Discover Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp
A Place Where Kids Grow Into Their Best Selves
Kids describe YSSC, a Christian Summer Camp in California, as the best two weeks of their summer, if not year. Here’s why.
Where Traditions Matter and Values are Lived Out
We create an environment where kids grow the skills they’ll lean on throughout the coming year– and their lives in the years beyond. We aspire to create more than a place to get away, but a formative experience that empowers your child to become their best selves, navigate our complex world, and discover God’s love and voice in their lives in a personal way. The real impact of a youth camp is children growing skills that last a lifetime.
“All year long, my sons continue to share stories, memories and traditions that they gather at camp. Camp has made them into great young men, and it has strengthened their bond with each other.” – Michael, Camper Parent
Whole Child Youth Development Starts Here
Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp program and outcomes center on our two-week long sessions. Organized into cabin groups of one counselor and up to 7 campers of similar age, children participate in developmentally appropriate activities. Among the many activities that await your child at YSSC, some of the most memorable are the simplest bonding experiences where our trained counselors encourage kids to embrace the joys of life: face painting, costumes, defeating the “pirates” who stole their treasure, and running through forests trying to capture the other team’s flag. These are the magical moments that have become lifetime memories for generations of YSSC since 1973.
Unit 1
Campers entering grades 3 to 6: Confidence building and teamwork skills are emphasized in a variety of activities such as low ropes course, water sports, nature study, Yosemite day hikes, theme days, Variety Show, and Star Rock sleep-outs.
Unit 2
Campers entering grades 7 to 8:
Greater opportunities to take positive risks are added to the camp experience including 3-day introductory backpack trips, high ropes course, and Bible seminar choices.
Unit 3
Campers entering grades 9 to 10:
Our oldest campers build on their skills and enjoy added adventures such as rappelling, Yosemite adventure day, and leadership challenges.
With the right combination of cabin activities and all-camp gatherings, campers will get a taste of just about everything YSSC has to offer and no single day will be the same as the one before.
XL Adventure Week at Mammoth Pool
It’s quite common for campers to declare that “two weeks wasn’t enough” and wish to stay longer. What can we say? We love it here, too. That’s why we’ve developed XL Adventure Week, an off-site, add-on program open to any enrolled camper in grades 7 and above. Held at water’s edge on majestic Mammoth Pool, approximately 45 miles from Bass Lake, California, this rustic beach camp includes extensive wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and kayaking, along with rock climbing, exploration hikes, self-directed fun, and deeper small group time.
*Must be enrolled in any 2-week session
What They’ll Gain From a Session at YSSC
Our campers don’t just come away from this California Youth Camp with amazing memories and scenic photos. They also gain and build skills that will help them mature into their true identity.
Peer Skills
Studies call them “Healthy Peer Relationships.” We call it learning how to make better friends by being a better friend. Through team-based activities and counselor-led dialogue, campers learn how to practice empathy, listening and expression skills, and conflict resolution.
Self-Esteem
A healthy sense of self is like any muscle in your body. With proper exercise, you build a deep strength to rely on for years to come. At Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, campers get to work this muscle every day. Your child will practice appropriate and healthy independence in a safe setting. Our parents frequently tell us they notice the difference in their child’s confidence right away.
Curiosity
A curious and inquisitive mind is one of the most important assets a child can have in the 21st century. That’s why our curriculum provides campers with time and space to explore. Through age-appropriate adventure, kids learn the importance of trying new healthy activities, meeting new people, and taking positive risks.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back and learn from mistakes. We grow this life skill by encouraging campers to “try, try again” all on their own—whether it’s the climbing wall, archery, hiking or backpacking—in an encouraging environment with trained adults supervising.
Unplugging
Technology can be a wonderful part of a child’s life. But in our screen-saturated world, it’s also important for kids to learn who they are without devices around. Campers find that a few weeks without phones and tablets gives them a greater sense of focus and the ability to better understand others and themselves.
More questions you need answered?
Summer Camp Dates & Rates
SUMMER 2024 SCHEDULE
Session 1: June 16 – June 28
XL Week Add-On: June 30 – 5 tentative for 2024, pending national forest permit.
Session 2: July 7 – July 19
Session 3: July 21 – August 2
Session 4: August 4 – August 16
SUMMER 2024 RATES
Two-Week Session: $4,200
XL Week Add-On: tentative for 2024, pending national forest permit.
Deposit: $750 required for regular Two-Week Session and $250 deposit for XL Week.
Early Bird Rates and Sibling Discounts: Given after you apply.
Availability Chart
The chart below indicates available enrollment in each session by each age division.
| SESSION 1 | SESSION 2 | SESSION 3 | SESSION 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 Boys | Limited | Limited | Waitlisted | Limited |
| Unit 1 Girls | Available | Limited | Waitlisted | Waitlisted |
| Unit 2 Boys | Available | Limited | Available | Limited |
| Unit 2 Girls | Limited | Waitlisted | Waitlisted | Limited |
| Unit 3 Boys | Available | Available | Limited | Waitlisted |
| Unit 3 Girls | Available | Limited | Limited | Waitlisted |
green indicates there is availability, yellow indicates there are only a few spots left, red indicates a waitlist has begun.
Unit 1 = entering 3rd-6th grade | Unit 2 = entering 7th-8th grade | Unit 3 = entering 9th-10th grade
*Limited = 6 spaces or less
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be in writing and acknowledged by camp registrar. Any cancellations that occur on or before March 31, 2019 will result in a $300 cancellation fee. Any cancellations that occur between April 1, 2019 and one month prior to your enrolled session will result in a $750 cancellation fee. Cancellations for our XL add-on week will result in a $50 cancellation fee. Any cancellations that occur 4 weeks or less from the enrolled session will result in no refund.
Have younger kids? Check out our sister program Emerald Cove Day Camp.
Not sure if your child is ready for two weeks away?
Request our webinar recording, “Is my child ready for sleep-away camp?” for tips on determining your child’s readiness.