Kids at the Ramble

Kids love the Ramble and for good reason. There are wide variety of fun activities for them to participate in and they also have more freedom at the event than they typically have at home. However, that doesn’t mean that the Ramble is risk free for kids. If you are a Ramble parent, please be sure to read through the information below concerning the things that the kids can do at the Ramble and how to make this year’s Ramble a fun and safe adventure!

Kids’ Program

The Ramble offers an extensive kids arts & crafts program. The dates and times of all the various activities are listed on the Activities Schedule.  Please note that the children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the program. In addition to arts and crafts and some of the highlights of the program include:

    • Kid’s Talent Show – CALLING ALL PERFORMERS! Attention all talented Kid Ramblers!  Come be a part of this years’ Ramble Kids Talent Show on Friday.  Everyone has talents: tell a joke, sing a song, do a dance, show us the fantastic, amazing, and unique YOU!   Please keep entries to under 5 minutes.  Sign ups will be at the Check-In table.  Walk-ins welcome!  Group performances welcome!  Performers please try to get to the event few minutes early for a final check-in.  This event is hosted by the Amazing Hovering Breadcat Folk Ensemble, who will follow the talent show with a musical performance, fun, and tricks.
    • Tie Dye – We will have white cotton Ramble bandanas purchase that you can tie dye or feel free to bring some other white 100% cotton item from home. If the item is new, the dye will set better if you wash it before you arrive. Adults welcome!

Child Safety

While the Ramble is in many ways a kid’s (and family) paradise, there are also dangers lurking. Note that you are 100% responsible for your children’s safety at the Ramble and for making sure that they are aware of the rules and information that follows:

  • Footwear – Foot injuries are the #1 most common medical issue at the Ramble. Please don’t let your children go barefoot and we strongly recommend that you don’t allow them to wear flip flops or other open toed shoes either!
  • Biking (Note: Bikes will be confiscated for the duration of the event if children do not follow these rules)
    • All children must wear helmets and closed toed shoes while biking.
    • No biking (or walking or hanging out) on Masonite Industrial Road – This is a VERY DANGEROUS road frequented by fast moving logging trucks.
    • Bikers must always 1) be in fully in control while riding, 2) travel at a reasonable speed and 3) give pedestrians the right of way.
    • No bike riding after dark – Rocks, roots and ruts are just too much of a risk when you can’t see them.
    • No bikes on the grass – There will be a Bike Parking Area near Check-In where all bikes need to be parked. Laying them on the grass creates a tripping hazard.
    • No “off road” biking – Bikes must stay on the developed roads throughout camp so that they do not negatively impact the natural beauty of Camp Navarro.
  • Water / Swimming – There are no lifeguards on duty at the Ramble, so you need to monitor your own children. Absolutely no children under 12 are allowed by the river within camp without parental supervision. If your child is 12+ and a strong swimmer, you can set your own rules, but the Ramble accepts no responsibility for the decision you make. However, all children should be supervised by an adult if you decide to go down to the rope swing. Keep in mind that the rope swing area is open to the general public and not just Ramble attendees.
  • The Fire Circle – Children under 12 are required to stay at least 5 feet way from the metal fire pit unless they are actively supervised by an adult. In addition, since playing with lit sticks is a huge fire and safety hazard, any stick that touches fire must remain in the fire pit from that point forward. This applies to kids and adults alike!
  • Poison Oak– There is a lot of poison oak around Camp Navarro. Make sure your kids know what it looks like and stay away from it. Having your children stay within the cleared areas around camp and not venture off into undergrowth will go a long way towards keeping them out of the poison oak.
  • Ticks– These critters are prevalent in the area so it’s good to do a “tick check” on your children (and yourself) daily.