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Stanford Sierra Camp

What do you get when you combine the stamp of Stanford, the magnificence of the Sierra Nevada, and an activity-filled summer camp? A week of nonstop educational fun, personal fulfillment and memorable adventures for your entire family! Whether you're looking for a break from the stress of daily life or to enhance and cultivate new skills and experiences, look no further! Stanford Sierra Camp has been dishing up High Sierra splendor seasoned with educational activities and family togetherness for over 50 years!

Educational Fun For Everyone

Our exceptional Stanford undergrad counselors (the heart and soul of Camp) create an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun via interactive outdoor experiences for Sierra Camp's Younger Guests. Kids' groups, divided by age, meet daily (except on Family Games Day) for age-appropriate, creative, educational and laughter-guaranteed programs.


Age Groups

Munchkins (3-4 years old) & Snoopers (5-6 years old)

Play in "The Patch," read stories, ride the pontoon boat, visit the Fire House and go on make-believe adventures to learn about the environment. (Must be potty-trained.)

Menehunes (7-8 years old) & Yahoos (9-10 years old)

Hike, canoe, play games, make crafts and participate in activities designed to enhance your self-esteem and sense of wonder. The environment (water clarity, tree and plant identification) and local history are integral parts of the program.

Midorees (11-12 years old), Suaves (13-14 years old) and Teens (15 years old and up)

Coordinate and collaborate on Camp's challenge course, explore the woods on hikes, spend time on the water, try your hand at improv and hone your teamwork skills. The Suaves and Teens go backpack overnight.

Join our Stanford student instructors and learn about ecology and nature while exploring Desolation Wilderness.

Sail, kayak, scull and water-ski on Fallen Leaf Lake — our energetic staff will help with gear and pointers.

Perfect your watercolor painting strokes or construct a pine-needle basket at an art class or crafts workshop.

Challenge yourself on the ropes course or ascend "The Wall" with our resident rock-climbing enthusiasts.

Play tennis, volleyball or basketball on your own, in a clinic or during a friendly tournament.

Attend a staff-led book discussion, cultural dance class, workshop on local geology, photography session or any other of our offerings!

Just sit back on one of the many decks and enjoy a book amid the mountain beauty!


Comfortable accommodations consist of charming, rustic cabins set in the forest beside the lake. Most units offer lake views and private decks, and all have full private baths. Each cabin has one queen bed, plus up to four twin beds depending on cabin size. All linens are provided. Cabins do not have televisions, telephones, kitchen facilities or daily housekeeping. Smoking is prohibited in all Camp buildings. Sorry, pets are not allowed.

Camp's hilly and rugged mountain environment may be challenging to navigate for people using manual wheelchairs or those who have difficulty walking. The main lodge has two accessible guest rooms, several ramps and a lift for access between the first and second floors, as well as accessible public restrooms. With twenty acres of beach and forest, Camp activities tend to be spread out. Wheeled vehicles can access most activities. On request, our staff is happy to help transport individuals in one of Camp's golf-carts or vans.

Delicious meals are served buffet-style and provide a healthy, plentiful feast for the heartiest of appetites! Select from fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, fresh-baked specialty breads, savory vegetarian and traditional entrees, an appealing kids' selection and irresistible desserts. A bag-lunch sandwich bar is available daily for hikers and other adventurers. You can let us know ahead of time about food allergies and special dietary restrictions. We do our best to accommodate your nutritional needs!

2016 CAMP CALENDAR

Programs run from Saturday to Saturday for the duration of the summer.

  • Week 1: Reserved for conferences
  • Week 2: June 18 - June 25
  • Week 3: June 25 - July 2
  • Week 4: July 2 - July 9
  • Week 5: July 9 - July 16
  • Week 6: July 16 - July 23
  • Week 7: July 23 - July 30
  • Week 8: July 30 - August 6
  • Week 9: August 6 - August 13
  • Week 10: August 13 - August 20
  • Week 11: August 20 - August 27
  • Week 12: August 27 - September 3
  • Microbopper: September 3 - September 10

SPECIAL SUMMER PROGRAMS

Microbopper Week
(September 3 - September 10)
Got kids under 6? Take a much-needed break while your kids from 9 months through 6 years participate in age-appropriate programs daily. As you nap, kayak or read that novel you've been meaning to crack open, your little ones will be in the capable hands of our Stanford student staffers for this special week. September weather and 30% fewer guests (as compared to the busy summer months) combine to make Microbopper Week a fun and relaxing time for all. Per-person fees replace cabin rates during this week, and lodging assignments may vary based on availability. Children aged 3 and up must be potty-trained to participate in the Munchkin program. (Tip: Fewer families apply for this week, so you could be at Camp in a snap!)

2016 RATES AND ACCOMMODATIONS*

CAMP WEEKS (Weeks 2-12)
Lodge Rooms (1-2 people; maximum 4)
Mountainview $2,900
Lakeview $3,075
Lakeview with balcony $3,425
Lodge rooms can accommodate up to 3 adults and 1 child. Parties larger than 2 pay additional guest fee(s). See Additional Guests below.
   
Two-Bedroom Cabin
(1-4 people; maximum 6) $5,825  
Parties larger than 4 pay additional guest fee(s). See Additional Guests below.
   
Three-Bedroom Cabin
(1-5 people; maximum 8) $7,275
Parties larger than 5 pay additional guest fee(s). See Additional Guests below.
 
Additional Guests (Weeks 2-12)
When occupancy exceeds the standard cabin rate, extra-person charges are calculated based on the youngest member(s) of your party.
Newborn to 11 months No Charge  
Child, age 1–2 years $350  
Additional guest, age 3 and above $1100  
     
MICROBOPPER WEEK (Week 13)
Cabin rates are replaced by a per-person weekly rate.  Three-bedroom cabins will be charged a minimum of 5 people not including children under 9 months of age.
9 months and older $1,425  

*Rates include all meals and activities except for water-skiing, store charges and staff gratuity. Rates cannot be adjusted for late arrival, early departure or missed meals.

THE STAFF MAKES IT SPECIAL

Stanford Sierra Camp hosts a diverse staff and guest population. Our friendly staff members, mostly current Stanford students, are positive role models for your children and helpful resources for every member of your family. From supervising kids' activities to serving meals, the staff contributes creativity, energy, enthusiasm and enrichment to your Camp experience. Stanford Sierra Camp is an equal opportunity employer.

Planning Your Trip


See our suggested camp packing list.

Get directions to Sierra Camp.

Request a Brochure

For printed info on one or more of our locations or programs in the Sierra, please complete our request form »

Summer 2016 Stanford Sierra Camp applications are now being accepted. Download the application.

Virtual Sierra Camp

Share memories, photos, packing tips and much more with Sierra Campers from your week. Click your week below to join your group.

Helpful links

Contact Us

Stanford Sierra Camp
Carrie Webb, Reservations Manager
cewebb@stanford.edu
(530) 541-1244 (ext. 102)

Mountain photo (top): Carl Rosendahl