SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS (SNJ)
Join Sierra Nevada Journeys for a 2-week outdoor adventure in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and at their camp. After learning the basics of backcountry living and bonding as a team, participants will backpack through the Sierras and choose to engage a wide range of activities, like rock climbing. Trips will also include a service-learning opportunity that allows participants to learn and practice leadership and facilitation skills.
Who is Sierra Nevada Journeys (SNJ)?
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a nonprofit organization that delivers outdoor, science-based education programs to youth throughout the year. Their focus is on making sure everyone young person has access to outdoor science-based education. Our partnership has grown with SNJ over the past few years, and they created innovative summer programs just for our Summer Searchers.
program details
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Location: Outdoor Education Camp in Portola, California &
Sierra Nevada Mountains -
Participant Mix: All Summer Searchers
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Accommodations: Tents
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Bathroom Access: Flush toilets and showers at Outdoor Education Camp; none when backpacking
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Phone Access: When traveling only; none while backpacking
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COVID Policy: SNJ is following CDC guidelines. Testing is currently not required.
course details
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Backcountry Youth Leadership I
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Jun 15-27, 2025 (13 days)
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Backcountry Youth Leadership II
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Jul 6-18, 2025 (13 days)
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program activities
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You’ll start off completing a challenge course that will help you understand how to best work together as a team and support each other
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Receive training and guidance on outdoor education and leadership from trip leaders
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Backpack a few miles each day
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Participate in a service-learning opportunity to practice your leadership and facilitation skills
what you'll get from this experience
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Technical, outdoor skills in a range of activities
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Understanding and appreciation for the environment and your community
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Facilitation, leadership and interpersonal skills that they can use in school and future work settings
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Deeper understanding of what you’re capable of and where your boundaries are
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A mix of a backpacking adventure and "summer camp"-vibes (e.g. their Outdoor Education Camp has bathrooms, a cafeteria, lots of staff counselors, and other amenities)
This program is a good fit if you...
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Are excited to try new things while surrounded by supportive people
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Would prefer to be with all Summer Searchers
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Are excited for the possibility of different activities, like a ropes course or horseback riding
