We Welcome Your Application to Join Us!
We build each of our groups with care, keeping the groups small (no more than twelve students), and paying close attention to age, grade, gender, and the mix of hometowns and schools. Our goal is to put together great groups — groups where nice kids thrive in a supportive, wholesome, and caring environment. Please note: availability as shown is based on students traveling without a friend; if your child is interested in traveling with a friend, please call our office for availability.
Important Information about Availability
Available
This departure of this trip has good availability. Apply as soon as possible since availability changes quickly.
Limited
This departure of this trip has limited availability. Apply as soon as possible, and on receipt of your application, if space is still available, we’ll confirm a spot for you. If all of the spots are taken, we’ll call you to discuss options.
Call
This departure of this trip is currently full — please call us to discuss options.
How to Apply
Apply online using a credit card for the $795 deposit (your card will not be charged until we confirm a spot for you). Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received (we do not hold spots over the phone).
When to Apply
The flow of applications starts in July and peaks in January/February. Some groups fill by the December holidays, and others will have space into the late spring. Our advice? Apply as soon as possible — it only takes a few minutes — and we’ll get to work right away to find a great spot for you.
Questions?
Call (413.458.9672) or email (info@overlandsummers.com). We look forward to hearing from you.
Sierra Adventure
For two unforgettable weeks full of summer adventure, hike though wildflower-filled valleys, along pristine mountain lakes, and below granite peaks in California’s Sierra high country.
Explore California’s Sierra high country.
Hike to stunning views in Yosemite National Park. Kayak the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Raft the thrilling American River. The best of California in two weeks.
For many students, this trip will be their first time away from home. Leaving home can be hard, but we keep our days packed full of fun. Most of the day we’ll spend hiking, kayaking, or rafting. The day hikes are exhilarating — hiking to beautiful viewpoints, or rocky, arid terrain that gives way to clear lakes (perfect for swimming!) — and we make sure to stop along the way for snacks and games. The kayaking brings you along jagged shorelines and around sunny beaches. And the rafting? Well, it’s a full day of splashing and fun, perfect for beginners!
The downtime is fun, too. Guided by two kind, charismatic leaders, afternoons at our campsites — beautiful spots among fragrant stands of pines, or beside shimmering blue lakes — are spent learning about flora and fauna, making friendship bracelets, or playing frisbee. At night, we share in the responsibility of making delicious, healthy meals, and take time to gaze at the stars. No matter what we’re doing, we do it together. On Sierra Adventure, making friends is easy!
In San Francisco at trip end, we’ll celebrate all of our accomplishments, all of the fun we’ve had, and all of the friendships we’ve made in California’s rugged and beautiful mountains. Sierra Adventure offers the chance to see the West with an enthusiastic, adventurous group guided by caring, capable Overland leaders. All of the trip’s activities have been carefully chosen to suit 5th and 6th graders — it’s a great way to experience Overland.
Good Things to Know. The group is always small — no more than 12 students — and we always have carefully chosen and thoroughly prepared leaders. The itinerary is crafted to provide just the right mix of activities — the goal is to have every student love their Overland experience. The camping is in private campgrounds and state and national parks, all of which offer full facilities, including hot showers. Meals are wholesome, nutritious, and varied… and they’re fun group projects with input from everyone and lots of guidance from the leaders. Getting to and from the trip is a breeze: there are excellent flight options into San Francisco and we provide supervision on arrival and departure so that travel days go smoothly.
Have a question about availability?
Contact Us or call: (413) 458-9672
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
Fun, friends & adventure: the best two weeks of your summer.
Day 1: Trip Start
We’ll meet in the San Francisco International Airport. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll drive to our campground just outside San Francisco and spend the day getting to know one another, playing games, and reviewing our gear.
Days 2-7: Hike & Kayak Lake Tahoe
We’ll spend the next several days exploring the Lake Tahoe region on foot and by kayak. We’ll hike in Eldorado National Forest, exploring Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, the Desolation Wilderness, and Meiss Country. When we’re not hiking, we’ll enjoy the beach, play games, and swim in the crystal-clear water. While at Lake Tahoe, we will kayak with professional guides who’ll teach us the skills we need to travel along the coastline. From the water, we’ll soak in views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
Day 8: Raft the American River
After exploring Lake Tahoe, we’ll venture west to raft the American River with professional guides. We will raft down fun, exciting rapids surrounded by beautiful scenery and friends.
Days 9-11: Hike in Yosemite National Park
After rafting on the American River, we’ll head south to Yosemite National Park. One of the oldest and most celebrated national parks, Yosemite offers a remarkable landscape of granite peaks; deep valleys; and vast, beautiful wilderness. While in Yosemite, we’ll challenge ourselves on hikes through the park’s historic and picturesque peaks, hiking alongside crystal-clear alpine lakes and colorful wildflowers to reach breathtaking views.
Days 12 & 13: San Francisco & Trip End
After conquering our challenge hike, we’ll drive back to San Francisco to celebrate two weeks of fun, friendship, and accomplishment in California’s High Sierras.
Accommodations
11 nights of frontcountry camping. Campground facilities will vary and may include flush toilets, showers, and/or laundry.
1 night in a hostel near San Francisco. The hostel is a dormitory style accommodation with beds, showers, and laundry facilities. The rooms are divided by gender.
Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.
Testimonials
"My favorite part of Sierra Adventure was the challenge hike — it was rewarding and had the best views. "
Hunter Rexford
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"Thank you for another great trip this summer. Nolan had a great time; he enjoyed the leaders, the other campers, and all the activities. As a parent, I feel like he grew socially while he was away. Thank you for providing him a safe and fun environment to have a blast outside and grow as a person! "
Ashlie Peters
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
What to Pack
Download PDFWe travel light at Overland.
Luggage
- Medium-Sized Duffel Bag or Backpack
3,000-5,000 cubic inch (50-80 liters) duffel bag or backpack.
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.
- T-Shirt (1)
- Synthetic T-Shirt (2)
- Lightweight Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (1)
- 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.
- Underwear (6)
- Athletic Socks (6)
- Swimsuit (1)
- Hat with Visor (1)
- Gloves or Mittens (1)
- Winter Hat (optional)
- Pajamas (optional)
Students sometimes prefer to sleep in shorts and a T-shirt instead of pajamas.
Outer Layers
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
- Lightweight Synthetic or Down Jacket (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.
General Gear
- 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 30 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 self-inflating.
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- 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).
- 1-Liter Water Bottle
Footwear
- Sneakers
Comfortable shoes with good traction.
- 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).
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (optional)
Hiking boots that are low to high cut, depending on your desired ankle support. Choose comfortable boots and make sure to break them in before the start of your trip.
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)
- Insect Repellent
- Pillow (optional)
Compact, travel-size pillow recommended.
- Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)
A digital or disposable camera.
- Personal Journal or Book (optional)
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
- We will update your packing list in April to include currently needed COVID equipment (for example, masks).
- Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
- Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).
Please visit the FAQ tab for more information on our cell phone and electronics policy.
- 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, carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
- There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.
Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, bicycles, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.
FAQs
Questions? Call us: 413.458.9672.
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Please tell me about Overland's COVID policies.
The Overland team is planning, preparing, and eagerly awaiting summer 2021. While we can’t predict what the coming months will bring, we do know how we will face them: optimistically, realistically, and together.
As we plan for the summer, we know that our existing trip structure is ideal:
Small groups (twelve students and two leaders)
Outdoor settings
Limited contact with the general public
In addition, this summer we will:
Treat our groups as family units / pods
Maintain social distance and wear masks when near the general public
Require a negative PCR test before trip start
Encourage smart air travel practices (for example, wear N95 masks in airports and on board)
We will continue to refine these policies as summer approaches, always with the goal of taking a thoughtful, commonsense approach to maintaining our students’ health and well-being. -
Is Overland offering any additional flexibility to families this spring in terms of payments?
Yes. We have made all payments fully refundable until Saturday, May 15.
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What is the weather like on Sierra Adventure?
You can expect typical summery weather with lots of sunshine, some rain, warm days, and cool nights.
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What are the arrival and departure airports for Sierra Adventure?
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.
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How often will my son or daughter have access to showers and laundry?
Nearly every day, and most students shower regularly. Groups will do laundry once a week.
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What do you do about bears?
Traveling as a large group goes a long way in preventing unwanted attention from wildlife. In addition, we hike in well-traveled areas and train all of our staff in backcountry skills and awareness. We instruct our leaders how to set up camp and store food in ways that reduce the chances of attracting wildlife, including bears. We’ll brief students on these routines at the start of the trip. Both of our leaders also carry bear spray in case of an emergency.
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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:
- The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
- We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
- 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’d like to be able 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.
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Please tell me about Overland's admissions process.
When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will: (1) call you to acknowledge our receipt of your application, (2) send you an email with a link to our enrollment forms, and (3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card. If your first choice is not available, we will call you to discuss options. For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.
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How physically challenging are Overland's introductory trips?
These trips feature a wide range of fun outdoor activities–including hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting, and canoeing. Trips vary by length–one week or two weeks–and location. As on every Overland trip, our leaders nurture and inspire their students, providing a warm, welcoming, and fun environment in which everyone is included and supported. Introductory trips are the perfect place to discover the outdoors, try a new activity, and make new friends. Please email us at info@overlandsummers.com. We’re always happy to tell you a bit more about our introductory trips.
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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.
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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 for over 30 years. Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
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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 take no responsibility for phones and 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 are committed to providing extraordinary support to you and your child. To that end, the Overland office is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week during the summer. Outside of office hours, our answering service provides emergency coverage. Our leaders in the field are in touch 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 then sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.
4. Please allow one week for postal delivery to U.S. mail stops.
5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
Before you Go
Hike, raft, and kayak in California’s Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe.
Students going on Sierra Adventure should prepare for:
- Full days of active exploration
- Camping and preparing meals outdoors
- A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience
We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.
Preparing for an Overland Experience
Each of our introductory trips is a carefully crafted experience with activities that are finely-tuned for this age group. The day hikes are chosen with care so that our students can enjoy hiking while developing skills and fitness. The group is ably led by two caring Overland leaders who make sure that each student has water, snacks and lunch, a hat, sunscreen, and a raincoat before the group sets out for the day. Once on the trail, there are stories and songs, and once at the destination — a viewpoint or mountaintop — there are cheers and hugs.
To be ready for an Overland introductory trip, each of our students should stay active and fit during the school year, and once the trip starts, they should be eager to try new things and make new friends.
Have a question about availability?
Contact Us or call: (413) 458-9672
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Overland offers introductory, hiking, biking, language, writing, service and field studies programs domestically and abroad for students in 4th through 12th grade.