Camp Wasiu II

Hello, California families and aspiring adventurers! Are you searching for a transformative summer experience where young girls can thrive, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships amidst the stunning natural beauty of our state? Look no further than Camp Wasiu II, a cherished all-girls high-mountain overnight camp operated by the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. Nestled in the picturesque Tahoe National Forest near Sierra City, this camp offers a unique and empowering environment designed to help girls in grades 1-12 discover their potential and cultivate a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Camp Wasiu II is more than just a typical summer camp; it's a place where adventure, wonder, and imagination come alive. Founded in 1988, it has a rich history of providing a supportive and positive setting where girls can unplug from technology and immerse themselves in a wide array of engaging activities. From building campfires and pitching tents to swimming and paddleboarding, the programs are crafted to foster outdoor skills, leadership, and a strong sense of self. It's a testament to the enduring power of outdoor education in shaping young lives.

Many former campers hold fond memories of their time at Camp Wasiu II, often highlighting the strong bonds they formed with other girls and the valuable life lessons learned. This speaks volumes about the caring and dedicated staff, many of whom come from across the United States and around the world, bringing diverse perspectives to the camp experience. The camp's focus on a "girl-only supportive and positive environment" allows campers to explore who they are and try new things in a judgment-free zone, fostering self-confidence and independence.

While a past review mentions a temporary closure and pool draining, it's important to note that Camp Wasiu II has historically been a vibrant and active summer camp for girls, continually working to update and improve its facilities. For Californians seeking a safe, nurturing, and enriching summer experience for girls in a breathtaking natural setting, Camp Wasiu II represents a truly magical opportunity to learn, grow, and create cherished memories.

Camp Wasiu II is beautifully situated at 1901 Packer Lake Rd, Sierra City, CA 96125, USA. This location places it in the high mountains of the Tahoe National Forest, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience with towering trees, fresh mountain air, and incredible stargazing opportunities. The camp is located just above 6,000 feet in elevation, providing pleasant summer weather with warm days and cool nights.

The camp's proximity to Packer Lake, a pristine body of water within walking distance, further enhances its appeal, providing opportunities for boating and other water activities. Additionally, the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is easily accessible from camp, opening up possibilities for hiking and exploration in the surrounding vast wilderness. There are also nearly 100 lakes in the general area, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

While located in a high-mountain setting, access to Camp Wasiu II via Packer Lake Road in Sierra City is generally manageable. Sierra City, though a small community, provides a gateway to this stunning region of the Sierra Nevada. For Californians traveling from various parts of the state, the drive offers scenic views, leading you directly to this inspiring camp setting. While specific road conditions can vary seasonally, particularly with snow in winter, during the summer camp season, the primary access route is typically well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival for campers and staff.

• All-Girls Overnight Camp: Camp Wasiu II specializes as a high-mountain overnight camp exclusively for girls in grades 1-12, providing a unique and empowering single-gender environment.
• Platform Tent Accommodation: Campers live in platform tents, typically in units of 8-24 girls with 2-4 staff, offering a traditional and immersive camping experience. Cots with mattresses are provided.
• Diverse Activities Program: A wide range of activities are offered, including archery, swimming (in an on-site in-ground pool), canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (on nearby Packer Lake), arts & crafts, hiking, firebuilding, outdoor cooking, night science, and teambuilding. Additional activities include GaGa Ball, rock climbing, and low ropes courses.
• Girl-Led Program: The camp program is often girl-led, allowing campers to help plan their activities and make decisions, fostering leadership and ownership.
• Experienced Staff: An amazing camp staff, joining from across the United States and internationally, provides guidance and supervision. Counselors are noted for being caring, helpful, and enthusiastic.
• Dining Hall and Meals: The camp includes a large dining hall where most meals are served family-style. Meals are prepared by kitchen staff, focusing on healthy, nutritionally balanced, and kid-friendly options. Weekly cook-outs are also part of the experience.
• Health Building: A dedicated health building is on-site to address medical needs and ensure camper well-being.
• Bathroom Buildings: Facilities include bathroom buildings with flushing toilets and hot showers, offering comfort and hygiene.
• Accreditation: Camp Wasiu II is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), signifying compliance with established standards in health, safety, program, and administration.
• Labyrinth: A rock or garden labyrinth is located on the camp property near Gypsy Glen, offering a unique space for contemplation.
• Rental Options: Camp Wasiu II offers rental fees for Girl Scout troops, Girl Scout service units, and non-profit groups, with individual tent units available for rental.

• Empowering All-Girls Environment: The single-gender setting fosters a supportive and judgment-free zone where girls can freely explore, take risks, and develop self-confidence and independence.
• Comprehensive Outdoor Skills Development: Campers gain practical outdoor skills through activities like firebuilding, outdoor cooking, pitching tents, and navigating trails, building resilience and self-reliance.
• Abundant Water Activities: The on-site swimming pool and nearby Packer Lake provide excellent opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, essential for summer fun in the Sierra.
• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Situated on a 45-acre property within the Tahoe National Forest, the camp offers incredible hiking trails, premier stargazing, and access to pristine lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Focus on Leadership and Character Development: Beyond skills, the camp emphasizes leadership opportunities, team building, and fostering positive values, contributing to personal growth.
• Comfortable Facilities: Despite being a rustic camp, the availability of flushing toilets, hot showers, and a large dining hall provides welcome comforts.
• Diverse International Staff: The presence of staff from various countries enriches the cultural experience for campers, broadening their perspectives.
• Positive Community and Friendships: Reviews consistently highlight the strong friendships formed and the overall positive, fun atmosphere that encourages connection and lasting memories.
• Affordability and Value: Compared to many other week-long camps, Camp Wasiu II is noted for being one of the most affordable options, offering excellent value for the experience provided.
• Girl Scout Badge Opportunities: Programs are designed to help girls earn Girl Scout badges, providing a tangible reward for their learning and accomplishments.

For detailed information regarding summer camp sessions, rental opportunities, or any other inquiries about Camp Wasiu II, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1901 Packer Lake Rd, Sierra City, CA 96125, USA

For comprehensive information and to explore current program offerings, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada or contact them directly. While a phone number for the camp itself wasn't provided in the prompt, general inquiries for the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada can often be directed to their council office, which would manage the camp operations. Past information suggests a phone number of 775-322-0642 for general inquiries.

For California families, Camp Wasiu II represents an exceptional opportunity to provide young girls with a profound and enriching summer experience right here in our magnificent state. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the chance for girls to "unplug and unwind" in the high-mountain setting of the Tahoe National Forest is invaluable. This camp is perfectly suited for locals who prioritize the development of outdoor skills, leadership, and personal growth in a supportive, single-gender environment.

The consistent positive feedback from past campers, highlighting strong friendships and cherished memories, underscores the camp's success in fostering a truly special community. For parents in California seeking a safe and nurturing place where their daughters can build confidence, try new things without judgment, and connect deeply with nature, Camp Wasiu II stands out. Its comprehensive activity program, from archery and swimming to outdoor cooking and team-building, ensures that every day is filled with engaging and educational opportunities.

Furthermore, the camp's accreditation by the American Camp Association provides an important layer of assurance regarding health, safety, and program quality—a key consideration for any California parent. While it’s a traditional Girl Scout camp, its welcoming policy for "ALL girls" (not just registered Girl Scouts) broadens its accessibility to any family seeking this unique experience. Investing in a summer at Camp Wasiu II means investing in a young girl's courage, confidence, and character, all within the breathtaking backdrop of the California Sierra Nevada. It's a place where girls don't just go to camp; they grow, explore, and create lifelong connections, making it an ideal choice for our local communities.

For an additional perspective on the Sierra City area, you can watch this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_lTf3L4uDk).

Camp Wasiu II

1901 Packer Lake Rd, Sierra City, CA 96125, USA