Rock Climbing Camps
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 three amazing climbing camps.
-
Donner Summit Day Camp
Spend the day climbing in some of the most famous climbing locations in the country. For five days you can join our expert climbing guides in building your skill and challenging yourself on dynamic and exciting climbs. Practice your skills in sport, lead, bouldering, and trad climbing while getting coaching from some of the best the Tahoe region has to offer.
-
Donner Summit Overnight
Experience the famous Sierra Granite on Donner Summit by day and rest up under the stars at Alpine Meadow Campground by night. Enjoy your days climbing new routes and learning new skills with authentic, professional guides, local to the Sierra. Spend fun-filled evenings at the campsite, experiencing wellness activities, stargazing, and night hikes.
-
Eastern Sierra Climbing Camp
Our road trip to the Eastern Sierra offers high quality sport and traditional climbing, plus some epic bouldering! Small student to guide ratio. Experience required. Enjoy intensive, personalized instruction with three guides and six students. We’ll camp at Rock Creek to climb the awesome crags this area has to offer: Pine Creek, Mammoth Lakes, Happy Boulders, Buttermilks, Rock Creek, Clark Canyon and Rock Creek to name a few. Evenings are spent enjoying campfires, hot springs, and stargazing. Outdoor climbing and camping experience required. All guides are background checked; SafeSport, AMGA and CPR/Wilderness First Aid certified. All non-guiding staff are background checked.
Climbing 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.
-
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.
-
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.