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<b>Maggie</b> aka <i>"The Turninator"</i>
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Maggie aka "The Turninator"
Last Updated: 06/05/2025

Summer Camps: Wild Adventure Meets Mountain Magic

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Jump in for high-alpine adventures, bold challenges, and nonstop fun

Looking for the ultimate summer camp in Lake Tahoe? Sugar Bowl Summer Camps offer kids ages 4–17 a chance to step into a world of high-alpine adventure, confidence-building challenges, and unforgettable fun. Nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, this July camp series includes four exciting weeks of exploration—featuring a daily itinerary packed with fun from swimming in Donner Lake, rock climbing on Donner Summit, and hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s everything summer should be: wild, joyful, and packed with memories that last a lifetime.

A camper on a hike at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe

Why Choose Sugar Bowl Summer Camps?

Whether your camper is a fearless rock scrambler or dipping their toes into their first wilderness experience, Sugar Bowl’s program offers the perfect mix of fun, freedom, and outdoor skill-building. Here’s what makes this camp stand out:

  • Small group sizes with a 6:1 camper-to-counselor ratio
  • Top-tier outdoor educators and certified guides
  • Daily adventures into the Tahoe National Forest, Pacific Crest Trail, the Truckee River, and Donner Summit

Age-appropriate programming: Now offering both a Kids Adventure Camp for Ages 8-17 and a Kids Activities Camp for Ages 4-7!

Campers whitewater rafting on the Truckee River at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe.

Camp Dates for 2026

The 2026 sessions run weekly, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Sugar Bowl’s Main Lodge.

  • Week 1: •  July 6- July 10, 2026
  • Week 2: July 13- July 17, 2026
  • Week 3: July 24, 2026
  • Week 4: July 31, 2026 (Adventure Camp Sold Out)

Spots fill fast—register early to secure your child’s place!

A camper rock climbing at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe

What’s in a Week of Camp for Kid Adventure Campers (Ages 8-17)?

Each day brings new opportunities for growth, discovery, and play. Here’s a taste of what Kid Adventure Campers (Ages 8-17)  can expect:

Hiking the High Sierra

Campers explore high-alpine trails, splash through mountain streams, and summit Sierra ridgelines while learning navigation, ecology, and wilderness safety.

Lake & River Adventures

From stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on Donner Lake to secret swim spots and a professionally guided whitewater rafting trip*, campers stay cool while soaking up mountain fun.

Under the supervision of pro guides, campers* climb the iconic granite of Donner Summit—boosting strength, trust, and confidence along the way.

Rock Climbing on Donner Summit

Under the supervision of pro guides, campers* climb the iconic granite of Donner Summit—boosting strength, trust, and confidence along the way.

Classic Camp Fun + Ropes Course

It’s not just about adrenaline—campers also enjoy trail yoga, disc golf, nature crafts, high ropes*, and hilarious camp-wide games that make each week truly special.

*Camp activities vary for ages 4-7.

A camper enjoying a slip and slide at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe

What’s in a Week of Camp for Kids Activities Campers (Ages 4–7)?

Campers Ages 4–7 will be based at Sugar Bowl Resort and offer age-appropriate outdoor fun, activities, games, arts & crafts, creativity, and discovery in a safe, nurturing environment.

Two campers stand up paddle boarding at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe

Camp Details at a Glance

  • Ages: 4–17
  • Dates: Weekly through July
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
  • Location: Camp is based out of “The Palace” near Sugar Bowl Main Lodge
  • Transportation: Provided to all adventure sites by commercially licensed drivers
A camper panning for gold at Sugar Bowl Summer Camp on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe

Make Summer 2026 Count

Whether your child is climbing granite cliffs, paddling alpine lakes, or laughing with new friends under the pines, they’ll come home with more confidence, independence, and unforgettable memories. At Sugar Bowl Summer Camps, adventure is just the beginning. Ready to join the fun?

Authentic Alpine Experience
Perched atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl Resort has been family owned since the beginning in 1939. While visiting Sugar Bowl much of the historic charm is still maintained within the modern resort. Touches of Austrian character and Bavarian styling provide a glimpse into Hannes Schroll's and other founders' vision for this unique mountain.
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