Get
Out
This
Summer!
Summer Camps from June to August.
The Nature Connection hosts wildly popular summer camps at our Hotchkiss Hub, in Delta at Bill Heddles Recreation Center and the Climbing Wall at Cedaredge Middle School!
Click on the links below for the specific locations, or scroll down to browse.
The Nature Connection will host up to eight weeks of summer camp throughout Delta County in 2021. Bike riding, swimming, paddleboarding and nature exploration are the focus of our outdoor camps.
Our goal is to help children develop confidence in the outdoors by reinforcing skills day after day and week after week. Additionally, each week has an off-site field trip to help kids learn about and explore the “best backyard in the world” with new and returning friends.
The Nature Connection is dedicated to helping children and families in Delta County develop a connection to the outdoors. Join us this summer and see what your kids will discover!
The Nature Connection Youth Backpacking Trips
Girls In The Wilderness – Gunnison National Forest SPRING SALE! $275 TRIP
Have you ever slept under a blanket of stars and hiked through endless groves of aspen? If you’re looking for an epic adventure in nature this summer, join us for four days of backpacking in the beautiful Gunnison National Forest! This one’s for the girls. Feel empowered during a four-day backpacking trip for girls only in the wilderness.
Registration CLOSED
| Trip: July 12th – 15th | Ages: 11-15 | Cost: $350 $275 | Enrollment: Limited to 11 girls each trip
Boots to Roots – Gunnison National Forest SPRING SALE! $275 TRIP
Have you ever slept under a blanket of stars and hiked through endless groves of aspen? If you’re looking for an epic adventure in nature this summer, join us for four days of backpacking in the beautiful Gunnison National Forest! This one’s for the boys.
Registration Deadline: June 28
| Trip: July 19th – 22nd | Ages: 11-15 | Cost: $350 $275 | Enrollment: limited to 11 boys each trip
Girls In The Wilderness – Uncompahgre National Forest SPRING SALE! $275 TRIP
There is nothing like a sunset in the Cimarron’s. Come hike and camp for four days above 10,000 feet against the majestic silhouette of prehistoric volcanoes and taste the crisp waters of high alpine lakes. Adventure awaits! Feel empowered during a four-day backpacking trip for girls only in the wilderness.
Registration Deadline: July 5th | Trip: July 26th – 29th | Ages: 11-15 | Cost: $350 $275 | Enrollment: limited to 11 girls each trip
Boots to Roots – Uncompahgre National Forest SPRING SALE! $275 TRIP
Go not West, but South, young man. There lies the Cimarron’s, a ridge jagged as a sawtooth blade. On this four day wilderness expedition you will travel through oceans of fir and the ghosts of ancient volcanoes. What are you waiting for?
Registration Deadline: July 12
| Trip: Aug 2nd – 5th | Ages: 11-15 | Cost: $350 $275 | Enrollment: limited to 11 boys each trip
Cedaredge Day Camp
Grand Mesa Adventure Camp
Camps are four days a week: Monday – Thursday
9:00AM – 3:00PM at Cedaredge Middle School 845 SE Deer Creek Dr. Cedaredge, CO 81413
Scholarships are available!
Camp Location Schedule:
Mondays – Cedaredge Middle School Climbing Wall
Tuesdays – Off site trip to Grand Mesa, drop off and pick up at middle school
Wednesdays – Off site biking field trip, drop off and pick up at middle school
Thursdays – Cedaredge Middle School Climbing Wall
Introducing the Grand Mesa Adventure Camp
Join the Grand Mesa Adventure Camp to explore the best backyard in the world! Youth will develop and enhance their rock climbing skills daily at the newly finished Cedaredge Middle School rock climbing wall and take weekly field trips to the Grand Mesa’s beautiful trails and lakes. Let’s celebrate the special beauty of Delta County’s natural spaces together while making friends and learning new skills like archery, SUP’ing, rock climbing, mountain biking and more!
Skills Adventure Week 1: June 7th – 10th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Come hike the Mesa Lakes trails, Bike Confluence Park in Delta, and improve and learn to climb at the Cedaredge Middle School Climbing Wall!
Highlights: Hike, Bike, Climb Climb Climb
Life Abounds Week 2: June 14th – 17th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Hike to a vantage point for spotting wildlife and ID’ing flora and fauna on the Grand Mesa’s Crag Crest Trail. Learn the skills it takes to ride the mountain bike trails and pump track at Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss. Engage in problem solving at the Cedaredge Middle School climbing wall!
Highlights: Become a naturalist, Hike, Bike at Crossroads, Climb
Wheels Down Week 3: June 21st – 24th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Whatever type of bike rider you may be, from a beginner to a pro, this camp has the tools to develop your bike riding skills. Highlights include a forest ride on The Grand Mesa, challenges at Confluence bike course and a change of pace on the Cedaredge Middle School climbing wall!
Highlights: Bike on national forest, Rock climb and boulder
Generation Wild Week 4: June 28th – July 1st | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
This week of camp explores the different ways to tackle the outdoors. Kids will navigate on the Grand Mesa and surrounding destinations through stand up paddle boarding, biking, hiking and climbing. Join new and returning friends and see what you can find outside!
Highlights: SUPs, Grand Mesa Adventures
Wilderness Aware: August 3rd – 6th| Ages: 8-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 20 kid max – 10 waitlist **Based out of Hotchkiss**
Wilderness Aware is a culmination of summer, giving campers the opportunity to compile what they have learned. Skills will be put into practice with a one night backpacking trip into the Gunnison National Forest. Campers learn Leave No Trace, how to pack and plan for a backpacking trip, navigation, plus flora and fauna ID. This camp is back by popular demand and is sure to spark forever confidence in a lifetime love of being outdoors.
Highlights: One night backpacking trip into Gunnison National Forest, Plant and wildlife ID, Swimming, Discovery through hands on experiences
Delta Day Camp
Confluence Adventure Camp
Camps are four days a week: Monday – Thursday
9:00AM – 3:00PM at Bill Heddles Rec Center 531 Palmer St, Delta, CO 81416
Scholarships are available!
Camp Location Schedule:
Mondays – Bill Heddles Rec Center and Confluence Park
Tuesdays – Bill Heddles Rec Center and Confluence Park
Wednesday – Off site field trip, drop off and pick up at Rec Center
Thursday – Drop off and Pick up Sweitzer Lake State Park
Week 1- Wheels Down: June 7th – 10th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
From novice learners to experienced riders, every camper will enjoy exploring what Delta County has to offer for bike riding. Participants will build their skills and confidence by exploring the outdoors on two wheels. Campers will practice on both the single and pump tracks in Delta and participate in a bike rodeo. This week will feature a visit to the Hotchkiss pump track and Crossroads mountain biking trails. Bikes and helmets are provided all you need to bring is your enthusiasm to get outside!
Highlights: Bike rodeo, Single-track, Pump-track, Foundation skills in biking, Swimming, Field trip
Week 2- Wet Planet: June 14th – 17th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $200 *Rafting trip included | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Water is one of our most precious and fun natural resources. It is used in everyday life and for all types of recreation. In this week’s camp, participants will explore our special places and experience water recreation all around Delta County. Campers will learn the basics of paddle boarding, embark on a rafting trip and try out their skills indoors at the Rec Center and outdoors at Sweitzer Lake.
Highlights: Rafting, SUPs, Swimming, Water Games
Week 3- The Nature of Art: June 21st – 24th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Get outside and get creative during a week geared toward fostering kid’s imaginative sides. Painting, building and sculpting a relationship with the outdoors, this camp will embark on a field trip to our beautiful canyons and test out skills on the water at Sweitzer Lake on SUPs. All crafting supplies are provided by The Nature Connection – all we need is you!
Highlights: Painting, Ceramics, Leaf pressing, Nature inspired crafts
Week 4 – Life Abounds: June 28th – July 1st | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Spend a week discovering wildlife! Explore the creatures that live among us through hands-on activities, nature games, bird watching, flora, fauna, butterfly & bug identification! Campers will adventure to try out new skills on a field trip and SUPs at their local state park.
Highlights: Animal tracking, Discovering bugs, plants and animals, Listening for bird songs and bird ID, Hiking, Swimming
Week 5 – Something Fishy: July 12th – 15th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Colorado is known for some of the world’s best fishing, and Delta County offers plenty of lakes, reservoirs, and streams for both fly and bait fishing. With over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, two amazing rivers and a lake at the local park, Delta County is the ideal spot to learn to fish. Campers will practice fundamentals of fishing as well as learn about the many varieties of fish living in our area.
Highlights: Fishing, Bugs, Water Fun on Lakes and Rivers, Field Trip
Week 6 – Skills Adventure: July 19th- 22nd | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
What primitive skills can we learn in the modern day? Explore nature while learning navigation, animal tracking and shelter building skills. Learn how to make a bow and shoot archery. Campers will hike on The Grand Mesa, learn the foundations of archery and learn to SUP at Sweitzer Lake.
Highlights: Archery, Bike riding, Navigation, LNT Principals, Hiking, SUPing
Week 7 – Eyes to the Skies: July 26th – 29th| Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Join us for an adventure under the sun and stars with outdoor games, paddle boarding and cosmic exploration. This camp frolics around in discovering the sky and astronomy. Campers are invited on an overnight camping experience with The Nature Connection and the Black Canyon Astronomical Association at Kebler Corner. Campers will learn of the stories in the stars and even sleep under them in the moonlight.
Highlights: Planetary exploration, Camp Out , Astronomy, SUP’ing, Swimming
Week 8 – Wilderness Aware: August 3rd – 6th| Ages: 8-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 20 kid max – 10 waitlist **Based out of Hotchkiss**
Wilderness Aware is a culmination of summer, giving campers the opportunity to compile what they have learned over weeks and months. Skills will be put into practice with a one night backpacking trip into the Gunnison National Forest. Campers learn Leave No Trace, how to pack and plan for a backpacking trip, navigation and flora and fauna ID. This camp is back by popular demand and is sure to spark forever confidence in a lifetime love of being outdoors.
Highlights: One night backpacking trip into Gunnison National Forest, Plant and wildlife ID, Swimming, Discovery through hands on experiences
Hotchkiss Day Camp
North Fork Adventure Camp
Camps are four days a week: Monday – Thursday
9:00AM – 3:00PM at 397 Bulldog Street Hotchkiss 81419
Scholarships are available!
Camp Location Schedule:
Mondays – The Nature Connection Hub and Crossroads Park
Tuesdays – The Nature Connection Hub and Crossroads Trails
Wednesdays – Off site field trip, drop off and pick up at The Nature Connection Hub
Thursdays – The Nature Connection Hub and Crossroads Trails
Week 1 – Skills Adventure: June 7th -10th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
What primitive skills can we learn in the modern day? Spend a week with The Nature Connection to find out! Explore nature through creating tools and primitive skill building.
Highlights: Archery, Bike riding, Navigation, LNT Principals, Hiking, SUPing, Wednesday Field Trip
Week 2 – Life Abounds: June 14th – 17th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Spend a week discovering our natural wildlife! Explore the creatures that live among us through hands-on activities, nature games, animal tracking, bird watching and fishing!
Highlights: Animal tracking, Discovering bugs, plants and animals, Listening for bird songs and bird ID, Hiking, Swimming, Wednesday Field Trip
Week 3 – Wet Planet: June 21st – 24th| Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $200 *Includes rafting trip | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Join The Nature Connection of a week of recreation on water! We will explore the North Fork of the Gunnison River on a low-key introductory rafting trip, learn to SUP at Crawford State Park, improve our swimming skills and much more!
Highlights: Rafting, SUPs, Swimming, Water Games
Week 4 – Wheels Down: June 28th- July 1st | Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Join us for a week of exploring Delta County’s growing enthusiasm for mountain biking! Campers will build their skills and confidence by exploring the outdoor by bike in their backyard!
Highlights: Bike rodeo, Single-track, Pump-track, Foundation skills in biking, Swimming, Wednesday field trip
Week 5 – The Nature of Art: July 12th- 15th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Find the artist in you while connecting to your creative side in nature! Spend a week discovering our natural world by recreating it with paint, clay, and other expressions of natural art!
Highlights: Painting, Ceramics, Leaf pressing and other crafts, Wednesday field trip
Week 6 – Wet Planet Round 2: July 19th – 22nd | Ages: 7-14 | Cost: $200 *Includes rafting trip | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Back by popular demand, Wet Planet explores new sections of the North Fork of the Gunnison River on a low key rafting trip, learn to SUP at Crawford State Park, improve our swimming skills and much more!
Highlights: Rafting, SUP’ing, Swimming, Water Games
Week 7 – Eyes to the Skies: July 26th-39th | Ages: 7-14 | Cost $150 | Enrollment: 25 kid max – 10 waitlist
Join us for a four day camp connecting to the sky around us. Spend the day discovering the role of the sun and an overnight of camping at Kebler Corner. Develop camping skills while using our equipment, and enjoy an evening of gazing at the stars.
Highlights: Planetary exploration, Camp Out at The Nature Connection, Astronomy, SUP’ing, Swimming
Week 8 – Wilderness Aware: August 2nd – 5th | Ages: 8-14 | Cost: $150 | Enrollment: 20 kid max – 10 waitlist
Back by popular demand! Geology Rocks has been transformed into The Nature Connection’s Wilderness Aware week. Discover a familiarity with the flora and fauna of the Western Slope and a fluency with camping gear. This four day camp explores the foundations of backpacking through an overnight excursion through backpacking into the wilderness with a new discovery of nature.
Highlights: One night backpacking trip into Gunnison National Forest, Plant and wildlife ID, Swimming, Discovery through hands on experiences
