Other Activities
In addition to the listed activities, you'll enjoy a number of other activities including:
- Disc Golf
- Horse Shoes
- Treasure Hunts
- Gold Panning
- Nature Hikes
- Camp Olympics
- Board Games
- Card Games
- Shelter Building
- Slacklining
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
- Yoga
Our exceptional and multi-talented staff bring new ideas, activities, and games to Camp each year, so no two years are exactly the same. For example, in past years we have featured juggling and poi.
Camp tuition includes food, lodging, activities, activity supplies, and transportation during camp. The only activities for which there is an extra charge are horseback trail riding, whitewater rafting, and our specialized program tracks of mountain biking and rock climbing, which are optional activities. Transportation to and from Camp is not included, though the Camp provides free transportation to and from the Reno International Airport. There is bus transportation available from Palo Alto, San Francisco, Larkspur, Novato, and West Sacramento available for a fee. (See Transportation.)
Optional Activities
Horseback Riding
Your camper can enjoy a horseback trail rides through some beautiful mountain scenery.
The 1-1/2 hour trail ride is either out of Graeagle and meanders through some beautiful pine forests and rolling hills, or through a shorter section of the Gold Lake trail.
You may sign up for as many rides as are offered during your camper's stay, though we would recommend limiting the number of times your child goes on any particular trail to two.
One 1-1/2 hour ride is offered each week.
American River Whitewater Rafting
The whitewater rafting trip is down the South Fork of the American River. With drive time, it's a full day trip. We put in at Chili Bar and raft 10 miles to Folsom Lake. This trip is appropriate for campers as young as 8 (12 during high water periods, which is typically during the spring before Camp begins). There are Class III rapids and, depending on water flow, there may be some Class IV rapids (on a scale of I to V). Over the lower section of the South Fork, the river meanders through gold rush countryside, passed Sutter's Mill where gold was discovered in California, and is a lazy Class II cruise before it abruptly drops into The Gorge. As the rock walls narrow, the river picks up speed, and you'll be able to feel your heart beat with excitement. You'll plunge through miles of back-to-back rapids like Satan's Cesspool, Haystack Canyon, Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar. This trip is conducted by a professional rafting outfitter. We use professional guides with swift water rescue certification, and participants wear personal flotation devices and helmets and receive a safety and paddling orientation. It's not only a blast, but it's regularly ranked by our campers as their favorite activity year after year! NOTE: the river starts at a dam and the trip has continued to run even in drought years.
Mountain Biking Program Track
Campers can go mountain biking without enrolling in our specialized Mountain Biking Program Track. However, for kids who simply can't get enough mountain biking, who want to improve their technique over various terrain, and to ride some of the most epic trails in the United States, such as the one used for the Downieville Downhill Mountain Bike Classic, this is the program for them.
This program track is for campers staying 2 or more weeks who want to specialize in mountain biking and includes clinics on how to ride various terrain, trail etiquette, emergency trail repairs, and of course lots of riding on a variety of trails. The second week focuses on world-renown "Epic" rides. The program is suitable for campers with average to advanced skills, and you are welcome to bring your own gear, though the Camp has all the equipment necessary. Campers will spend up to about half their time in this program, so there is also time for other activities and efforts are made to allow time to attend river rafting and our CILT programs. (See Mountain Biking for more information.)
Mountain Biking - Northstar Day Pass
The Camp is located just an hour away from northern California's largest mountain bike park. We offer day trips to Northstar once every other week for riders with intermediate to advanced skills who are enrolled in the Mountain Bike Program Track. Your child must be enrolled in the Mountain Bike Program Track to go to the Northstar Bike Park. (The cost for the day pass is included in the fee for the program track.) Please check our Northstar Bike Park page for more information.
Outdoor Living Skills
This program area is for campers who want to learn backcountry skills necessary for a successful trip, such as trip planning, food planning, packing, orienteering with topo maps, compasses and GPS, where and how to make camp, cooking, and cleaning, and to learn about the geology, plants and animals of the Sierra Nevada mountains. (See Backpacking & Hiking for more information.)
Rock Climbing Program Track
Like mountain biking, children can go rock climbing without enrolling in our specialized Rock Climbing Program Track. However, for kids who've been bitten by the climbing bug, this program is for them.
This program track is for campers staying 2 or more weeks who want to specialize in rock climbing, including clinics on climbing techniques on a climbing wall, natural boulder fields, and natural granite walls. In addition to basic climbing moves and techniques, you'll learn knots, belaying, rappelling, and mock sport climbing. (See Rock Climbing Program Track for more information.)