What Is Caz Family Camp?

Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp is a one-of-a-kind, week-long sleepaway arts camp designed for the whole family. Nestled under the redwoods in Sonoma County, this joyful program invites people of all ages to explore music, movement, theater, writing, and visual arts in a safe, welcoming, and nature-filled environment. But Caz is more than just a summer camp — it’s a vibrant community rooted in the belief that intergenerational connection is not only beautiful, but essential.

At Caz, we believe that creativity flourishes when people come together across age, background, and skill level. Campers learn from one another as much as they learn from our incredible teaching artists. Whether you're jamming onstage with your child, taking a watercolor class with your grandparent, or dancing under the stars with new friends, the experience is centered on what becomes possible when we value shared curiosity, collaboration, and care.

For over 45 years, Caz has carried the tradition of enjoying the arts in a group setting — not as a performance for some and observation for others, but as a participatory celebration of expression. Campers return year after year to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover what it means to be in community. It's fun, it's magical, and it's a reminder that when we make art together, we make something much bigger than ourselves.

Our History

Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp began in 1977 as an extension of the renowned Cazadero Music Camp, with a vision to create a welcoming space where families could explore the visual and performing arts together in an immersive, nature-based setting. What started as a small gathering rooted in musical tradition soon blossomed into a dynamic and joyful community where creativity, collaboration, and intergenerational learning thrive.

Over the years, the camp has grown into a beloved annual tradition that brings together participants of all ages and backgrounds. Families travel from across California and beyond to share in a unique experience that blends art, play, and deep connection in the heart of the redwoods. Caz has remained a place where lifelong friendships are formed, traditions are passed down, and the arts are celebrated as a vital part of communal life.

In 2010, Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp became its own nonprofit organization, a milestone that ensured the program’s long-term sustainability and allowed it to expand its mission. Since then, Caz has continued to foster creativity, confidence, and curiosity through inclusive programming for youth, adults, and multigenerational families alike.

The camp continues to thrive thanks to the passion of its campers, the talent of its teaching artists, and the generosity of donors and patrons who believe in the transformative power of the arts. Through it all, Caz remains committed to cultivating a space where people can unplug, show up fully, and reconnect to themselves and one another through shared creative expression.