Donner Summit Adventure Camp
Give your kids the opportunity of a lifetime, participating in a week of adventures from rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, learning about the natural history around Donner Summit and more!
Upcoming Sessions
As summer 2024 has come to an end, there are no upcoming sessions available. Please check back in spring 2025 for available summer sessions.
We offer adventures for kids of all ages.
-
Littles
Ages 4–6
Your young children will enjoy exploring spectacular Donner Summit: mountain meadows, granite outcrops, alpine lakes, and forests, all while being guided by top environmental educators. Adventure activities include easy hiking, rock climbing, water play (lifeguard supervised), nature art, storytelling, active games and yoga. Give your child the chance to push their limits skills while learning about the natural wonder of Donner Summit.
-
Middles
Ages 6–9
Campers in this lively group are introduced to more thrilling adventures and challenging new experiences. Each day will be a mix of climbing, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, or white water rafting, rounded out with art, games and explorations of the natural history, geology, and human history of Donner Summit.
-
Bigs/Super-Bigs
Ages 9–12 & 12–15
Your kids will have the opportunity to push their physical and mental boundaries all week while having fun! Activities include hiking, rock climbing, flatwater kayaking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and white water rafting. The week is rounded out with learning about the stunning natural history, geology, and human history of the summit.
Adventure Camp FAQ’s
-
View our Cancellation Policy
-
All guides are background checked; SafeSport and CPR/Wilderness First Aid certified. All non-guiding staff are background checked.
-
Monday is registration day and drop offs start at 8:00 AM.
Tuesday thru Friday drop-offs are staggered:
8:45 AM - Bigs/Super-Bigs
9:00 AM - Middles
9:15 AM - LittlesPickups are staggered:
3:15 - Littles
3:30 - Middles
3:45 - Bigs/Super-BigsAll sessions meet at the Donner Ski Ranch Condominiums parking lot.
-
Of course! On the first day of camp, we create hiking groups based on age groups and camper choice. Please let your guide know on the first morning if your child would like to be in a hiking group with specific children.
-
We will consider exceptions to age groupings on a case-by-case basis. The most important element to consider is the pacing and abilities of the group. Please contact us to have a conversation if you wish to place your child in a group other than the one they are assigned to by age.
-
Yes! All water play takes place in local lakes and is closely supervised by camp staff. There are always shallow areas where children can wade, splash and play in the water without needing to swim.
-
We provide snacks such as granola bars and fruit during the day and ask that you pack a lunch for your child with, at minimum, a sandwich or “main course” and 2 liters of water.
-
Hiking groups are typically made up of eight to 12 children and two guides. All of our guides are Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified.
-
All of our guides are Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified, and many have higher-level medical training such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. When registering, please note any medical conditions on the registration form. On the first day of camp, we will ensure your child’s guide is familiar with your child’s condition and needs. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
-
No. We do not offer single-day or activity options. In order to create a coherent group dynamic between campers and guides, we require a commitment for the full week of camp activities.
-
No problem! We operate in a “challenge by choice” environment, where each camper is encouraged to try new activities, but never forced to do things that make them uncomfortable. Our guides are all experienced outdoor leaders and will support your child in expanding their comfort zones.