Target Earth International -- Hidden Lakes




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Hidden Lakes Sierra Education Center

A Creation Care Center Designed for Small Groups

Hidden Lakes Sierra Education Center has been providing quality outdoor experiences for small groups since 1986. Its remote location, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains allows our guests to "get away from it all," but Hidden Lakes is just 3-4 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. Hidden Lakes Logo

If your group of up to 30 is looking for a peaceful atmosphere for an educational experience, a research project, a wilderness camping adventure, a challenging Target Earth project, or a simple weekend of relaxation, we ask that you consider visiting Hidden Lakes Sierra Education Center.

An Entire Lake Reserved For Your Group

Hidden Lakes is owned and operated by Target Earth, a non-profit organization promoting wise stewardship of God's creation. We specialize in serving small groups seeking a unique outdoor setting in which to learn, relax, worship, or plan. We also have Target Earth projects in which your group or family can become involved. These hands on projects, suggested to us by local conservation minded groups, directly benefit the local Sierra Nevada environment and the people of the area. Unlike a visit to a large conference center, a stay at Hidden Lakes guarantees that your group will enjoy exclusive use of the entire facility, including the Guest Center (complete with a large meeting room, dining room and kitchen), two lakes and over 200 acres of forest.

A Staff That Treats You As A Special Guest

Hidden Lakes staff members are professional program planners and experienced outdoor leaders. We can arrange a conservation project, or simply be available as a resource during your visit. No matter how you would like us to be involved, it is our goal that your group returns home feeling that they had an exceptional educational/retreat experience. We are confident that the combination of personal attention, unique programming and secluded atmosphere will create lasting memories for your group.

Enjoy The Majestic Sierras In Comfort

You will find a variety of facilities at your disposal at Hidden Lakes. Accommodations consist of eight 10'x12' "outfitter"-type tents with cots. The Guest Center, with views of some of the major peaks of the Northern Sierras, is a handsome log structure overlooking the upper lake. The Center serves as the cooking, dining and meeting center.

Once settled in, you will find a number of other improvements at Hidden Lakes: a fishing and swimming dock, a campfire circle, an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the lake and nearby Donner Summit, and a self-guiding nature trail. Add to this the natural beauty of the Sierra Mountain setting, and you have all the ingredients for an outstanding retreat.

Birding

Hidden Lakes is the home of the Hidden Lakes Osprey Preserve. We usually have a pair of Ospreys that nest near our lakes and the Ospreys put on a show when they are fishing the lake right in front of the lodge window. In addition to the Ospreys, Hidden Lakes is an excellent birding area. We have two seasons of migration and many resident birds. Many birds can be seen right from the deck.

Specialized Programs That Meet Your Needs

Whether you develop your own program or participate in one of our educational or hands on projects, our goal is that your stay at Hidden Lakes will help heighten your awareness that we all need to become involved in caring for and healing God's creation. The approach to reach that goal can be multi-faceted.

Create Your Own Program

We realize that you understand your group better then we do. And because Hidden Lakes specializes in small groups, we encourage you to create a program that will meet your unique set of needs and expectations. With the help of our staff, former groups have focused on Target Earth projects, leadership training, family programs, and much more. The number of specialized programs is limited only by your imagination! Whatever you wish to accomplish during your visit, your group will be able to enjoy the hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and other outdoor summer and fall fun our natural setting allows.

Allow Us To Customize One For You

Hidden Lakes is a local resource center for Creation Care. This takes many directions, including Target Earth projects, leadership training to teach the incorporation of Creation Care into environmental and other issues, and educational studies sponsored by local organizations. We can also provide activities such as services under the stars, and guided nature walks through the forest, by moonlight. Whatever your desires and needs, our staff will work to build into your stay those activities that best reflect your interests.

What Is Our Target Earth Program?

Target Earth is a contemporary short-term "hands-on" mission program that provides quality conservation opportunities for group members. The service programs are holistic, combining an opportunity to care for the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the people who inhabit it.

About Reservations, Cost and Cancellations

Hidden Lakes is open July 1 to October 31. Group reservations are taken on a first-come, first served basis but may be made for any duration of time, from a weekend to a month. Since weekends during the mid-summer are the most popular, we urge you to make reservations early.

Upon making a reservation we will send you confirmation information. We will also discuss with you the details of your trip.

Map with Directions to Hidden Lakes

Hidden Lakes Fee Schedule

Below are our current rates for use of Hidden Lakes facilities. Please note that the maximum group size is 30.

Weekend Rates:

Friday evening through Sunday afternoon
Basic Rate -- Includes use of all facilities:
$1,200 for groups of up to 20 people
$50 per additional person for groups over 20

Holiday Weekend - Three Day Weekends:

Friday evening through Monday afternoon
Minimum two nights stay
Basic Rate -- Includes use of all facilities:
$1,500 for groups of up to 20 people
$50 per additional person for groups over 20

Weekday Rates:

Monday morning through Friday afternoon
Minimum two nights stay
Basic Rate -- Includes use of all facilities
$600 per night for groups of up to 20 people
$50 per additional person per night for groups over 20

Free Bonus Programs (included in the rates listed):

Arrangements for a Target Earth Project
Creation Care Discussions

Hidden Lakes has eight 10'x12' tent platforms with 4-person outfitter type tents set up. For health reasons, Hidden Lakes does not provide sleeping bags, pillows, or sleeping pads. Please be sure to bring your own bedding. Hidden Lakes has a full service kitchen which your group is welcome to use to prepare the food you bring. Hidden Lakes does not provide food service.

On your arrival, the director will check you in and answer any questions you may have. He will be on call during your stay and will check you out on your departure date. Unless requested, no staff will be on site.

A 25% deposit is due 60 days in advance and the balance is due 15 days prior to your arrival
25% of the total fee is charged if cancellation occurs within 15-45 days, and full payment is required if cancellation occurs within 14 days prior to scheduled date.

For further information or reservations, please contact:

Bill Gallaher
Director, Hidden Lakes Sierra Education Center
PO Box 8
Emigrant Gap, CA 95715
Phone: (530) 389-2876
Email: HiddnLakes@aol.com
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