About Our Camp

-- Christian Adventure Camping For Children 8 To 16 Years Old –

   We’re in the business of building the “whole child” by helping campers grow in character, relationships, skills and faith.

   Summer camp is a magical and memorable time of new friends, discoveries and growth. Since 1973, Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp has been shaping the lives of children in creative, fun and nurturing ways. We are a second generation family-owned program nestled in Bass Lake, California, in the shadow of Yosemite National Park. While our campers come to YSSC excited about all the fun and adventure they’ll have, our parents send them knowing all the skills they’ll develop.

   If you are sending your child to camp for the first time, we understand the hesitation that comes with letting a child go for more than an overnight to a best friend’s house.  With three kids of our own, we also long for our children to be safe, to belong and thrive. That’s what YSSC is all about.

   We hope you enjoy our website and please give us a call so we can tell you more about our program. 

Why YSSC...

   We have shaped the lives of thousands of campers. While most Christian camps on the West Coast offer only weekend or one-week long programs, YSSC’s two-week long sessions allow more time for campers to feel at home and benefit from our goal of helping them grow in character, relationships, skills and faith. This is accomplished through our unique blend of traditional and adventure activities, creative fun and positive challenge, and especially through interaction with a gifted, nurturing and enthusiastic staff.

   Our staff to camper ratio is 1 to 2. Cabin counselors, boat drivers, backpack guides, healthcare staff, food service and facilities staff are not just “hired.”  After an extensive interview process, they are background checked and provided with a comprehensive training before joining the YSSC family. These college students and graduates empower campers by demonstrating the qualities we strive for campers to gain. They are the hallmark of our program and why our campers return year after year.

   YSSC is affectionately known as “The Home of the World’s Greatest Campers!” We love our campers and consider it a privilege to care for each one. We play hard and laugh hard together. Campers make friends and connect with new role models. They take on new challenges and master skills that bolster their confidence. Kids are awed by the beauty of nature and discover creativity within themselves.  At camp, they problem solve, develop resiliency, care for others and open up in new ways. They learn about God’s love through experiences that come about as we live in community.

   We hope YSSC’s purposeful program is a match for your family. Our website and brochure describe more about our program, but we would love to talk with you personally!  Please give us call and get to know us better.

Purpose and Mission

   Our mission is to create an environment of God's love where all members of the camp community grow in character, skills, relationships, and faith.

Growing Character

   – Living in cabin groups, and participating in small and large group activities is both fun and challenging. Being away from the familiarity of home allows campers to spread their wings and practice making age-appropriate decisions. Our counselors provide necessary guidance and encouragement. The result is a greater sense of self and greater concern for others. Whether by encouraging each other on the climbing wall, cleaning up the cabin together, trying water skiing for the first time, or contributing to a small group discussion, YSSC’s campers develop personal responsibility, courage, resiliency, empathy, generosity and respect.

Growing Skills

   – One of the many gifts of camp is the opportunity to try new activities without the pressure to be an expert. Another is the chance to gain esteem by mastering skills. At YSSC campers explore new interests and develop competencies, from archery to friend-making, from knee boarding to problem solving, from backpacking to listening well - many that experts assert are essential “21st Century Skills.”

Growing Relationships

   – Helping campers experience a sense of belonging is a high priority at YSSC. This is accomplished through supportive relationships, which is one of the greatest strengths of the camp environment. Healthy friendships with cabin mates enhance a camper’s self-esteem and multiply the fun of camp. Meaningful connections with staff offer campers wholesome mentors, thoughtful coaching, and assurance that they are valued simply for who they are.

Growing Faith

   – In YSSC’s beautiful mountain setting campers see God’s handiwork, power and creativity. Through Bible study, guest speakers and “teachable moments,” we delight in helping campers understand more vividly God’s love for them and the value of His guidance in their lives. In addition, God’s truths and tools for Christian living are best learned when modeled and practiced in the daily flow of life. Campers remark that YSSC is a place to discover faith of your own, ask hard questions and be amazed by the wonder of God’s creation.

Directors & Staffs

   Executive Directors, Steve and Sara Kuljis, have been at the helm of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp since 1998. They are second generation directors of this well loved and respected program which was founded in 1973 by Sara’s parents Jim and Manya Slevcove.  With three camp-aged kids of their own, they know the value of having heroes and role models who help shape their children in positive ways.

   Sara's leadership is shaped by her career experience in youth and staff development. She has served on the board of the American Camp Association, Southern California/Hawaii Section, and is a frequent speaker and trainer for the Association.

   Steve brings extensive experience in building and facility management, business administration, and wilderness camping. Steve served as legislative chair for Western Association of Independent Camps, and as a board member of the California Coalition for Youth.

   Associate Director, Reverend Ron Eckert, has served with YSSC for fifteen years.  As a youth director and teacher, Ron honed skills essential for effectively leading programs and shaping the lives of children and youth.  He also serves as the onsite Director of YSSC’s sister program Emerald Cove Day Camp in San Juan Capistrano. Ron and his wife Heather have two beautiful girls Rosie and Sadie, and in 2015 they welcomed a baby boy, Barnes. Golden Retriever “Wrigley” is still wagging his tail.

   Program Director, Kasey Myers joined YSSC full time in 2012. A former counselor and guest speaker at YSSC, Kasey brings with him a MA in Theology and 5 years of experience as a youth pastor. His remarkable energy, creativity, and ability to engage both staff and children are terrific assets to the program. In 2015, Kasey and his wife Corrie welcomed their first baby boy, William. He is a happy camper! Dogs, Lucy and Bailey, love the new addition to the family.

   Staff members
   YSSC’s staff is comprised of collegians, graduate students and professionals. Staff members are selected based on emotional and Christian maturity, youth work experience, strong communication skills, diverse talents and backgrounds, and zest for life. Candidates undergo an extensive interview, reference checks and criminal background checks prior to hiring. All staff receive one to three weeks of training in a variety of areas including child development, activity leadership, and behavior management. All staff members are CPR certified, and some have additional certifications (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, lifeguard certification, etc.) depending on their role.

   At YSSC, 70-75 staff members serve 125-140 campers each session for a staff/camper ratio of 1:2. Cabin counselor/camper ratios are 1:6 or 7.

    Approximately 55-65% of staff returns each summer. Returning campers number approximately 60-65%.