Mountain Camp image. Sailboats on a lake.

Mountain Camp is a traditional coed summer residential camp in Northern California. Summer camp near Lake Tahoe and San Francisco, California for kids and teens.

"My daughter looks forward to mountain camp all year long. She finds the environment welcoming and has made many friends. While she likes many of the activities I would say it is the warm atmosphere that brings her back to camp year after year. "

-The Merenbach Family

Mountain Camp is a traditional, coed summer resident camp in Northern California for children 7 to 14 years old.

We are located 30 miles west of Lake Tahoe on the shore of beautiful Ice House Lake in the El Dorado National Forest. Mountain Camp's minimal technology, non-competitive program is designed to make sure each child succeeds. We work to create a fun and safe environment that encourages independence while nurturing lasting friendships. Mountain Camp intentionally developed a program that centers on self-created, self-propelled, and wind propelled activities. At a time when children are increasingly surrounded by computers, televisions, and video games our goal is to get campers outside, actively creating, playing and learning life long outdoor skills.

Our program focuses on promoting a positive self-image, encouraging friendships and community, and practicing a healthy lifestyle. Mountain Camp seeks to illuminate the special and unique character in every camper; we want campers to shine. Ultimately, our goal is to have these experiences, friendships and laughter stay with campers the rest of their lives.

Our Program

The program at Mountain Camp is developed and structured around the following three core areas:

Building Community: We teach that communities are formed on respect, trust, and acceptance. Cooperation and teamwork are promoted above a highly competitive program.

Healthy Lifestyle: A balance of new experiences, outdoor exercise, creative arts, and sense of independence exists in a safe environment surrounded by supportive role models.

Positive Self-Image: Activities are designed to build confidence by rewarding effort and enthusiasm over proficiency. Campers' sense of achievement is developed through setting and pursuing their individual goals.