2012 Rates & Dates

(Click for Session Availability)

Three Ways to Make Your Reservation

Because we're small with just 70 campers allowed to enroll at any one time, we do fill. So make your reservation risk-free today! If your plans change before May 15th, you can get a full refund. And if you enroll after May 15th, you may still cancel and receive a refund if you notify the Camp within 7 days of your enrollment, or the start of camp for your child, whichever comes first. And you are always covered by our Fun Guarantee!

There are three easy easy way to make your reservation:

• Enroll online (best option)
• Download a paper application
• Call us at (866) 597-6617

Picking A Session

The Camp offers sessions of one to seven weeks in length to fit everyone's schedule and budget! Though we offer one-week sessions, we believe you'll get more out of camp if you attend at least two weeks. Not only are there more activities than you could try in just a week, but camp is much more than just the activities it offers. Camp is primarily about being part of a community. A stay of at least two weeks gives you a chance to settle into camp life and really get to know new friends, as well as to experience all the activities the Camp has to offer.

However, we recognize that a one-week program might better suit some schedules or budgets. Also, some first-time campers might feel more comfortable committing to just a one-week session, though many first-time campers have done wonderfully with longer sessions. And so we offer three one-week sessions. Depending on the session and space availability, a one-week stay can be extended. (If our one-week dates are not convenient for you, please call us to discuss other potential dates and options.)

Our one-week program is similar to our longer sessions. However, some activities are not available during our one-week sessions, such as the Camper In Leadership Training (CILT) program, the Counselor in Training (CIT) program, and our special program tracks in rock climbing, mountain biking, and outdoor living skills (which includes our longer backpack trips). You will still be able to go rock climbing, moutain biking, and hiking, but you not be able to participate in the special program tracks and some of the trips unique to those programs.

Because there are more activities than can realistically be done in one week (even without the special program tracks for longer sessions), it is unlikely that a camper coming for just one week will be able to do everything offered at the camp. (But that just means you'll have to come back next year!)

Availability

As of , all sessions are OPEN .

What's Included

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, the float trip, whitewater rafting, and our specialized program tracks of mountain biking, rock climbing, and outdoor living skills, which are optional activities. Transportation to and from Camp is not included, though the Camp will pick up campers free of charge from the Reno International Airport. (See Transportation.)

Optional Activities

Horseback Riding

Whether your camper has never ridden before or is an intermediate rider, the Camp has an option right for you! You can choose from two different horseback trail rides through some beautiful mountain scenery.

Two different horseback trail rides are offered. The 2-1/2 hour trail ride is out of Gold Lake in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and loops around splendid lakes and has some terrific views. 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.

Here are the number of times each ride will be run for particular sessions:

River Rafting

We offer two fun river trips. One is a float trip down the Truckee River and the other is a whitewater trip down the American River.

• Truckee River.

The float trip down the Truckee River is a half day adventure appropriate for first time rafters and participants of all ages. We put in near the mouth of the Truckee where it comes out of Lake Tahoe and then float down 5 lazy miles, pulling out at River Ranch and the entrance to Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. The water is slow moving with some riffles here and there. Participants wear personal flotation devices (life vests) and one or more staff members will hold a lifeguard certification. You'll have plenty of opportunity for swimming, water fights, and just plain hanging with friends. It's a summer camp classic!

• American River.

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 floatation 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!

Here are the number of times each trip will be run for particular sessions:

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.)

Outdoor Living Skills (Backpacking)

This program track is for campers staying 2 or more weeks who not only want to go on a 4 or 5 day backpack trip, but want to learn all the other 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.

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.)

Confirmation Procedure and Refunds for Optional Activities

A camper's desire to participate in horseback riding and rafting trips is confirmed with the camper approximately two days before the trip and relayed to the outfitting company. Once confirmed, there are no refunds for nonattendance. Participation in these optional activities is subject to minimum and maximum sign-up requirements and to weather and water conditions. The rafting trips are very popular and can become impacted. If a program is impacted, Campers are picked based on the date they signed up for the trip, with the earlier sign-ups having the higher priority. (So be sure to sign your camper up when you enroll!) Any unused optional activity credit, subject to the above, will be refunded. Refunds are made by September 15.

Camp Store

The Camp stocks its store with sundries such as toothpaste, suntan lotion, batteries, water bottles, and other items. The store also carries candy, snacks and mementos such as T-shirts. The store credit allows your camper to make purchases without worrying about carrying money, and any unused credit will be refunded. Refunds are made by September 15. However, you can elect to donate any balance of your camp store credit to our campership program so that children whose families are not otherwise able to send them to camp can attend.

Discounts

Family Discount

You can save $75 for each child AFTER the first child from the same family to enroll during the same summer!

Full Payment Early Bird Discount

You can save $100 per week per child when you PAY IN FULL by December 1, 2011.

Referral Program

Refer a new family to us who sends a child to Camp in 2012 and receive $100 off tuition! (Just have them enter your full name in the "Group Code" box in the online application...it's that simple.)

Corporate Partnership Program

Do you work for a company with 100 or more employees? If so, your company is eligible for our Corporate Partnership Program. This costs your company nothing, and anyone who enrolls through your company receives a 10% discount on camp tuition! All your company has to do is enroll in the program (contact Scott Shaffer at (866) 597-6617 for information) and spread the word by whatever means best works for your company. It's a valuable benefit your company can offer its employees without costing your company a cent. And, if you help establish this program with your company AND two or more children from other families at your company enroll in the current season, you'll receive a free week of Camp! (You are eligible for only one free week; the Corporate Partnership Program cannot be combined with the Early Bird Discount or Family Discount.)

Cash Discount

Help us avoid the high fees that credit card companies charge and we’ll share our savings with you! Pay by check and get a 1% cash discount on everything that you pay for by check…tuition, camp store purchases, optional activities, program tracks – the whole kit’n’kaboodle.

Installment Payment Plan

It's rare today to run across anyone who remembers a time before credit cards became widespred, but there was in fact a time when people used to pay a little bit at a time ahead of making a substantial purchase. Now, you may take advantage of our interest-free installment payment plan like the old days and avoid those outrageous credit card interest rates. Just enroll in our program prior to March 15th. Your balance is split into equal monthly payments between the date you enroll and May 15th. And did we say it's interest free?!

Deposit and Enrollment

To reserve a space prior to May 15, you must pay a deposit of $500 (or enroll in our installment payment plan). Payment may be made by check, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. The balance is due May 15, 2012. To reserve a space on or after May 15, you must pay in full and by credit card only. Your space is NOT reserved until your check has cleared or your credit card payment is processed. If paying by check, please make it payable to Shaffer's High Sierra Camp, Inc. and send it to 248 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945-1221. (If you send it after June 10, please send it to 38782 Highway 49, Sattley, CA 96124.) Returned checks incur a $35 fee. For the Full Payment Early Bird Discount, we must receive your full payment by December 1, 2011.

Late Pick-Up Fee

You must pick up your child between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. on the Saturday at the end of your session. Because our staff are given time off or are otherwise leading activities, we do not have extra staff to supervise children whose parents are late in picking them up. If you are late picking up your child, we will have to make special staffing arrangements and you will incur a fee of $60/hour/per child.

Refund Policy

Your deposit/full tuition is fully refundable up to May 15, 2012, but because we hire staff and purchase equipment and supplies based on our anticipated enrollment, the deposit/full tuition is not refundable after May 15, 2012, subject to the Fun Guarantee below. If you enroll after May 15, 2012, you may still cancel and receive a full refund if you notify the Camp within 7 days of your enrollment, or the start of camp for your child, whichever comes first. (If you enroll using a "Group Code," then there will be a $75 service fee for cancelation.)

We highly suggest that you consider obtaining tuition insurance that can cover you in the event of emergencies, such as sickness, that may prevent your camper from attending camp. You may obtain information and insurance from TravMark. You may call them toll-free at (800) 358-0779 x221, email Mark@TravMark.com, or click here.

Payments made for unused optional activities (subject to "Optional Activities" above) and camp store credit are fully refundable regardless of if or when a camper cancels. If you register through a group, school or outlet AND utilize a "Group Code" when registering, then a $75 administrative fee will be charged for any cancellation. Any refunds owed will be paid by September 15.

There are no refunds for campers expelled for inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior includes bringing any weapon to camp, fighting, use of illegal drugs or alcohol, smoking, use of fire, vandalism, stealing, repeatedly displaying an uncooperative attitude or disrespect for others, and any other action that in the directors' opinion threatens the health, safety, or well-being of any person or animal, or the smooth operation of the Camp.

Fun Guarantee

We guarantee that your camper will have fun or we will refund your child's tuition. To take advantage of this guarantee, just send us a written request within 7 days of your child's last day at camp stating that he/she did not have fun and that you would like a refund. The refund applies only to tuition; it does not cover camp store purchases or optional activities, and your child must have attended Camp for at least one week and not more than 2. Also, the fun guarantee does not apply to any child who is expelled for inappropriate behavior.

Reserve Your Space RISK-FREE today!

Make your reservation now:

• Enroll online (best option)
• Download a paper application
• Call us at (866) 597-6617

Still want more information?

Just complete the information request form below and tell us what you'd like. (We won't spam you or sell your information to anyone! You may review our Summer Camps Privacy Policy.)

By filling out the information, we can take you to a page where you can watch our full length streaming video right away. Or you can get a brochure and free DVD with the movie to watch at home or share with others. And you can sign up for our newsletter with news and occasional special opportunities about our summer camps in California. (We also run a Family camp!) We hope to publish a newsletter every 4 to 8 weeks, but you can unsubscribe at any time. Or, if you'd like to talk to a director, we'd love to talk to you!

(Rev. 10/3/2011)