How to Get Ready for Overnight Summer Camp
Summer camp is getting closer, which means it’s time to start getting ready for the most memorable weeks of the year. Whether your child is attending Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Overnight Summer Camp for the first time or counting down the days until they return to Camp, a little preparation now can help everyone feel more confident and excited.
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, camp is designed to help kids build curiosity, confidence, independence, and connection to nature through hands-on outdoor experiences. Campers spend their days exploring the Sierra, trying new activities, making friends, and creating the kinds of memories they’ll talk about long after summer ends.
Preparing for camp is about more than packing a suitcase. It’s also about helping your child feel ready for new experiences, outdoor adventures, and a little independence away from home.
Start Talking About Camp Early
For many campers, especially first-time campers, overnight camp may be their first extended time away from home. Start building excitement now by talking about what camp will be like.
Discuss things such as:
Sleeping in cabins with cabinmates
Eating meals together in The Lodge
Outdoor activities and games
Campfires and evening programs
Trying new things
Meeting campers from different communities
Keep the conversation positive and encouraging. Confidence grows when kids know what to expect.
If your child feels nervous, that’s completely normal. Many campers arrive feeling uncertain and leave camp wishing they could stay another week.
Review the Camp Handbook Together
Before camp begins, take time to read through the 2026 Summer Camp Handbook as a family. Reviewing expectations ahead of time helps avoid surprises later.
Pay close attention to:
Packing lists
Medication procedures
Drop-off and pick-up details
Cabin assignments
Camprules and expectations
Electronics policies
Safety procedures
The more familiar your family is with the process, the smoother check-in day will feel.
Practice Independence at Home
Camp gives kids opportunities to build confidence and responsibility. A few small practice routines before camp can make a big difference.
In the weeks leading up to camp, encourage your child to:
Make their own bed
Organize their clothes
Shower independently
Keep track of personal belongings
Help pack their duffel bag
Practice being away from screens and devices
These simple habits help campers feel more comfortable once they arrive at Camp.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Pack
One of the biggest stressors before camp is rushing to pack the night before departure.
Start early instead.
Lay everything out a few days in advance and involve your child in the process. When campers help pack, they’re more likely to recognize their belongings later.
Be sure to clearly label:
Water bottles
Sleeping bags
Clothing
Towels
Flashlights
Toiletry bags
Every summer, Camp ends up with a large collection of forgotten items. Labels help belongings make their way back home.
Pack for Outdoor Adventure
Campers spend most of their time outside exploring forests, trails, ponds, challenge course elements, and activity areas.
That means packing for changing mountain weather and active days is important.
A few essentials include:
Comfortable closed-toe athletic shoes
Layers for cool mornings and evenings
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Reusable water bottle
Rain jacket
Swimsuit
Hat
Flashlight
Daypack
Even during summer, evenings at Camp in Portola can cool down quickly.
Help Your Child Disconnect From Screens
One of the most valuable parts of camp is the chance to unplug.
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, campers spend their days connecting face-to-face instead of through screens. They hike, laugh, explore, play games, and learn outdoors together.
If your child spends a lot of time on devices, consider gradually reducing screen time in the weeks leading up to camp. It can make the transition easier once they arrive.
Many campers are surprised by how much they enjoy being fully present at camp.
Talk About Trying New Things
Camp is filled with opportunities to step outside comfort zones.
Some campers may love the challenge course immediately. Others may discover a passion for archery, kayaking, arts and crafts, science exploration, or hiking. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation, curiosity, and confidence-building.
Encourage your child to:
Try at least one new activity
Introduce themselves to someone new
Ask questions
Participate even if something feels unfamiliar
Growth often happens in the moments that feel a little uncertain at first.
Send Them With Encouragement, Not Pressure
One of the best things parents can do before camp is keep the focus on fun, friendship, and discovery instead of performance.
Camp isn’t about being the fastest, bravest, or most outgoing camper. It’s about helping kids develop confidence, resilience, independence, and connection.
Sierra Nevada Journeys’ programs are built around unforgettable experiences that support personal growth, teamwork, and curiosity.
Pre-Order Camp Gear Before Arrival
Want to make camp even more exciting?
Families can pre-order Sierra Nevada Journeys camp gear before camp begins through the online Company Store. Camp sweatshirts, hats, and apparel are a fun way for campers to show their excitement before they arrive and remember their experience long after camp ends.
Camp Memories Last Long After Summer Ends
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, camp is about much more than filling a week of summer vacation. Campers build friendships, confidence, independence, and lifelong memories while exploring the outdoors in meaningful ways.
Many families tell us their child comes home more confident, more curious, and more willing to try new things after just one week at Camp.
That’s the power of outdoor learning, connection, and adventure in the Sierra Nevada.
Why Earth Day Matters for Kids
And How It Starts at Camp
There’s something powerful about hearing a child say, “Help the Earth,” because they’ve experienced what it means.
We see it all the time. A student picks up a piece of trash on the trail without being asked.
They notice how water moves through a watershed. They get excited about a bug, a rock, or a tree they’ve never paid attention to before.
That’s how Earth Day begins for kids, not as a concept, but as a connection.
And that connection is exactly why Sierra Nevada Journeys is here for kids!
What Is Earth Day, and Why Does It Matter for Children?
Earth Day is a global reminder that the health of our environment is tied directly to our future. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and action.
But for kids, those ideas only stick when they are experienced.
Children learn to care about the environment by:
Spending time outside
Asking questions
Getting their hands dirty
Witnessing how their actions make a difference
That kind of learning happens through real experiences in nature.
What Is Earth Day, and Why Does It Matter for Children?
Earth Day is a global reminder that the health of our environment is tied directly to our future. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and action.
But for kids, those ideas only stick when they are experienced.
Children learn to care about the environment by:
Spending time outside
Asking questions
Getting their hands dirty
Witnessing how their actions make a difference
That kind of learning happens through real experiences in nature.
Why Early Connection to Nature Matters
When kids build a relationship with the natural world early in life, it shapes how they see their role in it.
We consistently hear from teachers and families that students become more curious, more confident, and more engaged after spending time in our programs.
That’s not by accident.
At Sierra Nevada Journeys, students:
Explore ecosystems instead of just reading about them
Learn how systems like water, soil, and wildlife are connected
Practice observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Experience the outdoors as a place where they belong
These experiences build something deeper than knowledge. They build responsibility.
How Camp Brings Earth Day to Life
Earth Day is one day. Camp is where it becomes part of who a child is.
At Sierra Nevada Journeys camps, students learn to practice caring for the environment.
They:
Participate in hands-on science activities
Learn how to reduce waste and care for shared spaces
Work together to solve real-world challenges
See firsthand how small actions add up
It’s the difference between being told to care and choosing to care; turning awareness into action.
Why This Matters Right Now for Families
Spring is when families start thinking about summer.
It’s also when many kids are still spending more time indoors, on screens, and disconnected from the natural world.
Camp gives them something different.
It gives them:
Time outside in a safe, structured environment
Opportunities to build confidence and independence
A chance to connect with other kids in meaningful ways
Experiences that stay with them long after summer ends
And for many families, it’s also about giving their child access to something they might not otherwise experience.
Sierra Nevada Journeys is committed to making these opportunities available to all students, especially those whose schools or communities face barriers to accessing outdoor science education.
How Earth Day Connects to Big Day of Giving on May 7
Sacramento’s Big Day of Giving is one way our community turns Earth Day action into impact.
Support during this time helps provide scholarships so more kids can attend camp, explore the outdoors, and build a connection to the environment that lasts a lifetime.
It also strengthens programs that are already making a difference across Northern Nevada and Northern California.
When you support Sierra Nevada Journeys, you are helping create:
More access to outdoor science education
More opportunities for students to experience nature
More moments where kids realize they can make a difference
What Kids Remember from Earth Day and Outdoor Camp
While kids may not remember the definition of Earth Day, the WILL remember:
The first time they viewed a bug under a magnifying glass.
The moment they saw how water moves through a watershed.
The feeling of being outside, learning, and discovering something new.
They know that they are part of something bigger, and that is what stays with them.
Your Next Steps
If you’ve been thinking about summer plans, now is the time, because helping the Earth starts with helping kids understand their place in it.
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 5–12 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.
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.