Outdoor adventures abounded at this old fashioned summer day camp provided by the City of Vacaville’s Community Services Department.  Held at the historic Peña Adobe Park during summer vacation, Historical Society docents lead campers on tours of the historical grounds and conducted activities under tall oak trees.  Campers enjoyed exciting and unforgettable fun and made lasting friendships. 

During the ten-week summer program, 435 campers learned of the Peña family and their journey to the Lagoon Valley from the New Mexico Territory.  The Peñas traveled with the Vaca family, for whom the City of Vacaville is named during the pre-gold rush period. Before the arrival of the Vaca and Peña’s in 1841, Native Americans living here were members of the Wintun tribe.  Campers experienced grinding corn with authentic mortar and pestles, learned how to use Native American pump drills to make shell necklaces, and made corn husk dolls while learning about the local Wintun.  Campers also learned how the early settlers made rope and butter.

This year’s campers enjoyed a visit from Cliff Feldheim, Fish and Wildlife Biologist from the Sacramento Audubon, Janice from the Solano County Master Gardeners helped campers plant native plants, Alexis Joseph and her mini horses Professor Geoff from UC Davis Department of Entomology, Preeti Rang’s rescued animals, Kimberly from Bees Kneeds, Dan & Liz from McQueeney’s Goats and a visit from CalFire and the Solano County Sheriff K9 unit!

It was a great Camp Adobe this year, we look forward to next year!