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The beauty of nature and (some of) the comforts of home. Camp Hye Sierra is a secluded, rustic camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just seven miles from Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, 50 miles east of Fresno. It's equally accessible from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Central California, with travel times of about 4 ½ hours.

Camp Hye Sierra is an old fashioned group camping facility located on 160 acres at 4,300 feet elevation. Days are warm but not sweltering. Nights are cool and the stars are amazing. You can rough it in your own tent, share a group cabin with bunk beds (12-16 person capacity per cabin), or set up your camper/trailer. All cabins have electricity and are heated if necessary. Modern bathrooms are nearby with hot showers - a must for energetic dancers! The camp has a dining hall with a full kitchen where the food service staff and volunteers (the rest of us campers) do their magic, so you don't have to worry about packing or preparing food.

Of course, Camp Hye Sierra offers all the traditional outdoor activities. Hike when you need to be alone or clear your mind. Meditate by a still lake to start or end the day. At the swimming lake you can rest on the warm, sunny beach, paddle a canoe, swim, play volleyball, or join a singing or drumming circle.

An inviting container for dance. NCDC volunteers convert Camp Hye Sierra into three great dancing venues, including sprung wooden dance floors in the main Dining Hall and the lakeside, open air Pavilion. For cozy events, we also have the sumptuous Nirvana Cabana, a carpeted, pillow-lined tent space. All three venues are fitted with great sound systems and enlivening decorations.

No distractions so you can relax deeply. While you are picturing this great environment, imagine a few days or a whole week with no cell phones, laptops, or other modern distractions. Now you can really dive into the dance camp experience.

Mix in a healthy dose of outdoor fun. The great joy of dancing in a camp setting is being able to mix in all the great outdoor and camp activities whenever you want. Camp is just eight miles from Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, with many opportunities for wilderness adventures. In this unique retreat space, you get to dance, play, and relax all week, as much or as little as you want. After a few days, you'll find yourself dropping into a relaxed pace that will heal your soul and invigorate spirit. Many of us wish it would never end! After our closing circle, we take these good feelings and new friends home with us.