About
Shaffer's High Sierra Camp offers activities such as archery, arts and crafts, performing arts, hip hop, disc golf, volleyball, and camp fire and evening programs. Campers take part in outdoor activities including swimming in a pool and lake, hiking, backpacking, shelter building, a challenge ropes course, rock climbing, gold panning, horseback riding, lake kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, mountain boarding, and whitewater rafting. The camp limits enrollment to 120 campers and has no Wi-Fi, phones, iPads, or computers, which one parent referred to as “Electronics Rehab.”
• Ages: 8–17 years old
• Schedule: Sessions of two weeks or longer may include a 12 to 14 mile (19 to 22 kilometer) backpack route on the Pacific Crest Trail from Jackson Meadow Reservoir to Sierra City
Shaffer's High Sierra Camp offers specialized program tracks in mountain biking, rock climbing, and outdoor living skills. Returning campers who are at least 14 years old and attending a session of two weeks or longer can join a leadership training program in which they may help staff facilitate a program activity of their choosing and mentor a younger bunk group. Campers may participate in a research study conducted by Stanford University's Graduate School of Education. The camp is led by Lisa and Scott Shaffer.
Outside Magazine recommended Shaffer's High Sierra Camp and named it one of its five favorite camps in the U.S. The LA Times also recommended the camp, and Newsweek listed it among the nation's best camps. One parent reported that their son looks forward to camp every summer, noted that the camp picks up and/or drops off campers at the Reno airport, and described increased self-confidence, respect, and patience after camp. Another parent described the staff as very well trained, supportive, and encouraging, and said their child’s growth and development were identified after each year. Multiple parents described the camp as a special place for their children, mentioned activities such as rock climbing, mountain boarding, crafts, and hip hop, and said their children return home with stories, friendships, and memories. One parent of a child with Down syndrome stated that Lisa and Scott Shaffer and the staff make their child feel welcome and ensure his success with close supervision and supportive, enthusiastic staff. Several parents reported that their children wanted to extend their stay or return for longer sessions in future summers.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
• Ages: 8–17 years old
• Schedule: Sessions of two weeks or longer may include a 12 to 14 mile (19 to 22 kilometer) backpack route on the Pacific Crest Trail from Jackson Meadow Reservoir to Sierra City
Shaffer's High Sierra Camp offers specialized program tracks in mountain biking, rock climbing, and outdoor living skills. Returning campers who are at least 14 years old and attending a session of two weeks or longer can join a leadership training program in which they may help staff facilitate a program activity of their choosing and mentor a younger bunk group. Campers may participate in a research study conducted by Stanford University's Graduate School of Education. The camp is led by Lisa and Scott Shaffer.
Outside Magazine recommended Shaffer's High Sierra Camp and named it one of its five favorite camps in the U.S. The LA Times also recommended the camp, and Newsweek listed it among the nation's best camps. One parent reported that their son looks forward to camp every summer, noted that the camp picks up and/or drops off campers at the Reno airport, and described increased self-confidence, respect, and patience after camp. Another parent described the staff as very well trained, supportive, and encouraging, and said their child’s growth and development were identified after each year. Multiple parents described the camp as a special place for their children, mentioned activities such as rock climbing, mountain boarding, crafts, and hip hop, and said their children return home with stories, friendships, and memories. One parent of a child with Down syndrome stated that Lisa and Scott Shaffer and the staff make their child feel welcome and ensure his success with close supervision and supportive, enthusiastic staff. Several parents reported that their children wanted to extend their stay or return for longer sessions in future summers.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
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