Donner Summit Adventure Camp
Important Update: Summer Camp Cancellation
April 4, 2025
Dear Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that we share some difficult news. Gateway Mountain Center has made the tough decision to cancel this summer’s Adventure and Rock Climbing Camps. While we had every intention of hosting another season of camps this year, a recent analysis has shown that it is simply not financially feasible. Like many nonprofits right now, Gateway faces significant organizational decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our work.
We know this decision will bring disappointment not only to your child but also to your family, and we deeply regret the impact it may have on your summer plans. We will be providing full refunds for all camp fees, which will be processed early next week. We have also provided below, a list of alternative camps and activities available in the Tahoe/Truckee area.
Our Adventure and Rock Climbing Camps have been a cherished experience for so many over the years, and it has been our greatest honor to create lasting memories with your children. We are profoundly grateful for the trust and support you have shown us over the years.
We appreciate your understanding during this time of transition and thank you for being part of our camp community.
With our sincerest apologies,
Kelly Bathgate
Interim Executive Director
Gateway Mountain Center
Summer Camps in the Truckee/North Tahoe Region
Courage Project: Mindfulness Mini-Camp for kids ages 8 and up; hiking, yoga, sailing, and more. Grow confidence, enhance your emotional intelligence, and build resilience to stress. Camps are Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am - 5pm, and Wednesdays, 8am - 12pm. www.courageproject.org
Headwater Science Institute: Hands-on science camps designed for children to have fun while exploring the unique ecology of the beautiful Truckee-Tahoe area. Campers participate in activities like hiking, water exploration, and nature games and crafts. www.headwatersscienceinstitute.org
High Altitude Fitness: High Altitude’s Truckee location offers various youth rock climbing summer camps for kids ages 5-14 years old, designed to fill the days with bouldering, top rope, and auto belays led by staff who will help your child improve their climbing skills and athletic ability. Summer camps include rock climbing (sport climbing and bouldering), arts and crafts, games and indoor/outdoor activities. www.highaltitudefit.net
Northstar California Resort: Northstar offers multiple programs for every level of mountain biker throughout the summer, including Kids’ Mountain Bike Camp, Intro to Bike Park, Bike Park Skills, and Progression on Pedals. www.northstarcalifornia.com
Tahoe Expedition Academy: Tahoe Summer Camps offer adventure-filled summer camp experiences in Lake Tahoe with professional educators, artists, makers, climbers, wilderness experts and pro-athletes as guides. Campers hike, raft, climb, and more. www.tahoesummercamps.com
Truckee Bike Park: Kids’ Bike Skill-Building Camp is open for riders ages 8-17 of every skill level. Riders progress and improve on their fundamental skills, cornering techniques, pumping rhythms, jumping safely, and more. www.truckeebikepark.org
Truckee Roundhouse Makerspace: Offering a variety of summer camps including ceramics, sewing, art, and upcycling in the Maker Lab. Ages 8-11. www.truckeeroundhouse.org
Woodward Tahoe: Woodward is where action sports athletes come to progress and hang during the summer. In the morning, campers push their limits with daily instruction, often involving an elite athlete or legendary pro. In the afternoon campers can choose to keep practicing in the parks, try something new like create-a-skate, tie-dye, or relax with friends at the lake. www.rideboreal.com
We offer adventures for kids of all ages.
-
Littles
Ages 5–6
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 7–9
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, hiking, or white water rafting, rounded out with art, games and explorations of the natural history, geology, and human history of Donner Summit.
-
Bigs
Ages 10–13
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, 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.