Day camps
Blast Camp (YMCA of Boulder Valley)
Boulder, Longmont
303-664-5455
www.ymcabv.org
3… 2… 1… Blast off! Come join the adventure that awaits you at Blast Camp. Campers will explore, create and engage in fun-filled activities, including arts and crafts, STEM, gaga ball, sports and games, swimming, archery, ice skating, 50 feet slip and slide, foam machine and much more. You do not want to miss this excitement! Day camps are divided by sessions throughout the summer.
BLAST OFF! Science Camp — With Boulder Parks & Recreation
Boulder
303-413-7270
www.BPRcamps.org
Ages 6 to 11. Rockets with an EXPLOSION of science! Spend the morning conducting some wacky science projects, along with making new friends during team building activities. The afternoons will be spent building and launching rockets, as well as swimming! Campers will be split up by age and ability, but special requests are welcomed.
Boulder Country Day School
Boulder
303-527-4931
www.bouldercountryday.org
Summer day camp program uses classrooms and outdoor spaces to engaged children socially and intellectually with activities that include arts, music, science, nature walks and dramatic play. BCD also offers summer specialty classes including basketball, soccer, STEAM, foreign language, Lego engineering, chess, art, academics, cooking and more. Students who enroll in specialty classes are eligible to enroll in day camp at a discounted rate (i.e., before and after camp care).
Butterfly Pavilion
Westminster
720-974-1877
www.butterflies.org
Come learn about bugs up close and personal. The Butterfly Pavilion offers a variety of day classes (ages 4 to 6) and weeklong camps (ages 5 to 10) from June through August. For questions email mcopan@butterflies.org.
Camp Invention
Longmont, various locations
800-968-4332
www.campinvention.org
Led by local educators, the week-long Camp Invention program immerses elementary school children in hands-on learning disguised as fun summer activities. Children spend their time designing inventions and exploring connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Discounts are available — register today!
Camp Oonie Koonie Cha
Boulder
303-413-1711
www.campooniekooniecha.com
Pull on your boots and polish your spurs. Camp Oonie Koonie Cha is an action-packed music camp for children ages 4 to 6 that integrates music with science, instrument making, dramatic play and a xylophone orchestra. This year’s camp features the Wild West, pretend riding the range, barrel racing on handmade painted horses and telling coyote tales around the campfire. Campers make their own instruments, learn great songs and stories, and receive a complimentary T-shirt and CD. Bronco Ben, Kit Cat Kelye, Skedaddle Sue, Mountain Goat Mike and Antelope Amy will gallop and gallumph the giggling gophers out of you! Plus, a whippersnappin’ special dippity do dah day with Jeff Coyote Kagan. Yee Haw! Fills up quickly, so shake a leg. Email Amy Haywood at bouldercampokc@gmail.com for more information.
Chess Camp
Boulder
866-949-4386
www.chesswizards.com
Grades K to 8. Get out of the house this summer with Chess Wizards; play games, make new friends and have fun. An array of games and activities throughout the camp will be led by the most energetic members of the Wizards’ staff. Activities include chess games, lessons, puzzles, wizard games, charades, outside activities and more!
Colorado Center for the Blind Summer Youth Programs
Littleton
303-778-1130, ext. 222
www.cocenter.org
We have programs that teach the skills of blindness and offer exciting recreational activities for students in elementary school, middle school, high school and college prep.
Cottonwood Gulch Foundation
Albuquerque, N.M.
800-2-GO-TREK
www.cottonwoodgulch.org
The Cottonwood Gulch Foundation sponsors educational wilderness expeditions and outdoor programs in the American Southwest that promote personal growth, scientific, historic and cultural discovery as well as a knowledgeable environmental ethic among all those who participate.
CU Science Discovery
Boulder
303-492-7188
sciencediscovery.colorado.edu
We offer more than 230 summer camps covering a range of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math and art. Our camps provide an eclectic mix of engaging, hands-on activities that are sure to ignite a passion for learning, exploration and fun! Instructors include CU faculty and under/graduate scientists that are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. From Programming with Python to Medieval Siege, we have something for everyone!
Denver Chess Camp
Englewood
1-888-65-CHESS
www.chesscamp.com
Campers experience chess lessons and play in a fun filled environment. Lessons are designed to improve campers’ skills whether children are interested in casual or competitive chess. Instructors use a range of teaching tools including demo boards, worksheets, stories, computers and historic games to keep class time exciting. Each half day consists of two hour lessons tailored to the ability of the children and one hour of practice to play against other students and instructors.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Summer Camp
Denver
303-370-6000
www.dmns.org/learn/children/summer-camps-2016/
Each week, campers will take amazing journeys throughout the museum and outside into City Park as they experiment, create, build, ask questions and learn — but most of all have fun!
Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camps
303-770-6696
www.coloradomasterchess.com
Twenty-second Annual Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camps held on June 13 through 17 and July 11 through13. Full and half-day options, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Eight to one staff to student ratio. Participants will be taught scorekeeping, etiquette, tournament preparation, logical-thinking and strategic planning for all phases of the game. Also available throughout summer are two-day workshops, tournaments and follow-up classes. Founded in 1993, the Rocky Mountain Chess camp is the oldest and one of the largest chess camps in the country. Thousands of students, including state and national scholastic champions, have attended the camp from around the country for decades. Learn from National Chess Master and international best-selling author Todd Bardwick.
Denver Zoo Summer Safari: Zooper Heroes
Denver
729-337-1400
www.DenverZoo.org
When school is out, Safari Camp is in! This year’s theme, Animals Around the World, allows campers to travel from Colorado to Africa, South America, Antarctica and Asia without ever leaving Denver Zoo! Participants will connect with various animals and cultures through up-close animal encounters, zoo exploration, crafts and wild animal games. Zoo instructors will teach your campers songs and involve them in projects that will stick with them!
Registration is online only. Grade pre-K to 8.
Feet on the Earth Programs
Boulder
303-642-0562
www.FeetOnTheEarth.org
Every day is a new adventure in nature! Children discover their strengths and build confidence while learning ancient skills for living close to the Earth. Each weeklong camp take place in lower Lefthand Canyon (1.5 miles west of U.S. 36) and emphasizes building relationship with nature and creating healthy community. Curriculum includes wild edible and medicinal plants, animal tracking, natural shelters, making (and shooting) primitive bows and arrows, team building challenges, nature crafts, silly songs, storytelling, fun games, and more! Co-ed (Nature Explorers: June 6 through 10 and July 25 through 29) and all girls (Daughters of the Earth: June 13 through17 and August 1 through 5) camps available. For Children ages 7 to 11.
Feet on the Earth Programs
Boulder
303-642-0562
www.FeetOnTheEarth.org
Sneaking Around & Throwing Things Camp, June 20 though 24: Sneaking, hiding, tracking and accurate throwing are essential skills hunter-gather people use to secure food and keep their community safe. We’ll spend the week making and throwing primitive hunting weapons, playing games that help us practice sneaking and being invisible, and training our awareness to see and decipher the tracks and sign of the animals that live around us. Throughout the week we’ll learn what being a ‘’scout’’ entails, the ethics of the sacred hunt, how to work as a team, and how to use projectiles safely and respectfully. We’ll also tell stories, sing songs, play in the creek, and of course practice our aim. Everyone will get the chance to make and take home a few projectile crafts and will surely walk away a little sneakier than when they arrived. For Children 10 to 14.
Feet on the Earth Programs
Boulder
303-642-0562
www.FeetOnTheEarth.org
Wild Arts & Herbs Camp, June 27 through July 1. Let nature be your muse and spend a week feasting on wild edibles, making medicine, creating art out of natural resources, weaving baskets, and leaving the land a little more beautiful then we found it. Throughout our time together we will meet new and different plant allies, have plenty of time to learn fun, new crafts, plus play awesome games, sing songs, tell stories and splash in the creek. By the end of the week you’ll surely have some new plant friends, and some earth-based handcrafts to take home. Campers will get to express themselves through art projects and learn how to work with plants and each other safely and respectfully while experiencing the magic and beauty of this wild and diverse valley along Lefthand Creek! For Children 10 to 14.
Goats and Gardens — With Boulder Parks & Recreation Boulder
Boulder
303-413-7270
www.BPRcamps.org
Ages 6 to11. Spend an active week exploring the Children’s Peace Garden, Mountain Flower Goat Dairy and swimming at the Rec Center! In the Children’s Peace Garden we’ll investigate the secret world of insects, creating art from nature and exploring wondrous plants while making new friends. We’ll grow and taste from the salsa garden and cook pizza using the power of the sun. At Mountain Flower Goat Dairy we’ll spend time with the goats and llamas, learn how to walk goats on leashes and feed goats, make cheeses and lotions with goat milk, bottle feed goat babies, and explore livestock management and nutrient cycling. Each afternoon we’ll wrap up the day with a cooling dip in the swimming pool.
iD Tech Camps
University of Denver, Colorado State University
888-709-TECH
www.internalDrive.com
Gain a competitive edge! Create iPhone apps, video games, movies and more at weeklong, day and overnight programs held at the University of Denver, CSU-Fort Collins, Stanford, Princeton and other universities. Small classes for ages 7 to 17 in a fun and challenging setting. Also two-week, teen-only programs held at the University of Denver, Stanford, Yale, Harvard and others: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy and iD Visual Arts Academy (filmmaking & photography).
Keystone Science School Summer Camp
Keystone
970-455-4228
www.KeystoneScienceSchool.org
Be amazed this summer at Keystone Science School as we celebrate 40 years of extraordinary experiences, best friends and new insight into the awe-inspiring world of science, adventure and fun! Since 1976, Keystone Science School Summer Camp has taught kids social skills, independence and friendship with the added elements of outdoor education and high-altitude adventure. The cost of day camp ranges from $65-$430. Our day camp, for kids grades K to 6, features a new theme each week and incorporates creative activities, teambuilding, and investigative learning into each day.
Kodu Video Game Creation Camp
Englewood
1-888-65-CHESS
www.chesscamp.com
Children will have the option of learning how to program a game for their Windows 7 or higher PC or using a Microsoft Xbox controller! Students learn game design as they create their own cool custom world and navigate through it. Within this world they will create tasks that need to be completed in order to progress to the next level. Tasks include a first person maze game format where the students create a maze and the character must escape the maze, a survival mode, and tasks such as outwitting rivals, creating decoys and collecting bonus items all while having fun! This is a half-day camp; students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.
KTEC presents Bits, Bytes and Bots Computer Adventures
Boulder
303-494-2687
www.kidstec.com
We make technology education fun for kids. Explore Lego robotics, advanced robotic challenges, movie making and video game creation in small classes with highly educated instructors. Our classes engage kids in age-appropriate, project-based activities that are fun, creative and imaginative. We teach critical thinking, communication and foundational STEM skills to kids ages 6 to 14 at all ability levels.
Longmont Humane Society Kids & Critters Camp
Longmont
303-772-1232
www.longmonthumane.org
WANTED: Children ages 7 to 12 years old who love animals! Longmont Humane Society is holding four mini-camps this summer. Four half-day sessions to choose from: June 6 through 8, 13 through 15, 20 through 22 or 27 through 29. Enjoy a PAWS-itive summer break while learning about proper dog walking, animal body language, cat handling, participating in interactive animal-themed games and activities and meeting special guest visitors. $160/session. Please contact Julie Talty at julie@longmonthumane.org for more information.
Marine Science and Mini Swim camp —with Ocean First
Boulder
303-444-7234
www.oceanfirst.blue/swim/
How do sharks find their food? Is coral alive? Why are plastic bags dangerous for turtles? In our exciting marine science and swim minicamp, your child will explore these questions and learn about our amazing ocean and its inhabitants through hands-on activities, storytelling and games. Each day focuses on a different marine topic with an emphasis on how we can help protect the ocean. After our engaging time in the classroom, we’ll move the fun to the pool where our highly qualified swim instructors will work with the children on swimming techniques and building confidence in and around the water. Runs Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m. June through August.
Play-Well TEKnologies
Boulder
720-515-7309
www.Play-well.org
Play-Well TEKnologies provides project-based programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering to kindergarten through 8th graders utilizing Lego products. Utilizing over 100,000 pieces of Legos for each camp, we strive to build students’ problem-solving skills, foster a greater appreciation of how things work and encourage the qualities of inquisitiveness, self-reliance and self-confidence in children. Play-Well Camps in the Boulder area take place at Boulder Parks & Rec, Boulder JCC, Friends School, Boulder Country Day, Dawson School, The Art Underground, Bob Burger Rec Center and St. Vrain Memorial Building.
Quest & Quill with Renaissance Adventures
Boulder
303-786-9216
www.RenaissanceAdventures.com
Adventure Quest + Creative Writing! Questers write about the stories unfolding in their quests, their heroic character, or any topic that inspires them. In the tradition of the Norse Skalds, we focus on the enjoyment of writing, self-expression, and the oratory arts of reading aloud and hearing others. We do not focus on grammar, spelling or writing style. By participating in daily “Guild Challenges,” every Quester’s writing earns character powers and treasures in the Adventure Quest program that is a part of Quest & Quill. Quest & Quill Summer Quests give the opportunity to write and develop short stories, with the potential to craft a tale to include in the Adventure Quest: Stories publication (released in book stores and Amazon). Ages 9 plus.
Stir It Up Cooking School
Boulder
303-494-2665
www.stiritupcooking.com
Ages 5 to 16. Weekly cooking camps. Cooking, baking and fun in the kitchen. Menus include American, Asian, Caribbean, European, Mexican or Mediterranean. We pick fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables from our backyard garden. We eat what we make, so bring your appetite! June through August. Full and half-day and camps available.
Summer Fantasy Writing and Gaming Camp
Boulder
720-300-2216
www.creative-writing-solutions.com
Druidawn Creations specializes in helping reluctant writers to overcome writing resistance using fantasy role play gaming as a powerful motivator. This summer camp delves deeply into the world of imagination and creativity, giving students the unique opportunity to add their own ideas to the exciting World of Druidawn! Also offered are advanced writing techniques and publishing opportunities, help with overcoming writer’s block, lessons on how to create original characters and plots, sword making and action-packed adventures outdoors, fantasy art techniques and more. Camp runs June 27 through July 1, July 11 through 15, July 18 through 22 and July 25 through 29 at Mackintosh Academy Boulder. Camp is open to ages 7.5 to14.
YMCA & BVSD Lifelong Learning Summer Camps
303-664-5455
www.ymcabv.org
The YMCA of Boulder Valley and BVSD Lifelong Learning are collaborating again to offer a fun and educational camp opportunity for youth in the community. There are seven different themes to choose from at four BVSD schools. Within each theme, there are multiple camp options, so mix and match them as much as you want. If you choose a full-day camp option, you must remain at the same location. Day camps are divided by sessions throughout the summer.
Overnight camps
Camp Inc.
Boulder
303-500-3020
www.campinc.com
A Jewish overnight summer camp where 6-12 graders develop confidence and leadership through hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and business.
Colorado Center for the Blind Summer Youth Programs
Littleton
303-778-1130, ext. 222
www.cocenter.org
We have programs that teach the skills of blindness and offer exciting recreational activities for students in elementary school, middle school, high school and college prep.
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Cortez
800-422-8975, ext. 455
www.crowcanyon.org
What’s it like to be an archaeologist? Find out at Crow Canyon! At the Archeology Camp and Middle School Archaeology Camp, campers work with professional archaeologists and learn excavation techniques, dig at a real archaeological site and work with ancient artifacts in the lab. The weeklong camps includes an all-day tour of Mesa Verde National Park.
Or thinking about archaeology as a career? The High School Field School is an intensive three-week program with high school or college credit available. Great experience for college applications! Field school includes an all-day tour of Mesa Verde National Park and weekend hiking and rafting.
Feet on the Earth Programs
Boulder
303-642-0562
www.FeetOnTheEarth.org
Survival Overnight Adventure Camp, July 18 through 22. A lot of people play survival games and watch survival shows, but not a lot of people can ACTUALLY survive in the wild! Come learn how to be one who cannot only survive, but thrive in nature. Develop the skills to be safe and confident in wild places while building friendships and having a total blast! For youth 11 to 14 years old.
Night Camp, July 11 through15. Are you the kind of girl who likes to stay up late at night and sleep late in the morning? Do you like sneaking up on your friends and hanging out around the fire carving and making crafts? You will love this sleepover camp where an awesome group of girls gathers in the woods for fun week of nighttime and daytime adventures! For girls 14 to 18.
Global Works Travel
Boulder-based with trips to 20 destinations
303-545-2202
www.globalworkstravel.com
For 26 years, Global Works has been providing exceptional Community Service, Summer Enrichment, Adventure Travel and Language Immersion programs for students and groups. Much more than a vacation, Global Works international trips are the bridge for meaningful cultural exchange with people around the world. In all of our locations, we partner with communities and organizations to select and implement grassroots service projects that make an impact. Our philosophy is to work WITH a village, not for a village. All Global Works programs feature community service projects and adventure activities. Global Works offers summer service adventures for high school students, gap programs for young adults and custom group travel for schools and organizations. If you are looking for fun and adventure, and want to be a spark for social change in the world, let Global Works be your guide!
iD Tech Camps
DU, Colorado State University
888-709-TECH
www.internalDrive.com
Small classes for ages 7 to17 in a fun and challenging setting. Also two-week, teen-only programs held at the University of Denver, Stanford, Yale, Harvard and others: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy (filmmaking & photography).
Keystone Science School Summer Camp
Keystone
970-455-4228
www.KeystoneScienceSchool.org
Be amazed this summer at Keystone Science School as we celebrate 40 years of extraordinary experiences, best friends, and new insight into the awe-inspiring world of science, adventure and fun! Since 1976, Keystone Science School Summer Camp has taught kids social skills, independence, and friendship with the added elements of outdoor education and high-altitude adventure. The cost of our overnight programs range from $680 for three-day programs and up to $2,125 for a 13-day backcountry adventure.
Sanborn Western Camps
Florissant
719-748-3341
www.sanbornwesterncamps.com
Since 1948, Sanborn Western Camps have been creating outdoor experiences of exceptional quality and depth. Sanborn’s fun, relaxed atmosphere and caring staff provide a supportive environment for individual growth in self-confidence, independence and awareness of others. Big Spring Ranch for Boys and High Trails Ranch for Girls lie at an elevation of 8,700 feet in the center of Colorado, 35 miles west of Colorado Springs.
Summer Study Programs
Colorado State University Campus
800-666-2556
www.summerstudy.com/colorado
Summer Study Programs offers high school students a unique two, three or four-week summer opportunity: providing the “total pre-collegiate experience” on the iconic Colorado State University campus. Amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains in a town dubbed “Best of the New West,” students enrolled in our Colorado State University pre-college program can expect an exciting and educationally rewarding summer filled with dynamic enrichment classes, SAT prep, sports, recreation, nightlife and weekend travel adventures.
