You’re not just working at a summer camp.
You’re spending a summer in California.

Wait, Where Even Is This?

Camp Augusta sits in Nevada City, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a true gem.

Here, you’ll find old-growth forests, historic gold rush towns, clean rivers for swimming, and vibrant arts communities tucked between hills.

From camp, you are less than 4-hours (a stone’s throw in the United States) from:

California Fun Facts

Did you know?

  • Economic Powerhouse – If California were its own country, it would have the 4th largest economy in the world.
  • Conservation – California has the most (9) national parks of any state.
  • Diverse Climates – California has the lowest, hottest, driest place in the states (Death Valley), as well as the highest and one of the snowiest places in the country (Mt Whitney).
  • California is Everywhere – Both Silicon Valley (Facebook, Google, etc) AND Hollywood are in California…reaching the state’s culture and influence into homes across the world.
a cartoon map of california with icons highlighting the state features.

The Sierra Nevada Foothills Are Different

The unique geography of the Sierras makes its foothills a very special “Goldilocks Zone.” It’s not too hot, not too cold, not too high, and not too low.

What does that mean for your time at camp?

Gorgeous Landscapes

You’ll spend your days in rolling covered in Ponderosa Pines, Cedars, and Oaks. (With Manzanitas and Madrones, too!)

A person is silhouetted as they climb a tall tree, with sunlight and a clear blue sky in the background, surrounded by the outlines of other tall trees.

Wildlife You’ll Actually See

Deer wander through camp daily, as well as a host of beautiful birds like the Stellar’s Jay, Anna’s Hummingbird, and the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.
You may even see a bear (from a safe distance).

Swimming Holes

Camp itself has several swimming holes: Hot Rocks, Secret Pool, and the Falls. Yes, they’re right there!
And if you want more, the Yuba is the beloved nearby river that has countless swimming holes of clean, clear water.

waterfalls nature summer camp

Here’s a drone showreel by Willow, a former staff member, that showcases some of Camp’s Sierra beauty.

Nevada City – Your Summer Home Base

Nevada City is a truly special place. Deep, earthy hippies rub shoulders with rednecks and farmers in this small town of only a few thousand residents.

Check out this article the New York Times did on Nevada City!

A small town street lined with parked cars and historic buildings, reminiscent of a summer camp site, is surrounded by tall pine trees and distant hills. A few people walk along the sidewalks under a cloudy sky.

NC is a Victorian Gold Rush town, where wooden storefronts preserve history that you can actually touch. If you walk through town, you may even see real, modern-day gold miners coming in from the river to spend their earnings in town.

The town has a strong alternative culture…the best things you’d think of when you think “hippie”…folks who curate incredible food, live music, healthy organic stores, etc.

Among the residents in town, you’ll also find former camp staff who chose to stay after falling in love with the area.

Trips You Can Take from RIGHT HERE

All of these places are within reach of Nevada City as either a day trip or a weekend trip.

Nature Trips:

Non-Nature Trips:

Yes, even Disneyland. 🥳

This is the California you don’t see on Instagram.

You’ll be close to that California too, but here…
Real stars at night.
The smell of pine and dust and river water.
Conversations with locals who’ve been here 40 years, and some who just arrived.
Sunset light that you wouldn’t believe is real.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you decide to stay after the summer.