All of us at Okizu mourn the loss of John “Bassmaster” Bell, beloved co-founder of our organization.   By profession, John owned and ran Golden Bear Travel, a travel agency specializing in luxury cruises. In the 1970s, he began volunteering at Hospice of Marin, where he developed a deep connection with a patient named Robert Sturhahn. […]

Okizu has been named a “2025 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading website for community recommendations of charities and nonprofits. The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the rating and number of reviews that Okizu received from volunteers, donors, and aid recipients. “Okizu is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in […]

We are thrilled to share that Camp Okizu has been named as one of the Top 500 Summer Camps in the country by Newsweek Magazine! As we share this news with you, kids throughout Northern California are getting ready to experience the magic of Camp Okizu. They are packing their sunscreen, swimsuits, and sleeping bags […]

Dear Friends,  I am excited to announce that we are in search of passionate and committed young professionals looking to become the founding members of Okizu’s Young Professionals Council! Under the leadership and guidance of Okizu supporter Sowmya Kuwahara, the YPC will seek to advance the work and mission of Okizu while offering its members the opportunity […]

Dear Friends, Since the Bear fire destroyed our camp in September 2020, our Site Committee, Staff, and Board of Directors have been working diligently to evaluate where would be the optimal place to rebuild Camp Okizu. We have considered many options including building back at Berry Creek, purchasing a summer camp, or finding another piece […]

Novato Nonprofit Gets a Boost in Rebuilding Camp Lost to Wildfire

Click here to view our latest site update. How you can help right now: – Click here to make a donation Donate through Paypal here (Don’t forget to submit your donations for a corporate match through your workplace if available!) Want to help? Fill out our volunteer intake form here. SHARE SHARE SHARE. Keep telling […]

Please welcome Camp Director Morgan Santiesteban aka Zora as the newest member of the Okizu team. A Southern California native, Morgan is a graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in psychology and a double minor in child development and business. With over 10 years of experience in the camp industry, Morgan has […]

Check out how much fun we had at Camp Okizu this year! www.okizu.org/slideshow2019