Hanna.