LAND: Drift Creek Camp is a non-profit organization owned and operated by the Mennonite Camp Association of Oregon. The land is a protected pristine forest leased from the United States’ Forest Service. Drift Creek creates a loop around the 12 acres that hosts the spot known as Drift Creek Camp . The organization was created in 1961 with the intention of creating a gathering place for church retreats, kids’ summer camp, family reunions and church conference activities. It is a privilege to enjoy such a majestic wilderness. Guests are not permitted to remove items found in the forest, so though it is tempting, please do not disturb plants or animals you encounter.
 
DRIVING: The 10-mile road to camp is off Highway 101 south of Lincoln City.

• Turn east off Hwy 101 onto Drift Creek Road at Drift Creek Falls Trails sign.
• Follow Drift Creek Road 2 miles to Forest Service Road # 17 (which is a paved single lane fork to the left, with a gradual climb.) From this point on there is a sign at every major intersection where turns need to be made.
• Follow FSR 17 for 4.5 miles to Forest Service Road 1929, (which is a right turn onto gravel.)
• Follow 1929 3 miles to Forest Service Road 19.
• Follow FSR 10 for 2.7 miles to camp where you will see a large brown and yellow sign that reads “Siuslaw National Forest, Drift Creek Camp.”
• Turn right onto camp entrance, cross bridge and you’re almost there!

It is encouraged for leaders to travel ahead of the group and post directional signs. There are 8 intersections with five left turns and three right turns.
Please remember to remove signs upon departure.

Guests should not arrive to camp until 4 pm. If leaders wish to arrive earlier, please make arrangements with the caretakers. They can be reached by calling 541-996-3978 or emailing facilitymanagerdriftcreek.org . It is especially important to respect our 4 pm check-in policy during the summer months when we are pressed for time between groups. We have limited hours to “turn-over” the lodge. In order to make camp presentable, we need to work without interruption. Once you reach Lincoln City, it’s about 30 minutes up to camp. If you see that you have plenty of time, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the ocean or explore the local attractions.

Traffic on the camp road has increased dramatically. There are visitors to the Falls Trail, folks out fishing & hunting; forestry workers, etc. Expect to meet other vehicles, including log trucks. Please use caution.

If driving mountain roads bothers you, try sharing the ride. Carpooling reduces traffic, saves resources, and alleviates the on-site parking load.

When using the camp for retreats, some guests intentionally include the drive up as part of their preparation. Some set that time aside for silence and reflection, approaching the winding road as though they were walking a meditative labyrinth.

Upon arrival, it is convenient to unload in front of the lodge. Please do so temporarily and then move your vehicle. Parking is adequate as long as guests park in an organized and considerate manner. Simply pay attention to the instructional parking signs and there should be enough space for your entire group.

Whatever your approach, keep in mind that though it is only 11 miles, it takes approximately 30 minutes. In the winter months it is common to come across fallen trees. Camp staff will do their best to keep the road clear and passable. At about 4 miles from camp, you will lose cell phone service. It’s a good idea to turn your phone off to avoid running the battery down. No cell service is available once you are at camp.

GENERATOR: DCC is “off the grid.” Our sole source of power is a diesel generator. When the generator is on, we have lights, forced air heat, etc. When it's off, it’s dark! We do have a back-up battery pack that illuminates emergency exit signs, the kitchen, and select rooms. The cost of diesel and propane has risen dramatically. In an effort to keep DCC’s budget viable, we strive to minimize generator usage and reserve propane as best we can.    

WHAT TO BRING:

• Flashlights, headlamps or a battery-powered lantern if you plan to stay up past 11pm. (The generator is on from 6:30 am until 11 pm. If you choose to extend generator time, the charge is $50.00 per hour.)
• Because the furnace blower is powered by the generator, nights can be chilly. Bring warm clothes and sleeping bags.
• If you want to wake-up with an alarm, bring a battery-powered clock or set your watch. Plug-in clocks go off with the generator.
• The water system is powered by the generator. Please avoid showering or heavy water use after lights out.
  

KEEP IN MIND:

• If your room’s overhead light goes off with the generator, it will come ON with the generator. So, to avoid a rude awakening, turn the light off when you go to bed.
• Please do not take food or beverages into the chapel or sleeping rooms.
• If your group likes to go to bed earlier, just let the caretakers know and we’ll turn off the generator. This is a great way to save diesel fuel.

WATER SYSTEM: Drift Creek’s supply pumped from a well. Therefore the supply is limited when the generator is off, so please plan accordingly for showers, etc.  We are blessed with good clean water. We test the water  daily. It is filtered and treated  with chlorine to ensure it remains potable. Our water heaters are powered by propane.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: The main lodge sleeps 105 guests. The two main level rooms each sleep up to 4. The second floor sleeps approximately 50. If your group does not exceed that number, we prefer to limit lodge use to the second floor so that excess heating fuel is not required.

• Two bedrooms on the main level, for folks who cannot manage the stairs, are on battery. These rooms are ideal for folks who are dependent upon CPAPs, and they contain ACA restrooms with private showers.
• If you do not want to pack your own bedding, it is available for rent. The cost is $20 per set. You don’t have to pack and we do the laundry!
• There are two restrooms on second floor. One for men and one for women. When single-sex groups use the lodge, feel free to use both restrooms.

ACTIVITIES: The lodge provides a cozy atmosphere for families, friends, churches... to spend time away from life’s routine. Many describe an “Ahh,” feeling when they arrive. We strive to provide a relaxing stay where you experience renewal. However, some folks find it easier to relax with things to do!

If your group enjoys any of the following, feel free to bring equipment for:

• Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball, Horseshoes
  

Inside you’ll find:

• Ping Pong, Shuffleboard, ample table space for playing cards, assembling puzzles, playing games or visiting around the fireplace, etc.
  • Two ping pong balls are available for groups. If additional balls are needed, they are available for 50 cents each from the caretakers.
  • Shuffleboard equipment is available  upon request. Please supervise children as the sticks and pucks can be dangerous when used improperly.

CHECKING OUT: The caretaker will offer cleaning instructions the final morning of your stay. The expectation is that you leave DCC the way you found it.

1. Have guests load bags into vehicles before getting started. This prevents walking through areas that have already been cleaned. Remind guests to check in the restrooms and under beds for straggling personal items.
2. Cleaning lists for the lodge will be distributed and posted for reference.

DEPARTURE: Just as arrival time was important, so is departure. Please respect the 12pm check-out time. If you strive for an 11:30 check-out, then noon is realistic. Please respect the experience of groups arriving after you by allowing adequate time to prepare.