What Makes a Great Summer Day Camp?
Confidence, Curiosity, and STEM in the Outdoors
Camp Pollock, Sacramento, CA
Campers learn about adaptations (special physical or behavioral traits that help an animal survive)
For parents, choosing a summer day camp is more than filling the calendar; it’s about finding a place where children feel safe, inspired, and excited to learn while growing into confident, curious humans.
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, our Summer Day Camps in Reno, at the Rosewood Nature Area, and Sacramento, at the Sacramento Valley Conservancy’s Camp Pollock, are designed to do exactly that. Through outdoor education and hands-on STEM learning, kids experience a summer that supports learning, connection, and joy.
What Is a Summer Day Camp at Sierra Nevada Journeys?
Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Summer Day Camp is a week-long, outdoor, STEM-based program for children ages 6–12 that blends science, nature, and social learning into a meaningful summer experience.
Campers can expect:
Weekly sessions with engaging, age-appropriate themes
Structured daily schedules with a balance of learning and play
Outdoor learning spaces with shade and access to nature
Small group environments led by trained educators and counselors
Activities designed to meet kids where they are developmentally
Camps run during standard daytime hours, allowing children to return home each afternoon while still experiencing the benefits of outdoor education and camp community.
What Does a Typical Day at Camp Look Like?
Each day at Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Summer Day Camp is thoughtfully structured to provide consistency while leaving room for curiosity and fun.
A typical day includes:
Morning arrival and community-building activities
Hands-on STEM lessons tied to the weekly theme
Outdoor exploration and nature-based learning
Water play and movement-based activities
Camper choice periods that encourage independence
Reflection, group connection, and closing activities
Rosewood Nature Area, Reno, NV
Day campers work together creating art based on what they observed on their nature walk.
This rhythm helps children feel secure while encouraging them to try new things, ask questions, and engage deeply with their surroundings.
Why Is Outdoor Day Camp Good for Kids?
Outdoor day camp supports the whole child: academically, emotionally, and socially.
Research shows outdoor education helps children:
Improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Reduce stress and support emotional regulation
Increase physical activity and overall well-being
Stay engaged and motivated during the summer months
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, outdoor learning is intentional and educator-led. Nature becomes a classroom where kids explore scientific concepts through real experiences rather than screens or worksheets.
How Does STEM Learning Work at Day Camp?
STEM learning at Sierra Nevada Journeys is hands-on, inquiry-based, and accessible. Children learn science, technology, engineering, and math through exploration rather than memorization.
Depending on the weekly theme, campers may:
Investigate ecosystems and environmental science
Conduct simple experiments and test ideas
Work through engineering challenges as a team
Use observation and data collection skills in nature
Apply math concepts through real-world problem solving
This approach builds confidence and helps children see themselves as capable thinkers and learners. And, it’s fun!
Where Are Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Summer Day Camps Located?
Sierra Nevada Journeys offers Summer Day Camp programs in both Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California, expanding access to high-quality outdoor education across Northern California and Northern Nevada.
Both locations offer:
Multiple weeks of camp throughout the summer
Consistent programming rooted in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ mission
Safe, welcoming environments for diverse learners
Experienced staff trained in outdoor education and youth development
Instructors and counselors are background and fingerprint checked, CPR and First Aid certified
Families can choose the location and weeks that best fit their schedule.
How Are Safety and Supervision Handled?
Parents want to know their children are safe, supported, and well cared for.
Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Summer Day Camps are staffed by trained educators and counselors who prioritize:
Clear supervision and age-appropriate group sizes
Outdoor safety protocols and daily routines
Inclusive, respectful environments
Positive behavior guidance and relationship-building
Programs are designed to help kids feel secure, seen, and supported throughout the day.
Is Summer Day Camp More Than Childcare?
Yes. While day camp provides reliable, structured care, its impact goes far beyond supervision.
Children gain:
Confidence from trying new activities
Social skills through teamwork and collaboration
Independence through choice and responsibility
A stronger connection to nature and learning
Parents often share that their children return home more confident, curious, and excited about learning, outcomes that last well beyond summer.
Who Is Summer Day Camp Best For?
Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Summer Day Camp is ideal for families who value:
Outdoor learning and nature connection
STEM education that feels engaging and hands-on
Programs that support social and emotional growth
A balance of structure, creativity, and fun
Whether a child is new to camp or returning year after year, programs are designed to welcome a wide range of interests and learning styles.
How Do Families Learn More or Register?
Registration is open for Summer Day Camp in Reno and Sacramento, with multiple weeks available throughout the summer.
Parents can explore:
Weekly themes and schedules
Camp locations and age ranges
Program expectations and FAQs
Visit Science Programs for Students to learn more about our science programs, and register your students for their summer adventure at the links below!
A Summer That Matters
Summer doesn’t have to mean learning loss or endless screen time. With Sierra Nevada Journeys, it becomes a season of exploration, confidence, and growth.
Give your child a summer where learning happens outdoors, friendships are built naturally, and curiosity leads the way.