Nestled between Reno and Lake Tahoe in the stunning Galena Creek Regional Park, our diverse day and overnight camps offer a portal to a wilder world. Pack your backpack, lace up your shoes, and get ready to
explore the wonders of the forest alongside passionate guides.
Galena Creek Exploration Camps invite young explorers aged 7-16 to delve into the marvels of nature while hiking, conducting science experiments, exploring creek and forest ecosystems, playing camp games and competitions and creating crafts, camp memories, and friendships. Our Day Camps operate from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Camp provides an opportunity to cultivate new friendships, ignite creativity, and acquire knowledge about our remarkable Earth, all in the span of a day. We kindle the spirit of exploration in every camper, promoting a lasting bond with nature.
Exploration Camps are made possible thanks to partnerships between Washoe County, the USDA Forest Service, and the Great Basin Institute.
explore the wonders of the forest alongside passionate guides.
Galena Creek Exploration Camps invite young explorers aged 7-16 to delve into the marvels of nature while hiking, conducting science experiments, exploring creek and forest ecosystems, playing camp games and competitions and creating crafts, camp memories, and friendships. Our Day Camps operate from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Camp provides an opportunity to cultivate new friendships, ignite creativity, and acquire knowledge about our remarkable Earth, all in the span of a day. We kindle the spirit of exploration in every camper, promoting a lasting bond with nature.
Exploration Camps are made possible thanks to partnerships between Washoe County, the USDA Forest Service, and the Great Basin Institute.
Spring Exploration Camp
Wilderness Wonders
Our Spring Exploration Camp offers a unique opportunity for campers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, learn about local wildlife and ecosystems, and participate in a variety of fun and engaging activities. Our 4-day camp runs from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, providing a full day of fun and exploration for campers.
Campers will have the chance to hike through the scenic trails of Galena Creek Regional Park, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about the rich history and geology of the area. From nature crafts and scavenger hunts to outdoor games and science experiments, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our Spring Exploration Camp!
Our experienced and knowledgeable Naturalist are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers can learn, grow, and have fun. With a focus on environmental education, teamwork, and outdoor adventure, our camp programs are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of nature in all of our campers.
Join us for a memorable and exciting camp experience at Galena Creek Regional Park this spring! Explore, learn, and create lasting memories with new friends in the great outdoors. Register now and secure your spot at our Spring Exploration Camp. See you at camp!
Campers will have the chance to hike through the scenic trails of Galena Creek Regional Park, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about the rich history and geology of the area. From nature crafts and scavenger hunts to outdoor games and science experiments, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our Spring Exploration Camp!
Our experienced and knowledgeable Naturalist are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers can learn, grow, and have fun. With a focus on environmental education, teamwork, and outdoor adventure, our camp programs are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of nature in all of our campers.
Join us for a memorable and exciting camp experience at Galena Creek Regional Park this spring! Explore, learn, and create lasting memories with new friends in the great outdoors. Register now and secure your spot at our Spring Exploration Camp. See you at camp!
SUMMER EXPLORATION CAMP
Summer Camp Details:
We hope to see you next year! Check back in spring 2025 for summer camp details and registration information.
Questions About Camp?
Winter Exploration Camp
Winter Wonderland
Dates: Monday, December 30th - Friday, January 3rd
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Ages: 11-15 years
Cost: $325
Join us for an unforgettable winter experience at the beautiful Galena Creek Regional Park! Our camp offers a range of exciting activities including sledding, snowshoeing, fort building, and exploring the snowy landscapes of Galena Creek Regional Park. Campers enjoy plenty of hot chocolate and engage in various indoor activities and science challenges in the Visitor Center.
Special Overnight Snow Camping
Date: Only night of December 31st . Celebrate NYE with smores and a campfire!
Campers are welcome to bring their own tents and sleeping bags. Tents and sleeping bags available on a first come basis. Indoor sleeping arrangements can be made in the Visitor Center if needed. Experience the magic of winter nights as we welcome in the new year while making s'mores, stargazing, and cooking dinner in the snow! Dinner on December 31st and Breakfast on Jan 1st will be provided.
What to Expect: Each day will include a mix of outdoor adventures and indoor fun, promoting teamwork, creativity, and a love for the winter season.
Lunch: Lunch is not provided. Campers must bring their own lunch each day.
Allergy Policy: No tree nuts are allowed in the camp to ensure a safe environment for all campers.
Daily Schedule Sample
Tuesday: Animal Tracking and Sled Challenge
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Arrival & Camp Introduction
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch Break- Packed lunch from home
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Indoor Activity -
3:00 PM- 4:00 PM: Indoor Activity-
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Ages: 11-15 years
Cost: $325
Join us for an unforgettable winter experience at the beautiful Galena Creek Regional Park! Our camp offers a range of exciting activities including sledding, snowshoeing, fort building, and exploring the snowy landscapes of Galena Creek Regional Park. Campers enjoy plenty of hot chocolate and engage in various indoor activities and science challenges in the Visitor Center.
Special Overnight Snow Camping
Date: Only night of December 31st . Celebrate NYE with smores and a campfire!
Campers are welcome to bring their own tents and sleeping bags. Tents and sleeping bags available on a first come basis. Indoor sleeping arrangements can be made in the Visitor Center if needed. Experience the magic of winter nights as we welcome in the new year while making s'mores, stargazing, and cooking dinner in the snow! Dinner on December 31st and Breakfast on Jan 1st will be provided.
What to Expect: Each day will include a mix of outdoor adventures and indoor fun, promoting teamwork, creativity, and a love for the winter season.
Lunch: Lunch is not provided. Campers must bring their own lunch each day.
Allergy Policy: No tree nuts are allowed in the camp to ensure a safe environment for all campers.
Daily Schedule Sample
Tuesday: Animal Tracking and Sled Challenge
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Arrival & Camp Introduction
- Free time as everyone arrives
- Welcome 7 ethics
- Icebreaker games, buddy system
- Furs and Skulls presentation,
- Animal Tracking,
- Search for the Abominable Snowman (Groups use compass to track footprints placed in snow to find the den of the Abominable Snowman.)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch Break- Packed lunch from home
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Indoor Activity -
- Fire building practice, (Practice with food activity)
- STEAM Challenge- Build a sled
- Snow characteristics Lab (Observation under microscope)
- Sledding
3:00 PM- 4:00 PM: Indoor Activity-
- Winter Adaptations Trivia (With Prizes)
- Nature Journals
Register Your Camper Below
Adventure Awaits!
Summer Camp Information Packet
| Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp Information Packet.pdf |
Summer Campers 13-16
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Become a Leader |
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Counselor In training
Are you looking to develop your leadership skills, gain valuable job experience, and have a ton of fun in the great outdoors? Look no further than the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp!
Our CIT program offers campers the unique opportunity to participate in all camp activities while also stepping into a leadership role. CITs will assist counselors with organizing and leading activities, supervising campers, and creating a positive and inclusive camp environment.
At the end of the camp week, CITs will receive a certificate recognizing their commitment and achievements in the program. For those interested in applying for overnight camps, CITs are encouraged to spend the night and fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. If your application is accepted, CITs will also receive a 10% refund on their camp fees.
Participating in the CIT program at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp is a great way to gain early job experience, build your resume, and hone your leadership skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Don't miss this opportunity to grow as a leader while having the summer of a lifetime! Apply now and join us for an unforgettable camp experience.
Our CIT program offers campers the unique opportunity to participate in all camp activities while also stepping into a leadership role. CITs will assist counselors with organizing and leading activities, supervising campers, and creating a positive and inclusive camp environment.
At the end of the camp week, CITs will receive a certificate recognizing their commitment and achievements in the program. For those interested in applying for overnight camps, CITs are encouraged to spend the night and fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. If your application is accepted, CITs will also receive a 10% refund on their camp fees.
Participating in the CIT program at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp is a great way to gain early job experience, build your resume, and hone your leadership skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Don't miss this opportunity to grow as a leader while having the summer of a lifetime! Apply now and join us for an unforgettable camp experience.
Culinary Intern
Are you a budding young chef with a passion for cooking and a desire to learn from the best? Join us as a Culinary Intern at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp and gain hands-on experience shadowing our talented camp chef!
As a Culinary Intern, you will have the exciting opportunity to work closely with our camp chef, assisting with meal preparation, cooking, and cleanup. You will also have the chance to showcase your creativity and culinary skills by creating your own dessert to be served at camp.
Culinary Interns are an integral part of our camp kitchen team and are required to spend the night in order to assist with breakfast and dinner service. Throughout your time at camp, you will be supervised at all times in the kitchen to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
In addition to gaining valuable experience and knowledge in the culinary arts, Culinary Interns who are accepted into the program will receive a 10% discount on their camp fees. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your cooking skills, expand your culinary repertoire, and kickstart your culinary career in a fun and engaging camp setting.
Don't miss this chance to hone your culinary talents, work alongside a professional chef, and make a delicious impact on our camp community. Apply now to become a Culinary Intern at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp!
As a Culinary Intern, you will have the exciting opportunity to work closely with our camp chef, assisting with meal preparation, cooking, and cleanup. You will also have the chance to showcase your creativity and culinary skills by creating your own dessert to be served at camp.
Culinary Interns are an integral part of our camp kitchen team and are required to spend the night in order to assist with breakfast and dinner service. Throughout your time at camp, you will be supervised at all times in the kitchen to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
In addition to gaining valuable experience and knowledge in the culinary arts, Culinary Interns who are accepted into the program will receive a 10% discount on their camp fees. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your cooking skills, expand your culinary repertoire, and kickstart your culinary career in a fun and engaging camp setting.
Don't miss this chance to hone your culinary talents, work alongside a professional chef, and make a delicious impact on our camp community. Apply now to become a Culinary Intern at Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp!
Nature for Every Child:
Scholarship Opportunities Available!
At our camps, we believe that financial limitations shouldn't hold children back from experiencing the wonders of the environment. If the cost of our programs presents a challenge, we encourage you to explore our scholarship opportunities.
Special thanks to Blue Line Media for their donation helping to fund winter gear for camp! If you are interested in donating, please reach out to [email protected]!
Meet the Education Coordinator
Ashley Morales
With a degree in Early Care and Education, Ashley Morales taught Preschool for several years in South Carolina before joining AmeriCorps and moving to Reno. Ashley has been working for The Great Basin Institute since 2022, supporting Visitor Services by teaching and developing GBI’s educational programs and Exploration Camps. As the Education Coordinator, Ashley serves local schools and communities, hosting field trips, camps, and public events at Galena Creek Regional Park. Ashley enjoys art projects and cooking new foods. Her passion for teaching and building environmental stewardship in others drives her to connect with and encourage a love for learning in everyone she meets.
For Questions on Galena Creek's Educational Programs or to Connect email Ashley at
[email protected]
[email protected]
SPRING, SUMMER, and WINTER
E X P L O R A T I O N C A M P S
Cancellation Policy for Galena Creek Exploration Camps:
If you need to cancel your registration for Galena Creek Exploration Camps, please notify us at least 14 days prior to the start of the camp in order to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the start of the camp will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or other emergencies, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss options for rescheduling or receiving a partial refund. Refunds will be processed within 14 days of receiving the cancellation notice. Please note that refunds will be issued in the original form of payment.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our cancellation policy. We look forward to welcoming you to Galena Creek Exploration Camps.
Fall Camp 2017 |
Summer Camp 2018 |
Summer Camp 2017 |
Summer Camp 2016 |
