The Great Basin Institute at Galena is dedicated to offering a dynamic, engaging, and safe outdoor educational experience. Our goal is to inspire campers to explore and appreciate the natural world, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility. Through hands-on activities and meaningful challenges, we aim to build confidence, cultivate new friendships, and create lasting memories. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, encouraging discovery, and empowering young explorers to become stewards of the environment.
- DROP OFF: 9:00-9:30AM
- For Fall, Winter, and Spring camp: Drop Off and Pick up will happen at Galena Creek Visitor Center each Day. 18250 Mt. Rose Hwy Reno NV, 89511.
- DURING SUMMER CAMP: DROP OFF AND PICKUP WILL HAPPEN AT MANZANITA PICNIC AREA LOCATED AT THE SOUTH ENTRANCE TO THE PARK.
- All guardians must sign their camper in and out each day. IDs will be checked during pickup and must match info on registration form.
- Please inform staff if you will be dropping off your camper at a later time or picking up your camper early. We might be on the trails, and you will need to coordinate with staff ahead of time to determine the best location to meet the rest of Camp.
No Camper will be admitted to Camp before 9:00AM.
- PICKUP: 3:30-4:00PM
- For Fall, Winter, and Spring camp: Drop Off and Pick up will happen at Galena Creek Visitor Center each Day. 18250 Mt. Rose Hwy Reno NV, 89511.
- DURING SUMMER CAMP: DROP OFF AND PICKUP WILL HAPPEN AT MANZANITA PICNIC AREA LOCATED AT THE SOUTH ENTRANCE TO THE PARK.
- All guardians must sign their camper in and out each day. IDs will be checked during pickup and must match info on registration form.
Guardians are expected to ensure timely pickups. In the event a Guardian is late, the camp will implement a late fee of $10 for each 15 minutes past the designated pickup time, per camper paid at the time of pickup. Staff will supervise late campers until picked up. Repeated instances of late pickup will lead to a review of the camper’s enrollment status.
Quantity may vary depending on your camper. We do NOT have laundry services available. We encourage campers to pack clothes they do not care about, as they will be hiking and playing in most weather conditions.
Remember to mark all belongings. Mark clothes and other items with your camper’s name/initials. We will make every effort to return lost and found items while your camper is in camp. Marked clothes will help us to achieve this goal!
Clothes and Gear:
- 6-7 t-shirts
- 5-6 shorts
- 1 pair of pants
- 6 pairs of socks
- 5 pairs of underwear
- Close-toed shoes
- Sandals/water shoes
- Shower shoes/flip flops
- 1-2 sweatshirts and/or jackets
- 1 swimsuit
- Bath towels and washcloths
- 1 beach towel
- 1 pairs of pajamas
- 1 hat for sun protection and 1 pair of sunglasses
- Bug spray and Sunscreen
- 1 backpack
- Rain jacket or poncho (optional)
- EVERYTHING LISTED IN THE ABOVE DAY CAMP PACKING LIST (Campers Do Not need to pack food or snacks for Overnight Camp)
- Any medication must be listed in camper registration and handed to camp staff at drop off. Guardians must fill out a Medication Authorization Form required before camper is admitted to camp.
Bedding:
- 1 sleeping bag/blankets OR
- TWIN sheets
- 1 pillow/pillowcases
- A favorite blanket or stuffed animal
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Body wash
Optional Items:
- Camera for capturing memories
- Animal guidebook
- Phone and Charger
- Hand Sanitizer
- Laundry Bag
- Safe and kid friendly hiking gear
- Sled or snowshoes (Spring and Winter Camp)
- Hand warmers (Spring and Winter Camp)
- Board Games for Night Activities
- IF YOU ARE BACKPACKING YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG AND TENT
Prohibited Items for Overnight Camp:
- Bear spray
- Pocket knives
- Fire starting Materials
- Electronics that impede instruction and camper participation
- Nice Clothes
- No unapproved medications or vitamins
- Food and snacks due to wildlife. All food will be provided by Camp.
- Money
Important Food Allergy Information
At Galena Creek Spring Exploration Camp, the safety and well-being of all our campers are our top priorities. Please be aware that our camp is not a peanut- or nut-free facility. While we make reasonable efforts to promote safe practices, campers may bring foods or products that contain peanuts or other nuts, and we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Families of campers with food allergies should carefully consider this information and take appropriate precautions. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to create a safe and inclusive experience for all campers.
About Camp Staff
Staff members are over the age of 18, who volunteer as AmeriCorps members. Each staff member brings a passion for outdoor education and a commitment to creating a safe, fun, and engaging experience for all campers.
All Naturalists and Camp Counselors are trained in First Aid and CPR, have completed driver training, and are mandated reporters, ensuring a secure environment for every child. Their energy and commitment help to create an amazing outdoor adventure for all campers.
Refund Policy
Full payment is due at the time of registration to secure your child’s spot. If a refund is requested, a full refund will be provided only if the notice is given at least 14 days prior to the selected camp’s start date. Cancellations made within 14 days of the start date will not be eligible for a refund.
Lost and Found
The Great Basin Institute is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We encourage campers to take personal responsibility for their belongings and to label items with their names. In the event of a lost or stolen item, campers should immediately report it to a staff member, who will assist in the search and document the loss. Found items will be stored in a designated Lost and Found area inside the Visitor Center, which will hold items for the duration of the camp session; any unclaimed items will be donated or disposed of after the session ends. While we will make reasonable efforts to help recover lost property, The Great Basin Institute and Camp Staff cannot be held liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. We advise campers to avoid bringing valuables or items of high sentimental value. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Galena Exploration Camps Zero Tolerance Bullying Policy
At Galena Exploration Camps, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all campers, staff, and visitors. Bullying of any kind, whether physical, verbal, cyber, or relational, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Our policy is clear:
- Any form of bullying is strictly prohibited.
- All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
- Offenders will face appropriate consequences, which may include sitting out of camp activities, parental involvement, or removal from the camp program.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and valued. We encourage campers, staff, and Guardians to speak up if they witness or experience bullying. Together, we can create a positive and supportive camp community where everyone can thrive.
