Sly Park - Students & Families

Preparing to Embrace Challenges at Sly Park

At Sly Park, growth comes through experience—and that often means stepping outside of comfort zones. Whether it's spending five days away from home, hiking five miles through nature, embarking on a night hike, or scaling the challenge wall, students are encouraged to face and overcome a variety of new challenges.

Our dedicated team of credentialed teachers works closely with students, visiting teachers, and cabin leaders to provide the guidance and support needed throughout the week. We’re here to help each student build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Use this page as a resource to discover ways to prepare your students for their Sly Park adventure—and to help them make the most of every challenge they encounter.

STudents' basic needs at sly park

Where Students Stay

Our campus, nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers a unique and memorable experience—likely quite different from home! Students are housed in one of eight cozy cabins, each equipped with heating, indoor plumbing, private showers, and bathrooms to ensure a comfortable stay.

Each cabin includes four rooms with bunk beds and cubbies for students to store their belongings. Students will have their own bunk and cubby, serving as their personal space throughout the week. Depending on the program's capacity, rooms typically accommodate between 4 and 8 students. Cabin Leaders have a separate room within the cabin.

We strive to maintain a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the cabins. To support students who may be sensitive to noise, each cabin includes a few pairs of headphones for quiet relief when needed.

All cabins are supervised by fingerprinted adult Cabin Leaders who provide a safe and supportive environment. In keeping with our values of community and inclusion, students from different schools are thoughtfully grouped together. To help students feel at ease, each cabin also includes an adult representative from each participating school.

What Students Eat

At Sly Park, we take student nutrition seriously. As a state-accredited school program, we provide well-balanced, nutritious meals that meet all state dietary requirements. Students receive three full meals a day, along with a snack during high-exertion hikes. Each day ends on a sweet note with a homemade cookie for everyone.

Our staff closely monitors mealtimes to ensure students are eating and staying nourished. We encourage families to talk with their students ahead of time about the importance of fueling their bodies and being open to trying new foods during their stay.

Our experienced kitchen team has carefully designed a menu that accommodates a variety of dietary needs. We are proud to offer options for:

Vegetarian and vegan diets
Lactose intolerance
Gluten-free requirements
Food allergies
Religious dietary restrictions

If your student has these or other specific dietary needs, please:

Contact us early. Reach out to our Sly Park Kitchen staff at least two weeks before you arrive at (916) 228-2320 or via email.
Share the details. When you contact us, share your child’s full name, school name, dates of attendance, and specific dietary requirements.
Stay connected. Please share a reliable contact number or email. We may need to reach out for additional information.

Important Note: Our kitchen is proudly peanut and nut-free to provide a safer environment for all.

Learning That Leaps Off the Page

Textbooks come to life at Sly Park Environmental Education Center. Our accredited program aligns with California Next Generation Science Standards, offering hands-on experiences in:

Ecosystem exploration
Wildlife and insect guides
Geological investigations
Environmental awareness

Want to see what awaits? Take a virtual tour through our photo galleries and videos. Soon, you’ll be able to explore Sly Park from the comfort of your home with our upcoming virtual tours!

KVIE Sly Park Video
Learn more about our outdoor science and environmental education program with KVIE's "Inside California Education: Sly Park" video.
Experience Sly Park Video
Get a feel for what Sly Park is all about with this brief video.

Preparing for the Adventure

Before you pack for your adventure, here’s your treasure map for a successful Sly Park experience.

Download and review the Parent/Student Handbook
Read our guide on Conquering Homesickness / Informacíon Importante Sobre La Nostalgia
Register your explorer online
Contact our kitchen staff 2 weeks in advance for special dietary needs

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

At Sly Park, we celebrate diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, religious beliefs, color, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. Our commitment aligns with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.