Summer Camp
Ages 8 to 18
Registration for 2026 will open in the Fall. Join our newsletter to receive the latest information about our programs.
Sierra Nevada Journeys Turns Summer Camp into a Powerful, Enriching Experience as Campers are Immersed in the Outdoors
Camp sessions run from Sunday afternoon to Friday morning, located at our Outdoor Education Camp in Portola, California — just 50 minutes northwest of Reno and 2 hours from Sacramento. Your camper will have the quintessential summer camp experience, complete with kayaking, hiking, climbing the high ropes course, archery, and campfire sing-alongs.
In addition to traditional summer camp activities, Sierra Nevada Journeys incorporates social-emotional learning into its lessons and activities, allowing campers to hone their teamwork and leadership skills in a fun and interactive environment. We are an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that has cultivated a learner-centered environment to accommodate different paces and styles of learning and growth. You can learn more about our approach to equity and inclusion.
Summer 2025 marks our 17th year of summer camp operations, and we couldn’t be more excited for the adventures to come. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us at summerprograms@sierranevadajourneys.org or 530-832-1085.
2026 Pricing
All sessions are $1,250 for the week — five nights, from Sunday afternoon to Friday morning. The price of camp includes all programming costs, meals, snacks, and accommodations in yurts. A $200 deposit is due at the time of registration. Monthly payments can be for the balance.
Counselors-in-Training is a two-week program for teens to develop their leadership skills and experience a two-day trip in the Lost Sierra region as part of a community service project. The cost is $2,500, and campers earn up to 30 hours of community service. A $400 deposit is required at the time of registration.
Special Discounts and Offers
New for 2025, we are offering special incentives for early bird registration, becoming a monthly donor, bringing your sibling with you to camp, or as a returning camper.
If you live in Plumas or Sierra County, we’re extending a special local discount to take the opportunity to enjoy Camp located in your backyard.
Scholarships
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we partner with other organizations to bring youth to camp through scholarships. For example, if you are a part of Reno Housing Authority (RHA), youth from that organization can receive an RHA scholarship to attend summer camp. If you’re interested in sponsoring a scholarship for another child to attend camp, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
If you are a SilverSummit Healthplan member, your children are eligible to attend Overnight Summer Camp on 100% scholarship. Call SilverSummit Healthplan’s Community Solutions at 1-844-366-2880 or by email communitysolutions@silversummithealthplan.com.
Youth Camp Sessions
Camp Classics and Color Olympics
Ages 8 - 13
| Session Week | Name | Dates | Available Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Camp Classics | June 14 - 19 | 60 Kids |
| Week 2 | Camp Classics | June 21 - 26 | 60 Kids |
| Week 3 | Camp Classics | June 28 - July 3 | 80 Kids |
| Week 4 | Camp Classics | July 5 - 10 | 64 Kids |
| Week 5 | Camp Classics | July 12 - 17 | 80 Kids |
| Week 6 | No Camp | July 19 -24 | n/a |
| Week 7 | Color Olympics | July 26 - 31 | 40 Kids |
Teen Camp Sessions
Leaders in Training, Ages 14 - 16
Counselors in Training, Ages 16 - 18, A Two-Week Program
| Session Week | Name | Dates | Available Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 4 | Leaders in Traininging | July 5 - 10 | 16 Teens |
| Week 5 | Leaders in Training | July 12 - 17 | 16 Teens |
| Week 6 & 7 | Counselors in Training | July 19 - 31, Two Weeks | 12 Teens |
About the Camp Sessions
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Camp Classics
AGES 8 - 13
Are you ready for exciting camp activities and discovery at Sierra Nevada Journeys? Enjoy kayaking on the pond, archery at the range, swimming at the pool, and climbing on the high ropes course while your bunkmates cheer you on! Join your friends for all-camp games, science experiments, nature exploration, and fun-filled competitions that vary each session. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to make life-long friends and create everlasting memories.
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Color Olympics
AGES 8 - 13
Join us for Color Olympics – A traditional summer camp with a twist! Campers will be divided into teams, and friendly competition will be woven throughout camp. Campers will receive their team color before camp, and the theme will be revealed at the all-camp opening. Campers can expect to participate in all-camp games, relay races, kayaking, archery, swimming, and the challenge course. Join us this summer for another epic theme filled with excitement and hype!
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Leaders in Training
Ages 14 - 16
Leaders inTraining are teens seeking a unique camp experience. Through outdoor skill development and team building on the challenge course, they’ll practice the skills needed to grow as confident leaders. Along with classic camp activities, the week begins with an Open Space Planning session, where your group will design experiences limited only by your creativity.
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Counselors in Training
AGES 16 - 18
Counselors in Training is an advanced leadership program for high school students. Participants will enjoy traditional camp activities while also attending training sessions on child development, behavior management, and activity facilitation. They’ll put these skills into practice by mentoring, observing, and working alongside a cabin group during a Camp Classics session. The program also includes an off-camp adventure to the Lost Sierra for team bonding. By the end, you’ll be well prepared to join the Summer Camp Counselor team in the future. Prior experience at Sierra Nevada Journeys is not required.
Policies, Handbooks and Helpful Information
Policies, Handbooks and Helpful Information
In the handbooks, you’ll find packing information, directions to camp, and other helpful information. Also, read our cancellation, refunds and payment policies
