Sierra Explorer

Mountains, lakes, and sunshine in California's high country.

The Sierras are bold and wild, impressive and inspiring.

Hike Yosemite National Park. Pass through fragrant pines and swim in sun-soaked lakes in Stanislaus National Forest. Raft the rollicking American River.

Sierra Explorer offers thoughtfully designed activities: hiking, backpacking, rafting. All perfectly sized and paced for our groups.

The goal is friendship: Time together in a new and exciting place, shared tasks and challenges, teamwork and group living. Wonderful friendships grow in a positive, supportive, and wholesome atmosphere overseen and nurtured by Overland’s leaders.

The focus is fun: Many — maybe even most — of the kids who come are first-timers on a trip like this, so we keep the focus on fun, the tone upbeat.

The result? Maybe just the best summer ever. At trip end, we’ll revel in the places we’ve been and the feats we’ve accomplished. Even more so, we’ll enjoy the bonds we’ve created as a group — the type of bonds that come from spending two weeks in a beautiful place, pursuing fun activities, and relying on each other for support.

Have a question about availability?

Duration

2 weeks

Trip Fee

$4,195

Sierra Explorer is open to students finishing grades 7-9 in June 2023. We plan to have two groups at each departure date, and groups typically have one grade represented or a mix of two grades.

Grade

7-9

Level

Three friends take a group photo on the summit of a mountain during a teen summer hiking trip

Challenge Hike Smiles

An expansive view from above while teens hike on this summer adventure camp

Sierra Sunshine

White water rafting on a teen summer adventure camp

Rafting the American River

Fun & Friendships

Camper taking in the views while hiking on a teen summer adventure program

Unbelievable Views

Need to Know

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)

Itinerary

The best of the Sierras!

Days 1-4: Trip Start & Hike in Yosemite

After meeting in San Francisco, we’ll drive east to beautiful Yosemite National Park. We’ll get to know one another, review our gear, and learn how to pack our backpacks. We’ll also prepare for our backcountry hike by shopping for food and hiking the picturesque trails of Yosemite.

Days 5-7: Backpack the High Sierra

On the fifth day of our trip, we’ll hit the trail and hike into the heart of the Sierra high country, the Stanislaus National Forests. For three days, we’ll hike through rocky valleys, past alpine lakes, and along grassy meadows. Few landscapes in the country are as dynamic as the High Sierra — in a single day we might start hiking in an alpine forest and end the day near a wide-open granite peak. Averaging six miles a day at altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet, we’ll learn Leave No Trace principles and valuable backpacking skills. Along the way, we’ll find time for relaxing afternoons surrounded by incredible peaks, wildflowers, and alpine lakes.

Days 8-10: Raft the American River

After our backcountry hike, we’ll head to the historic town of Placerville and prepare to raft the American River. We’ll spend two days rafting through lively rapids, spending a night in a private campground on the river. Our professional guides will lead us through alternating rapids and peaceful stretches of calm water.

Day 11: Challenge Hike at North Dome

Following an exciting couple of days on the river, we’ll head back into the mountains for our challenge hike. As seasoned hikers after our time in the backcountry, we’ll reach incredible viewpoints as we tackle North Dome, the final triumph of our two weeks of rewarding challenges. North Dome provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including the iconic Half Dome.

Days 12: Prepare for Trip End & Final Dinner

After conquering our challenge hike, we’ll celebrate two weeks of fun, friendship, and accomplishment in California’s High Sierras. Our last day will be spent cleaning, packing, and preparing for tomorrow’s departure. We will do laundry, shower, and pack up and then finish the day with a celebratory dinner in San Francisco.

Accommodations

9 nights of frontcountry camping. Campground facilities will vary and may include flush toilets, hot showers, and/or laundry.

2 nights of backcountry camping at established campsites with no access to bathroom facilities.

1 night of camping along a river with no access to bathroom facilities.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"Thank you for a great trip! This was my first time on an Overland trip, and it is the best camp I have ever been to. It was easy to make friends, and my leaders were supportive. I definitely want to do another Overland trip! "

Olivia A.

California

"This was Paige's fourth Overland trip. She returns home with confidence, positivity, and growth that she carries with her throughout the year! "

Meredith A.

New Jersey

What to Pack

Download PDF

Questions about what to pack? Email your trip planner, Alex Dunn.

Luggage

Internal Frame Backpack

50-70 liters or 3,000-4,300 cubic inches (if you plan to do longer backpacking trips in the future, consider purchasing a pack that is towards the higher end of this range). Before purchasing a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips (instructions are available here). We recommend getting fitted at a store and trying on multiple packs.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic T-Shirt (3)
Synthetic Shorts (3)
Fleece Pants (1)

Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
Synthetic Hiking Pants (optional)

Lightweight and quick dry material. Non-cotton warmup style pants are acceptable.
Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (1)
Underwear (5)
Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (4)
Gloves or Mittens (1)
Winter Hat (1)
Hat with Visor (1)
Swimsuit (optional)

If we swim, many students will wear shorts (and a sports bra for girls).
Pajamas (optional)

Students sometimes prefer to sleep in shorts and a T-shirt instead of pajamas.

Outer Layers

Lightweight Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Fleece or Synthetic/Down Jacket (1)

Medium to heavyweight fleece jacket or lightweight, compressible, synthetic (Primaloft or similar) or down jacket.
Insulated Fleece or Down Vest (1)
Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable.
Waterproof Rain Pants (1)

General Gear

Waterproof Pack Cover

If your backpack does not come with a cover, we recommend buying a cover one size larger than your pack.
Day Pack

Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers, and rain jacket. Use your day pack as a carry-on for your flight and for daily activities or hikes. A standard school backpack is usually fine (no satchels or shoulder bags), as long as it is comfortable to wear.
Sleeping Bag

A lightweight, compact sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. We recommend either synthetic or treated down material. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
Sleeping Pad

¾-length or full-length closed cell foam (thin and firm) or lightweight, backpacking style inflatable pad.
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
Headlamp

Please bring an extra battery/batteries.
Water Bottle

One 1-liter bottle. A Camelbak or similar water carrier is acceptable.
Adjustable Trekking Poles (optional)

To add stability, reduce strain on the knees and improve balance while crossing unstable surfaces.

Footwear

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Choose comfortable boots designed for hiking with a pack (i.e., mid to high cut for ankle support). Boots should be waterproof. Break them in before the start of your trip.
Water Shoes

Closed-toed sport sandals, water shoes or old sneakers to wear on the water. Sandals must have a heel strap for activities such as kayaking, rafting, or canoeing (flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable).
Camp Shoes

Closed-toe shoes to wear around camp. Crocs or lightweight tennis shoes are ideal.

Miscellaneous

Synthetic Camping Towel

A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
Travel Size Toiletries
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (10)

To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
Large Trash Bags (4)

To waterproof your gear.
Package of Moleskin or Molefoam

To protect your feet from blisters.
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)
Sierra Explorer

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).
If your child brings a phone for use while en route to their trip, Overland recommends you do not send them with an expensive smartphone; instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. Please see our FAQ's for more information on phones and other electronics.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
If you are flying to your trip, wear your hiking boots and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
Pack everything in your backpack or day pack. Do not bring additional luggage.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.
Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.

If you’re looking to purchase a backpack, fleece layers, etc., for your child, we encourage you to consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing lightly used gear. Especially for children who are still growing, using pre-owned gear can reduce both waste and cost.

Please note that some items wear out over time, and are best to purchase new (for example, a GORE-TEX raincoat). As with any gear, please make sure the items fit your child well. If you have any questions, please give us a call (413-458-9672) or email us (info@overlandsummers.com).

Here are a few reliable places where you can purchase used items:

FAQs

How challenging are Overland's hiking trips?

We offer a wide range of hiking trips to ensure we have something for all of our students.

Our Explorer trips, designed for students in middle school or early high school, offer a range of day hikes, an introduction to backpacking, and activities off the trail, such as rafting and kayaking. Expedition trips are a step up in difficulty. These trips have longer backpacking sections and activities off the trail include rafting, rock climbing, and mountaineering. We offer a range of levels and locations so students can find a trip that’s a good match for their interests.

If you have questions about our trips or would like our help selecting the trip that’s the right fit for you, please email us at info@overlandsummers.com.
Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory, Service, and Language trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and those participating in service and language trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

Your son or daughter will fly to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed your child on a trip.
How does Overland handle bears and other wildlife?

Traveling as a large group goes a long way in preventing unwanted attention from wildlife. Our groups hike in well-traveled areas, and set up camp and store food in ways that reduce the chances of attracting wildlife. In the case of a bear encounter, our groups carry bear spray as an additional precaution.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) email you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you a link to access your Family Portal, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will email you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Get ready for fun, friends & adventure.

Students going on Sierra Explorer should prepare for:

Full days of outdoor activities led by caring Overland leaders
Day hikes to viewpoints and mountaintops
A multi-day backpacking trip designed for first-time backpackers
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Hiking

On Sierra Explorer, you will hike on well-established trails over a wide range of terrain, from meadows to hills to mountains. You'll start with day hikes where you'll carry just the essentials for the day (snacks and lunch, water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, bug spray, and a raincoat). As the group's skills and fitness increase, you'll set out on a multi-day backpacking trip. While backpacking, you will carry all of your belongings (clothes, sleeping bag, and pad), some group gear, food, and water. Typically when backpacking, pack weights average about 30% of a hiker's weight. In the month before your trip, you should break-in your hiking boots (wear them a lot!) and complete the pre-trip training (see below). Once on your trip, you'll find that enthusiasm and a positive attitude will help to make the trip a success for you—and for everyone in your group.

Pre-Trip Training:

4 weeks before your trip: three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots .
3 weeks before your trip: three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots .
2 weeks before your trip: three 90-minute hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.
1 week before your trip: four 2-hour hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 20% of your body weight .

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland trips are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of your trip mates and your leaders. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. Arriving ready for a challenge — and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland trip.

Covid-19 Information

This summer, we are asking all of our students

To be vaccinated for Covid-19, and we recommend being up-to-date on available boosters.
To test before their trips. The test can be a clinic-based PCR or rapid antigen test, or a home test. Please note: (a) We will not require families to upload the results of these tests (unless the family has received an exemption or exception to our vaccine requirement); (b) If your child has had (and fully recovered from) Covid-19 within 90 days of their trip start, there is no need to do a pre-trip test.
To mask up when traveling to your trip. In airports and on planes, please mask up. This could help keep you—and everyone in your group—healthy for the duration of your trip.

Overland

Sierra Explorer