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Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp

Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp

Pollock Pines, CA, USA

from$4,700
from$4,700
from$4,700

Overview

Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp offers a rugged and transformative overnight experience for children and teens ages 8-17. Located on Loon Lake near Lake Tahoe, this camp truly embodies wilderness living — campers hike or boat into the site, live in platform tents, and spend their days canoeing, windsurfing, rock climbing, backpacking, and navigating trails. The atmosphere is built around challenge, competence and character: campers gain self-esteem by mastering skills like map & compass, climbing, sailing, and more, all in small-group settings where each one is known.

What makes the camp special is the combination of no road access, authentic “off-grid” terrain, and experienced wilderness staff who emphasize both adventure and personal growth. Kids who thrive in active, outdoor, screen-free environments will enjoy this camp — especially those who want to push boundaries, build resilience, and form deep friendships away from everyday routine.

Why We Love It

  • Authentic wilderness setting with no road access, building confidence and independence
  • Wide variety of high-adventure activities — from wind-surfing to backpacking — so every camper finds a challenge
  • Small-group structure and experienced staff foster community, growth and lifelong friendships

Best for

  • Kids ages 8–17 ready for overnight camp, adventure and screen-free connection
  • Adventurous youth who thrive in physical, outdoor, nature-based programs
  • Campers who want more than fun  —they want personal growth, leadership and real memories

Camp Info

Ages:
8–17
Type:
Overnight
Month:
Summer
Lodging:
Tent
Setting:
Forest, Lake
Gender:
Co-Ed
Water Activities:
Water Activities, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Rafting, Sailing, Swimming, Windsurfing
Adventure:
Adventure, Challenge, Rock Climbing, Nature & Exploration, Backpacking, Hiking, Mountaineering, Trekking, Wildlife, Tactical Skills, Orienteering, Survival, Wilderness
Arts:
Fine Arts, Ceramics, Jewelry Making, Painting, Pottery, Arts, Performing Arts, Musical Theater, Theater, Music, Guitar

Contact details

Address: 21500 Ice House Road Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Pollock Pines
USA

Reserve a Spot

Dates Days Price Apply
21.06.26 - 04.07.26 14  $4,700
21.06.26 - 18.07.26 28  $8,900
05.07.26 - 18.07.26 14  $4,700
05.07.26 - 01.08.26 28  $8,900
19.07.26 - 15.08.26 28  $8,900
02.08.26 - 15.08.26 14  $4,700

You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.

How It Works

  • Step 1: Fill out a quick form to let the camp know you're interested. No commitment — just an inquiry.
  • Step 2: The camp team will reach out to answer questions, confirm availability, and walk you through the next steps.
  • Step 3: Work directly with the camp to finalize dates, handle payment, and take care of any details.

Got Questions?

Not sure yet?

  • Email us anytime at camp@kidvoyage.com — we’ll gladly share any details we’ve got.
  • Want to talk with the camp directly? Submit an application, and the camp team will reach out with details.

Need to Cancel? No Problem

  • Just send us a quick email, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Paying for Camp

  • All payments are handled directly with the camp after you apply. They’ll guide you through their process.

Who Do I Pay?

  • You’ll pay Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp directly. After you apply, their team will walk you through the payment steps.

Payment Confirmation

  • The camp will provide any receipts or documents you need once registration is finalized. Just ask!

Age

0-5
years
6-11
years
12-14
years
15-18
years

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation

At Deer Crossing, campers stay in platform-style tents nestled in the forest, with nearby lodge-style common areas, bathhouses, and showers providing comfort in the wilderness. The camp site is designed to balance authenticity with safety: tent lodging fosters community, shared responsibility and a sense of adventure, while centralized facilities provide showering, eating and gathering spaces. Sleep spaces are grouped by age/gender, supported by trained staff, and setup encourages teamwork and independence — whether campers are new to overnight camp or seasoned outdoor adventurers.

Meals

The dining structure at Deer Crossing includes nutritious meals in the camp lodge — three hearty meals each day plus snack/optional out-trip meals. Menu items support high-energy outdoor programming, providing ample fuel for activities like canoeing and climbing. Dietary needs (vegetarian, allergies) are accommodated when disclosed ahead of time. Meal times also serve as communal gatherings where campers and staff share stories, reflect on the day and strengthen camp culture through shared experience.

Safety

Safety is built into every element of Deer Crossing’s program. Staff are trained in wilderness supervision, first aid and outdoor leadership. Activities like climbing, sailing and backpacking follow structured risk-management protocols and occur in small groups under direct supervision. The remote, road-free location demands careful check-in/out, buddy systems, and clear emergency plans. The camp’s small enrollment ensures that each camper is known by staff, which enhances oversight and support.

Health & Medicine

Deer Crossing maintains a health facility on site and has protocols for managing medications, injuries, and illnesses in a remote wilderness setting. Parents submit detailed health forms and staff are equipped to coordinate care and respond when needed. Although full medical facilities are located off-site, the camp’s location and setup facilitate efficient transportation to nearby services if required.

Camp traditions

Traditions at Deer Crossing blend outdoor challenge, reflection and celebration. Evening gatherings around the campfire, song-fests, out-trip highlights (such as backpacking or white-water rafting), and age-group ceremonies build camaraderie and camp identity. Many campers return year after year, forming multi-year bonds and stepping into leadership roles. The non-screen, wilderness atmosphere reinforces presence, connection and memory-making.

Facilities and services

    • Platform-tent lodging grouped by age/gender with staff supervision
    • Central lodge with dining hall, crafts room, bathhouses with showers & flush toilets
    • Wilderness lake (Loon Lake) with sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and kayaking
    • Rock-climbing walls, ropes and wilderness challenge terrain
    • Backpacking trails and out-trip support gear
    • Arts & crafts studio and indoor gathering spaces
    • Campfire circle and evening assembly area
    • On-site health facility/first–aid station
    • Small-group team equipment (boats, climbing gear, backpacks)
    • Off-grid, road-free setting (hike or boat-in) foran  authentic wilderness experience

Activities Program

The activities program at Deer Crossing immerses campers in a full week of outdoor, skill-building and adventure experiences. Each day is organized around skill sessions, group challenges, water sports, land adventures and evening gatherings.

Campers rotate through lake activities like sailing and wind-surfing, land adventures like climbing and backpacking, wilderness navigation and out-trips — all supported by experienced staff who encourage growth, teamwork and resilience. Evening programs tie the experience together with reflection, songs, stories and community. By the end of the session, children leave with stronger skills, new friendships and a refreshed connection to nature.

    • Sailing and wind-surfing on the lake
    • Canoeing and kayaking excursions
    • Rock-climbing and ropes-course challenges
    • Backpacking/out-trip wilderness excursions
    • Navigation/map & compass workshops
    • Windsurfing and water-sports skills development
    • Arts & crafts and creative expression stations
    • Evening camp-fires, songs and reflections
    • Team-based land games and field challenges
    • Citizenship & leadership modules
    • Out-trip white-water rafting option
    • Age-specific leadership tracks (CIT, LIT, WGIT)
    • Personal growth and self-esteem building through competence

Terms and Payments

Price includes

    • Overnight lodging in wilderness setting
    • All meals and meals on out-trips according to session
    • All core activity programming, equipment and instruction
    • Supervision, staff support and wilderness logistics

For an additional charge

    • Transportation to/from camp (bus or family)
    • Optional white-water raft trip (specified cost)
    • Camp store purchases (gear, apparel, souvenirs)
    • Sleeping bag/backpack (campers must bring)

Refunds and cancellations are subject to specific deadlines (e.g., a full refund is available before March 31, minus the applicable fee; no refunds are available after a certain date). Leadership-track programs have additional enrollment criteria.


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