Writer’s Workshop Details
THE OAKS 27224 Hwy 78 Ramona, CA 92065
office. 760-789-6980
Lost? Emergency?
call/text 619.980.4287
We want your experience to be great and we know that begins even before your arrival. Our primary goal is to create a safe place for you to do your work. To accomplish this, we do our best to communicate what you can expect, as well as clear expectations about our policies. Hopefully, you’ll find all the info you need here. If not, please feel free to reach out to info@oakscenter.com. We are happy to help!
What should I bring?
We are located approximately 20 minutes from town, so please come prepared. We will provide towels, bed linens, snacks, an alarm clock, USB charging stations, and essential toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner).
Dress is casual. Many activities may take place outdoors. Please bring warm clothing during late fall, winter, and early spring months. We suggest layers due to variable temperatures inside and outside. The temperature can fluctuate as much as 40 degrees and really drop in the evenings. Please plan accordingly. We recommend bringing coats and hats to stay comfortable outdoors.
General Packing List
Heavy jacket or coat for fall and winter months
Light jacket for fall and spring months
Hat
Shorts
Blue jeans or casual pants
Shirts/blouses (short and long sleeved)
Comfortable shoes
Closed toed athletic shoes
Swimwear (Pool towels are available. Pool is not heated.)
All daily toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
Hair dryer and other styling tools
Watch
Prescription medication(s) in original labeled container from pharmacy*
*The Oaks does not have access to a pharmacy or doctor. Bring enough prescription medications needed for your stay. If your medication requires refrigeration, please notify The Oaks prior to your arrival. There are no refrigerators in individual rooms.
I’m here! What can I expect?
Check-in
We will be welcoming guests between 2:00-4:00pm.
Our first session begins at 4:30 with a short hike. Meet in the roundabout by the flags. Dinner will follow at 5:30 in the dining room.
When you arrive at The Oaks, drive all the way to the top of the hill, park in one of the numbered spots and one of our staff members will come to you. Once we have you checked in, we will help you unload your luggage and have you park down in the lot, where a golf cart will bring you back up to your room.
Be ready to relax, rejuvenate, and appreciate time away! We’re excited to help make your time here one to remember!
Sample Schedule*
Day One
2:00-4:00 // Check-in
4:30 // Welcome Session
5:30 // Dinner
6:30 // Session 1
7:30 // Firepits
Day Two
8:00 // Breakfast
9:00 // Session 2
11:00 // Session 3
12:00 // Lunch
1:00 // Session 4
1:00-4:00 // Free Time
4:00 // Surprise
5:30 // Dinner
6:30 // Session 5
8:00 // S’mores
Day Three
8:00 // Breakfast
9:00 // Session 6
10:30 // Check Out
*This is a rough schedule and is subject to change.
Housing
Rest assured, your rooms will be all clean and ready to go when you get here, including comfortable bedding and cozy bedrooms. Room set-ups range from twin to king beds. Make sure you take the time to go out on any decks to take a peek at the beautiful views!
We have taken extra safety precautions to ensure you are Covid safe during your stay with us. At the end of your time, there’s no need to strip your beds. We’ll take care of that for you! You’ll have your own towels provided. We do not offer housekeeping services to individual rooms during your stay.
There are no televisions or telephones in the room. If you don’t have access to a cell phone, there is a phone available for emergency use. Please let necessary people at home know that they can get in touch with you in an emergency by calling 619.530.8389. Please have them indicate they are leaving an emergency message with your first/last name.
Smoking, burning candles, burning incense, smudging, etc. is prohibited. Please return room keys as directed.
Meals
All your meals will be provided while you’re here, beginning with dinner the first night and ending with breakfast the last morning. Meals are served plated or boxed to ensure Covid safety. Our meals are designed to accommodate most food requirements.
We have made note of any dietary needs from the registrations, but please notify us of any additional needs or food allergies ASAP so we can let our caterer know. More details around kosher options can be provided upon request. Food is not permitted in rooms nor is food to be brought to The Oaks.
Light snacks will be provided during your time here, as well as complimentary coffee and tea in the coffee shop every morning beginning at 6am.
Bring on the fun!
Along with all the sessions and fun extras we have put together for your stay, we have a variety of leisure activities you are welcome to participate in on your own time!
Hiking
Pool (non-heated) including a water slide and high dive
Basketball
Sand Volleyball
Tennis
Frisbee Golf
Large field
Large decks with fire-pits and rocking chairs for comfy conversations
Horses (trail riding info will come out the week prior to arrival)
Nearby Attractions
The Oaks is just a 25 minute drive to the historic town of Julian where you will find fun shops, quaint restaurants and amazing hiking and biking trails.
If you want more hiking and mountain biking options, then head for Mount Laguna and Lake Cuyamaca, a scenic 40 minute drive. There you will find some of the most beautiful trails suitable for all levels of enjoyment as well as fishing at the lake.
Ramona is home to over 40 wineries - 4 of which are only 10 minutes from The Oaks.
Downtown Ramona is only 20 minutes from The Oaks where you will find a wonderful shops and a variety of eateries.
Travel Information
Each participant is responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements.
Flying
ARRIVAL: Air travel destination is SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN). When scheduling your flights, please arrive no later than 2:00pm PST.
DEPARTURE: Check out is promptly at 11am We recommend scheduling your departing flight after 2:00pm PST or later on the last day of your program. If you’re needing a ride back down, such as Uber, we suggest lining that up ahead of time to ensure pick up.
Driving
Directions. Arrive to The Oaks after 3:00pm PST and before 4:00pm PST.
DEPARTURE: Plan to depart The Oaks no later than 11:00am PST on the final day. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate any late check outs or additional overnights.
Drive past Oasis Camel Dairy and turn LEFT at Slaughterhouse Road - look for the large old red GOLDEN EAGLE FARM SIGN. NOTE: if you get to Trumper’s Honey and Fruit Shack, you’ve gone just a bit too far.
At the fork in the road you will see THE OAKS sign. Stay left and follow the signs to The Oak, approximately 1.5 miles. Proceed up the hill to the gate.
Once you arrive at The Oaks driveway, please drive to the top of the hill and park in one of the numbered spots. Once you’re checked in, we’ll have you drive down to the parking lot where we will give you a ride back up to your room.
Late Arrivals
The Oaks is not responsible for transportation to our venue. You will need to make your own arrangements for transportation to The Oaks. Uber, Lyft, taxi services, and all major rental car companies are located at the San Diego/LAX airport. Please notify The Oaks of travel delays by calling 619.530.8389.
Early Arrivals
If you fly into San Diego early, you are responsible for booking your own accommodations. Below is a list of hotels near the airport. Please plan to arrive at The Oaks no earlier than 3:00pm.
Hilton Homewood Suites in Liberty Station
The Pearl Hotel
The Lafayette
Courtyard by Marriott
Sheraton Hotel & Marina
What are the general guidelines?
To promote our primary goal of creating a safe place for your group, we have created these guidelines. These help to ensure quality care and consistency at The Oaks. Should you have any questions, please contact us.
Attendees are permitted to leave The Oaks at any time, however, the gate will close at 10pm and reopen at 7am, daily. Please let staff know if you plan on leaving or returning when the gate is closed. The gate will allow you to exit from camp, but you will need to notify us to reenter.
The Oaks sits on 240 acres. Property boundaries are not clearly marked so we ask that you review the property map and require you to stay on our property.
In case of an emergency, contact a staff member. Firearms and weapons are prohibited on property. For your safety, we recommend that you gather in groups of three or more when hiking and use caution on rocks and near areas where there may be poison oak.
The Oaks is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please report any property damage to a staff member. Any willful damage of property will be the financial responsibility of the participant.
Medical Needs
The Oaks cannot provide direct medical assistance. If you need to see a doctor, the on-call staff member will be able to help you access medical assistance.
Exercise
Physical activities are optional. Please be gentle with yourself. If you are experiencing any discomfort or ailment, please notify staff as soon as possible. For walking/running, we suggest participants go in groups of two or more. Be aware there are snakes, ticks, and other wildlife and insects on property.
Photography
Please ask permission of participants before you use your camera. Cameras are not allowed during any guided experiences. The Oaks may take pictures throughout the week. Please let us know if you have a preference not to be photographed.
For more information, feel free to reach out to info@oakscenter.com