Discover Independence and Lifelong Memories at Summer Camp
The Helen Close Charitable Foundation has been instrumental in providing impactful outdoor summer experiences for children connected with the Reno Housing Authority. Last summer, 51 children from families with financial barriers enjoyed a memorable week at Sierra Nevada Journeys Overnight Summer Camp. The scholarships were earned through school participation and a community service-learning activity with The Nature Conservancy, which included a clean-up on the Truckee River. They collected 28 bags of trash and learned about the time it takes for plastic and other materials to decompose in the soil. Additionally, they participated in traditional summer camp activities such as archery and kayaking.
Junior Explorers Summer Day Camp Provides STEAM Learning for Youth
In 2023, Sierra Nevada Journeys was thrilled to launch a new partnership with the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation to offer a Summer Day Camp for young adventurers aged 6-8 in the Greater Reno area. The Junior Explorers Camp is nestled in the beauty of the Rosewood Nature Study Area.
“Day Camp is a great option for our younger students who aren’t quite ready to attend our week-long overnight summer camp. This was an incredible opportunity for kids to spend time outdoors, participating in exploration, games, hiking, and STEAM activities,” said Sean Hill, President and CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys.
The themes – Wacky Weather, Environmental Engineers, Tiny Wonders, Botanical Buddies, and Art in Nature – wove in environmental science concepts along with art and critical thinking. Campers had so much fun as they played games, sang songs, went on nature walks, and created pieces of art, that they didn’t even realize they were learning valuable STEAM concepts.
Sacramento Summer Fun
Sacramento Classrooms Unleashed Instructors led summer STEM workshops with a variety of grade levels with C.W. Dillard Elementary, the Language Academy of Sacramento, and Lighthouse Charter School. Lessons included ocean-themed concepts where students learned about the Marine Food Web (the interconnectedness between different species and habitats), animal habitats, the engineering design process, and local watershed systems.
San Juan Unified School District’s Family & Community Engagement Department and Sierra Nevada Journeys hosted students and families for a full day of exploring at the American River. Together, we played games, investigated natural systems and learned about the plants and animals along the river.
