Colorado Mountain Club Youth Summer Adventure Camps & Courses
Camp Website & Registration:
https://www.cmc.org/youth/adventure-camps/summer-adventure-camps-and-courses
(Summer 2026 registration opens January 6, 2026)
Ages Served:
Elementary through High School
Location:
Golden, CO (Basecamp: Compass Montessori Golden – 4441 Salvia St.)
Camp Type:
Outdoor Exploration • Multisport Adventure • Rock Climbing • Wilderness Skills • Overnight Backpacking & Trips
Season Dates:
Summer 2026 (Multiple week-long programs)
Camp Description:
Connect your child with the great outdoors this summer through Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Summer Adventure Camps & Courses — a rich lineup of outdoor experiences that inspire confidence, leadership, and a lifelong love of nature. Whether your child is just beginning their outdoor journey or eager for wilderness adventure, CMC’s programs offer something for every age and outdoor passion.
Camp programs are designed around hands-on education and exploration, blending physical activity with learning about ecology, teamwork, and self-confidence. Youth discover Colorado’s diverse landscapes — from alpine trails and forested peaks to river canyons and rock cliffs — through activities like hiking, climbing, wilderness navigation, campcraft, and environmental stewardship.
Elementary School Camps (Grades 1–5):
- Jr. Mountain Explorers: Multisport day camp focusing on outdoor discovery.
- Mountain Explorers: Expanded multisport camp with hiking, climbing, and nature skills.
- Camp Out Kids: Overnight camping adventure helping kids build wilderness skills like tent setup, campfire cooking, and more.
- Beginner Rock Climbing Day Camp: Learn basic climbing skills on indoor and outdoor terrain.
- Intermediate Rock Climbing Day Camp: Build climbing technique, safety habits, and confidence (prerequisites may apply).
Middle School Programs (Grades 6–8):
- Mountain Leaders: A multisport day camp blending outdoor skills like climbing, survival basics, orienteering, paddleboarding, and more.
- Rock Climbing Day Camps (Beginner – Advanced): Progress climbing skills across experience levels.
- Brainard Lake Hut Trip: Overnight wilderness experience with hiking and backcountry exploration.
High School Experiences (Grades 7–12):
- Moab Adventure: Overnight multisport adventure in Moab, including climbing, rafting, hiking, and camping under the stars.
- Fourteeners Hiking & Camping: Explore Colorado’s classic 14,000-foot peaks while learning safe mountain techniques.
- Fresh Air & Friends: A wilderness course that blends adventure activities with group camaraderie.
- Backpacking: Overnight backcountry camping, navigation, and wilderness living skills for older teens.
Why Families Choose CMC Camps:
Colorado Mountain Club’s summer programs go beyond ordinary day camps by blending adventure, education, and environmental stewardship. Experienced instructors lead campers safely through outdoor activities that build resilience, leadership, and a deep connection to Colorado’s natural world. With options ranging from day exploration to multi-night expeditions, campers return home with new skills, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Business Review
“Mazie had a great time at camp- I loved picking her up everyday hearing about the games, learning, activities and peer learning that had taken place. The staff was so approachable and friendly- the first day Mazie was a little nervous but Maddie came right up and initiated conversation, found something in common with Mazie and Mazie was off to the races. I was thoroughly impressed with the staff on multiple fronts.” – Jess Simmons
“We love all the instructors and leaders, and my son feels challenged and accepted at CMC.” – Holly Gordon
“We really appreciate the opportunity for scholarships and that most of the gear or items needed can be provided by CMC. This gives our son an opportunity in the Colorado mountains that our family cannot personally give him. I greatly appreciate anything that inspires him to spend more time outside!” – Heather Chambers
"He got the chance to camp and learn outdoor skills that fostered a greater connection to the Colorado natural world. Being outside for nearly five days straight did wonders in terms of building his comfort and enjoyment with being in nature for extended periods of time, including in challenging weather conditions.” – Jonathan Power
