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Summer at the Lair is where families unplug, reconnect, and dive into pure mountain joy. From week-long classic family camp traditions to weekend stays and adult specialty camps, we offer something for everyone. Enjoy three delicious meals a day, tent cabins under the pines, and staff-led activities for all ages. Start planning your best summer at the Lair!
Discover what Lair campers have cherished for generations: a magical place where you can recharge and reconnect under towering pines and endless blue skies. Here, your family will share unforgettable adventures, make new friends, and create mountains of memories together. From staff-led hikes to tie-dye, and volleyball to sing-alongs, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all—all are welcome! You don’t need to be a Cal alum to experience the magic of the Lair.
Join our mailing list for the latest Lair events, camp news, booking updates, and more! And don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions; we’re happy to respond and share what makes the Lair so special.
New campers: Camp Week 2 or Week 10 and receive a 15% discount!
Courtesy of Kevin Kitsuda
We are excited to share that our brand-new, spacious Lair Lodge and Oski Dining Hall will be enjoyed by summer campers in 2026! This stunning new facility is designed to be a year-round gathering place for connection, celebration, and community. We can’t wait to share this incredible space with Lair campers, private groups, and guests staying in our winterized cabins. Click here to embark on a video tour of the Lair Lodge taken summer ’25!
With a backyard of incomparable beauty and stellar staff-led programming for campers of all ages, the Lair of the Golden Bear is the perfect place to make family memories. By the time departure day arrives, you will have fallen in love with our special corner of the Sierra Nevada—and you will be counting down the days until you return next summer.
Photo by Suz McFadden
Unwind, recharge, and create unforgettable memories with friends at our exclusive adults-only retreats! Whether you choose the Women’s Wellness Weekend for relaxation, fun, and renewal or Club Lair: Food, Wine, and Recreation Retreat for a perfect blend of indulgence and adventure, you’re in for a memorable Lair experience with a stunning backdrop. Discover more today!
The Lair’s immersive two- or three-night science camp is designed for 6th grade classes. The program is aligned with California Science Standards and offers students hands-on learning experiences, all while they experience the magic of the Lair.
September 17 – 20, 2026
Ready to experience a unique, all-inclusive, immersive and soulful weekend of music, nature, and community at the Lair? We are ready for you!
Work Weekends at the Lair—where helping hands meet mountain air! Volunteers come together to prep camp for the season, tackle fun projects, and enjoy great company, hearty meals, and some fun mixed in with hard work! It’s a rewarding way to give back to the place you love and be part of the Lair magic behind the scenes.
Rising seniors, get a head start! Join us at the Lair for expert guidance on college applications, essays, and personal statements, plus one-on-one support from admissions professionals. Between sessions, enjoy swimming, fun activities, and relaxing with new friends in the mountains.
Lair College Prep Camp
Enjoy a cozy winter family getaway at Camp Oski!
Our 15 heated cabins are perfect for families, each sleeping up to six with a queen bed, bunks, loft singles, a private bath, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and more. With hearty meals included, all you need to do is pack your crew and come ready for mountain adventures, cozy cabin time, and making memories together!
Cal Alumni Association
Want a summer job that prepares you for your future? At the Lair, you’ll gain leadership experience, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence that comes from working on a tight-knit, high-energy team. You’ll also form lifelong friendships and make a meaningful impact on kids and families—all while spending the summer in the Sierra. Click below to see how to apply.
2025's Camp Gold staff ready for the Hootenanny! / Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Missing the Lair? Looking for a belated holiday gift? Excited for summer 2026? Visit our online store for handmade Lair ornaments, our 2026 Lair Wall Calendar, limited-edition Lairbubus, and more. We have a fabulous selection of Lair items ready to ship. Click the link below to take a look!
Lair veteran staffer Jessie Fisher's Daily Cal article spotlights the highly desirable soft skills staffers hone through their hard work at the Lair. Working at the Lair opens doors and helps prepare college students for a range of careers both in and out of the corporate world.
Read Jesse Fisher's article about Creekside. It's not just another Sunday ritual—it’s the still, sharp moment where stories unravel and songs take root and, for just an hour, the world makes sense.
Jim Rogers brought together his Boy Scout experience, the discipline he honed as a rower, and the entrepreneurial approach he developed as a Lair staffer and MBA graduate, to create a successful career in the hospitality industry.
When family camp comes to a close, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes to keep the Lair running strong. In late August and September, the Lair hosts Bear Music Fest, an International House retreat, and late summer weddings. Then, once all the guests begin their drive down Hwy 108, a hard-working Closing Crew takes over. […]
The Lair hosted hundreds of middle schoolers at Oski Science Camp over the course of several months, resulting in learning, spreading Cal love, and creating long-lasting memories.
Chancellor Lyons, who’s known for carrying his guitar around camp, shared his personal stories, reflected on how the Lair fuels Cal spirit, and offered some words of wisdom for the staffers and campers to come.
