Camp Sabadaca is the name for the Sailor Bar Day Camp which was operated at Sailor Bar in the 1980’s by the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD). Camp Sabadaca emphasized nature and outdoor activities, catering to children and families in the Fair Oaks area.
The name “Camp Sabadaca” is derived from the first two letters of each word in “Sailor Bar Day Camp”. The camp offered a variety of engaging activites for youths aged 7 to 12, including overnight camping, crafts, hiking, games, and field trips.
Participants participated in two weeks of overnight camping experiences and engaged in various craft activities to encourage creativity and skill development. Outdoor hiking was also a key component of the program which promoted physical fitness and exploration. Kids also participated in games to encourage teamwork and fun. Finally, campers also enjoyed field trips to enhance their learning and adventure.
The kids who participated in Camp Sabadaca back in the 80’s are now adults in their forties. They have nothing but extreme praise for their experiences at the camp. Their feeling is that Camp Sabadaca at Sailor Bar with its woodlands and river engendered in the kids who participated a genuine feeling of being part of the land – a true connection to it and the desire to preserve its wild nature. The participants gained a sense of responsibility and stewardship. Because they treasured being in the surroundings, they were extra careful to ‘stay on the deer paths and never litter’. Each day they all participated in songs, nature activities and scavenger hunts all over Sailor Bar, collecting raw materials to fashion into ‘earthy crafts’.
These participants (who are now adults) express that it was wonderful for the kids that the FORPD hired high school and college students to lead the hikes, nature art projects, singing, etc. Of course, having the older students truly seemed so cool to the camp kids!
