Planning for Summer Starts Now
What Families Need to Know About Camps and Programs This Year
Early spring is a great time for families to begin thinking seriously about summer.
School calendars are full. Spring schedules are taking shape. And questions about summer plans start to surface: childcare, enrichment, screen time, and how to give kids a break that still feels meaningful.
If you are beginning to plan for summer, here are the key things families should know about camps, outdoor learning, and opportunities available this year through Sierra Nevada Journeys.
Why Is Early Spring a Good Time to Start Planning for Summer?
Planning early allows parents to explore options without pressure, compare programs thoughtfully, and choose experiences that fit their child’s needs, interests, and comfort level.
Families who plan early often find it easier to:
Balance work schedules and childcare
Choose camps that align with learning goals
Talk with kids about what they are excited or nervous about
Avoid last-minute decisions when school ends
Starting now helps summer feel intentional instead of rushed.
Download our free Family Guide to Choosing the Best Summer Camp Experience!
Rosewood Nature Area, Reno, NV
Day campers work together creating art based on what they observed on their nature walk.
What Should Families Look for in a Summer Day Camp?
For many families, summer day camp is the foundation of summer planning.
A strong day camp offers more than supervision. It provides structure, learning, social connection, and time outside, all within a predictable daily schedule.
Summer Day Camps in Reno and Sacramento are designed for children ages 6–12 and run during standard daytime hours, allowing kids to return home each afternoon.
From a family perspective, these camps offer:
Consistent daily routines
Hands-on STEM learning
Outdoor exploration is built into each day
Small groups led by trained educators
A balance of learning, movement, and play
Kids come home engaged and tired in a good way, while parents know their days had purpose and care behind them.
What Does a Typical Day at Summer Day Camp Look Like?
Families often ask what their child’s actual day will feel like.
A typical day includes:
Morning arrival and group connection
Hands-on science activities tied to weekly themes
Outdoor exploration and observation
Movement, games, and water play
Choice time that supports independence
Reflection and closing activities
This rhythm gives kids a sense of safety and predictability while still allowing curiosity and fun to lead the experience.
Who Is Summer Day Camp a Good Fit For?
Summer Day Camp works well for families who want:
Outdoor learning without overnight stays
Programs that support confidence and curiosity
STEM learning that feels hands-on and engaging
A balance between structure and flexibility
Less screen time and more movement
It is a good option for both first-time campers and returning families looking for continuity year to year.
What Is Girls in STEM Camp and Who Is It For?
Girls in STEM Camp is a weekend program designed for girls who will be aged 11-14 and in grades 6–8 for the 2026/27 school year; and who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch programs.
Middle school is often when confidence in science can shift, especially for girls. This program creates a learning environment that is welcoming, collaborative, and authentic.
Families often appreciate that Girls in STEM Camp focuses on:
Hands-on learning instead of lectures
Teamwork rather than competition
Exposure to real-world STEM careers
Learning in outdoor settings
Confidence-building alongside academics
Girls explore science through outdoor investigation, problem-solving, and mentorship from women working in STEM fields.
Why Is Outdoor Learning Important for Girls in STEM?
Learning outside changes how science feels.
Outdoor settings reduce pressure, encourage curiosity, and allow girls to engage with science through observation and experience rather than memorization.
Families often notice that girls return from the program feeling:
More confident asking questions
More comfortable working in teams
More interested in science and STEM pathways
More connected to learning
These shifts often carry back into school and future choices.
What Is Overnight Summer Camp Like?
Overnight Summer Camp offers a deeper level of independence and immersion.
Campers spend multiple days living and learning together in an outdoor setting, supported by trained educators and staff. For families, this can be a meaningful step in a child’s growth.
Overnight camp supports:
Independence and self-confidence
Social and communication skills
Extended time outdoors
Learning through shared experiences
Strong peer connections
Some families know right away that their child is ready. Others take time to consider whether this experience fits. March is a good moment to start that conversation.
Are There Summer Opportunities for Adults Too?
Yes. Camp is not just for kids.
Grown-Up Getaway Camp is designed for adults who want to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the same environment that supports youth programs. It blends outdoor activities, rest, and community into a weekend experience.
Families often see this as:
A way for adults to recharge
A reminder that learning and play matter at every age
An opportunity to support youth programs through participation
A meaningful way to stay connected to the mission
What Should Families Do Next?
Springtime is not about rushing decisions. It is about exploring options and asking good questions.
Families can:
Download our free Family Guide to Choosing the Best Summer Camp Experience
Review summer schedules and calendars
Talk with kids about what excites them
Learn more about different camp experiences
Decide which programs feel like the best fit
Starting now makes summer smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.