Summer Adventure Camps and Courses

Summer Adventure Camps and Courses

CMC Youth Programs offers camps for all ages, levels, and outdoor interests. We offer day camps and overnights based out of our headquarters in Golden, Colorado.

This Summer, Get Away from Screens and Get Outside!

Registration for Summer 2024 is NOW OPEN!

Summer 2024 Registration Guide

Check Out The Summer 2024 Line Up!

FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLERS

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

Contact us at yep@cmc.org if you have questions or need assistance with registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Multisport Day Camp - Jr. MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS

GRADES 1-3

Make the most of your summer and explore Colorado’s diverse natural environments! Each day of this week-long day camp offers a new experience and setting! Explore Colorado's mountains, creeks, lakes, valleys, and cliffsides, while learning ecology, team building, indoor and outdoor rock-climbing, hiking, wilderness survival, and more! This camp is filled with 7 hours of fun over 5 days. Jr. Mountain Explorers is an incredible opportunity for 1st-3rd graders to explore the outdoors and the beautiful state of Colorado! 

Summer Camp Photos_Jr. Mt. Explorers.jpg

Dates:

Sample Itinerary: 

  • Day 1: Wilderness Survival
    Ecology, Nature Journaling, Mountain Safety & Awareness – 10 Essentials, Wilderness Ethics - Leave No Trace Principles, Wilderness Survival – Shelter Building, Mindfulness, Teambuilding
  • Day 2: Mountaineering
    Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying), Indoor Rock Climbing, American Mountaineering Museum Tour and Activity
  • Day 3: Outdoor Rock Climbing 
    Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques
  • Day 4: Alpine Exploration 
    Hiking, Nature Exploration and Ecology, Mountain Weather, High Altitude Travel Techniques, Mindfulness, Nature Journaling
  • Day 5: Colorado Water Adventure
    Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Tracking, Water Ecology

All camp programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $635/week, Non-Members - $685/week

Multisport Day Camp - MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS

GRADES 3-5

Make the most of your summer and explore Colorado’s diverse natural environments! Each day of this week-long day camp offers a new experience and setting for 3rd-5th graders! Rock climb on an indoor wall and on outdoor cliffs, explore the alpine ecosystem, and learn wilderness survival skills in the mountains! This camp is filled with 7 hours of fun over 5 days. Explore and adventure throughout Colorado's front range, make new friends, and learn new outdoor skills. We can’t think of a better way to spend your summer! 

Summer Camp Photos_ Mt.Explorers (1).jpg

Dates:

Sample Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Mountaineering
    Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying), Indoor Rock Climbing, American Mountaineering Museum Tour and Activity
  • Day 2: Wilderness Survival
    Ecology, Nature Journaling, Mountain Safety & Awareness – 10 Essentials, Wilderness Ethics - Leave No Trace Principles, Wilderness Survival – Shelter Building, Mindfulness, Teambuilding
  • Day 3: Challenge Course Adventure
    Test your courage and teamwork on a local challenge course in the mountains! Experience what a high ropes course has to offer.
  • Day 4: Outdoor Climbing 
    Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques
  • Day 5: Alpine Exploration and Nature Hike
    Hiking, Nature Exploration and Ecology, Mountain Weather, High Altitude Travel Techniques, Mindfulness, Nature Journaling

All camp programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $635/week, Non-Members - $685/week

Multisport Day Camp - MOUNTAIN LEADERS

GRADES 6-8

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a week of thrilling mountain adventures and skill-building! Experience the exhilaration of outdoor rock climbing, practice wilderness first aid, and acquire survival skills while exploring new environments. Navigate through orienteering challenges, savor a delicious meal cooked in the backcountry, learn snow/glacier travel techniques, and gain insights into your leadership style. Get ready for an unforgettable week of adventure, discovery, and growth!

Summer Camp Photos_Mt. Leaders.jpg

Dates:

    Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Wilderness Survival
      Ecology, Nature Journaling, Mountain Safety & Awareness – 10 Essentials, Wilderness Ethics - Leave No Trace Principles, Wilderness Survival – Shelter Building, Orienteering, Mindfulness, Teambuilding
    • Day 2: Mountaineering
      Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying, belaying), Indoor Rock Climbing & Rappelling, American Mountaineering Museum Tour and Activity 
    • Day 3: Water Sport Adventure
      Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Water Ecology, Water Team Building Games
    • Day 4: Outdoor Climbing 
      Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Belaying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques
    • Day 5: Alpine Exploration 
      Hiking, Nature Exploration and Ecology, Mountain Weather, High Altitude Travel Techniques, Mindfulness, Nature Journaling, High Altitude Sledding, Snow Science (weather dependent) , Avalanche Awareness, Backcountry Cooking, Teambuilding

    All camp programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $635/week, Non-Members - $685/week

    Day Camp/Course - BEGINNER ROCK CLIMBING

    GRADES 6-12

    Want to try something new this summer? Have you wanted to try rock climbing, but don't know where to start? Do you climb in the gym and want to make the shift to the outdoors? Maybe you’ve seen rock climbers outside and wondered “how do they get the rope up there”? If you answered yes to any of these questions or are simply looking for the best rock climbing camp in Colorado, then this is the program for you! This course is geared towards beginners with little or no experience to intermediate climbers who want to learn the difference between indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Our qualified instructors will teach you about the gear and how to use it, climbing techniques to help you scale vertical walls, and technical skills like rappelling belaying and knot tying. Each day, we will visit a new location. The first day will be spent on our indoor climbing wall, while the remaining four days will take place at outdoor climbing locations throughout the Front Range. Challenge yourself, make new friends, and explore our beautiful state! Youth who participate in this course will gain the skills and confidence to join our advanced climbing courses later in the summer. 

    Summer Camp Photos_Beginner Rock Climbing.JPG

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary (locations may vary/subject to change):

    • Day 1: Introduction to Mountaineering at the American Mountaineering Center
      Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying, belaying), Indoor Rock Climbing & Rappelling, American Mountaineering Museum Tour and Activity 
    • Day 2: Rock Climbing at Clear Creek
      Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, “Crag” Ethics, Leave No Trace Principles, Teambuilding, Yoga for Climbers
    • Day 3: Rock Climbing at Maxwell Falls
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Intro to Rappelling, Climbing Games, Creek Exploration and Waterfall Viewing
    • Day 4: Rock Climbing at Eldorado Canyon
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Eldorado Canyon History and Geology, Intro to Equipment and Gear, Games, Teambuilding, Mindfulness
    • Day 5: Rock Climbing at Castlewood Canyon
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Rock climbing Games, Rappelling, Teambuilding, Mindfulness

    All camp programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $635/week, Non-Members - $685/week

    Day Camp/Course - INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED ROCK CLIMBING

    GRADES 5-8

    Join us for an exhilarating week of pushing limits, conquering challenging climbs, and mastering advanced climbing techniques. Led by skilled, experienced instructors, each day takes you to breathtaking outdoor locations along the Front Range, while unraveling the secrets of overhangs, faces, cracks, and slabs. We’ll start the week by reviewing the basics, before diving into the world of advanced climbing. Learn the differences between traditional and sport climbing as well what it takes to climb multi-pitch sport routes. This isn't your average summer camp; it's a week of adrenaline-pumping challenges, camaraderie, and skill elevation. Gear up for an unforgettable journey into the heights! Previous climbing experience is required. 

    Summer Camp Photos_Int-Adv Rock Climbing (1).jpg

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary (locations may vary/subject to change):

    • Day 1: Introduction to Mountaineering at American Mountaineering Center
      Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying, belaying), Indoor Rock Climbing & Rappelling, American Mountaineering Museum Tour and Activity 
    • Day 2: Rock Climbing at Lookout Mountain
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, “Crag” Ethics, Leave No Trace Principles, Intro to Sport Anchors, Teambuilding, Yoga for Climbers
    • Day 3: Rock Climbing at Alderfer/Three Sisters or Maxwell Falls
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Intro to Rappelling Techniques, Intermediate/Advanced Rappelling Techniques, Intro to Rope Anchors, Creek Exploration and Waterfall Viewing, Mindfulness and Yoga
    • Day 4: Rock Climbing at Castlewood Canyon
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Climbing Games, Intermediate/Advanced Rappelling, Intermediate/Advanced Sport Anchor Practice, Teambuilding
    • Day 5: Rock Climbing at Eldorado Canyon
      Outdoor Rock Climbing, Eldorado Canyon History and Geology, Intro to Gear and Equipment, Intro to Traditional Anchors, Teambuilding

    All camp programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $635/week, Non-Members - $685/week

    Overnight Course

    INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED ROCK CLIMBING IN PENITENTE 

    GRADES 9-12

    Join us for an unforgettable overnight climbing adventure in Penitente Canyon! Nestled within the stunning hills of southern Colorado's landscapes, Penitente Canyon offers routes that cater to all skill levels and provides a perfect playground for any climber. Our camp offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and thrill of rock climbing. With experienced instructors leading the way, spend your days conquering the challenging yet rewarding rock faces, learning about specialized gear and new technical skills, and refining your climbing technique! Finish off the week with a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can try your hand at sandboarding! 

    PXL_20220803_162034516 (1).jpg

    Dates:

    Penitente Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1-4: Climbing and Camping in Penitente Canyon
    • Day 4-5: Camping, Hiking, and Sand Boarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park

    All programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $1,350/week, Non-Members - $1,450/week

    Overnight Camp - CAMPOUT KIDS At STAUNTON STATE PARK

    GRADES 3-5

    Camp Out Kids is the perfect introduction to camping and overnight trips for the young outdoor enthusiast. On this three-day, two-night camping trip, you will learn to pitch a tent, build a fire, cook your very own camp meals, and more! This program is a great stepping stone to our longer overnight backpacking, climbing, and camping trips. Don’t forget the S'mores and camp stories! We can't wait to see you there!

    Summer Camp Photos_Camp out Kids.jpg

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Arrive at Staunton State Park - Shelter Building, Fire Building, Outdoor Cooking
    • Day 2: Hike, Wilderness Survival Skills Continued...
    • Day 3: Depart Staunton State Park

    All programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $395, Non-Members - $445

    Overnight Camp - BRAINARD LAKE HUT TRIP

    GRADES 6-8

    Stay overnight in the historic CMC Hut and wake up to breathtaking views of Pawnee Peak and Mount Audubon, and of course Brainard Lake. During the day, explore beautiful Brainard Lake and the surrounding area's many scenic trails and alpine lakes including our favorite, Lake Isabelle. Finish your day telling stories, eating delicious food, and playing games around the fire with new friends!

    Meta_Middle-School Hut Trip_1x1.jpg

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary (hiking trails/locations subject to change):

    • Day 1: Mitchell Lake Hike
    • Day 2: Blue Lake Trail Hike
    • Day 3: Isabelle Lake/Glacier Hike
    • Day 4: Brainard Lake/Long Lake - Games and Activities

    All programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $665, Non-Members - $715

    Overnight Course

    BACKPACKING THE FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS AREA 

    GRADES 9-12

    The Blanco Ranger District and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area have some of the most iconic trails in Colorado. This summer, join the Youth Programs team and take on a 30-mile loop in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Hike across meadows and lakes, summit peaks, and build friendships, all while learning the skills necessary for backcountry travel and navigation. You will develop newfound confidence, gain leadership experience, discover how to lead a team, and experience the magic of life on the trail. As the week progresses, you will move from being guided by instructors to working/collaborating with your peers to guide your group. 

    Meta_High School Back Packing_1x1.jpg

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1- 5: Arthur Carhart trail, Trappers Lake trail, Island Lake trail, Wall Lake trail, Little Trappers Trail, and the Chinese Wall trail

    All programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $1,050/week, Non-Members - $1,150/week

    Overnight Multisport Adventure Camp

    ROCK TO RIVER MOAB ADVENTURE 

    GRADES 8-12

    Experience the unmatched beauty of Moab's Red Rock Deserts. This multisport overnight camp offers a new adventure each day where you will get to rock climb on towering sandstone cliffs, raft white water in majestic canyons, hike through otherworldly landscapes, and more! Spend each night camping under the stars, cooking camp meals, and hanging around the camp with friends. If you are looking for an action-packed adventure this summer, do not miss this camp! 

    Summer Camp Photos_Moab.jpg

    Dates:

    Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Travel, Camp Set Up, and Explore Local Trails 
    • Day 2: Hiking and Nature Exploration at Arches National Park
    • Day 3: Outdoor Climbing in Moab
    • Day 4: White Water Rafting the Colorado River
    • Day 5: Camp Break Down, Hiking Colorado National Monument (time dependent), Travel

    All programs depart from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

    Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $1,350/week, Non-Members - $1,450/week

    FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    At CMC, we believe the outdoors are for all.

    At this time we are accepting financial assistance applications for summer 2024. 

    • If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! 
    • If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at hanahamilton@cmc.org.
    • Are you a DPS middle school student? We accept My Spark for summer camps! Click here for more information.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Where does camp check in and check out? 

      • Day camps start and end at the American Mountaineering Center (AMC), 710 10th St., Golden, CO 80401 . We will check in and out in the north side lobby of the AMC (near the climbing wall).

        Overnight camps start at and return to the AMC, 710 10th St., Golden, CO 80401. For overnight camps, we will check in at the lobby of the AMC. 

        There is parking on the North side of the AMC in our parking lot.

    • How does the Check in/out process work?
      •  Check in runs from 8:45am –9:15am in the lobby of the AMC.

        Check out runs from 3:45-4:15pm in the lobby of the AMC.

        Please inform a CMC Youth Programs staff member if you need to check in or out at a different time and we will do our best to accommodate.  

        You MUST check your student in and out with a CMC staff member each day, unless other arrangements have been approved with a CMC staff member.

        The person checking out the camper must be listed on their pick up list and have a photo ID. 
    • What does a camper need to bring to camp? 
      • A full packing list will be sent at least one week before your first day of camp. 

        Day campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and shoes for outdoor activities.  Please bring a day pack, sun protection, at least one-liter of water in a water bottle, rain and cool layers, and anything else necessary to stay happy and healthy outdoors.  CMC will provide a morning snack, but lunch and other snacks should be brought by the camper. 

        Overnight camps will provide a detailed list of clothing and gear to be brought by the camper.  Most specialized gear will be provided by CMC unless otherwise noted.  Meals and snacks are included in overnight camps. 

    • What are the ages for CMC Youth Program 2024 camps?  

      • All ages are listed on the camp registration links above. CMC separates camp ages by grade level in school. The grade that the student will be going into in Fall 2024 is what we consider their grade level for the summer. 

    • What if I cannot register because the system says my student is too young, although they are in the right incoming grade? 
      • A CMC Youth Programs staff will need to help you with this registration problem. Please email us at yep@cmc.org.
    • Can a camper be grouped with a friend? 
      • While we can’t guarantee this, we will do our best to accommodate friend requests if space is available and if any request is mutual among the campers.  Please put your friend request into your CMC online profile.  
    • Is there a camp during the week of July 4th? 

      • Yes, there are two camps running from July 1-3 2024. There will be no camps on July 4-5.

    • How do I register a camper for camp? 
    • What paperwork needs to be filled out? 
      • When you join as a Family Membership or a Guest Membership, an acknowledgement of risk and waiver will be required.  This form will be electronic.  When you add a family member that is under 18 the website will prompt you to complete a youth form.  This will request contact information, addresses, emergency information, and request that you upload medical forms including medication and immunization information (if you don’t have this information available you may put a placeholder for the uploads and return to edit your account with the medical information – but you must upload the medical information to attend the camp!). 
    • How do I register if I don’t yet have the required medical forms? 
      • If you are awaiting receipt of the medical forms needed to be uploaded and don’t yet have them you can still register a camper!  Simply upload a “placeholder” document in the Youth Form section.  The website will allow you to edit this section and when the medical forms are received go ahead and replace the placeholder with the correct documents.  Don’t forget!  The medical information must be uploaded, or your camper will not be allowed to attend.  
    • What happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full? 
      • Join the wait list option on the website.  Even better, find a camp with openings and register there! 
    • What happens if a camper is on the waitlist and spaces open? 
      • You will be notified that the camp is now offered to you. You will need to go in and complete registration but paying the registration amount.
    • Does CMC offer financial assistance for camp? 

      • CMC Youth Programs believe in outdoor education for all Colorado youth. Financial assistance is designed to make our programming more accessible to families. Applications are prioritized based on need and availability of funds.  If you have more than one child, please fill out a separate application for each child. We will contact you directly for any missing information and/or to let you know when award decisions have been made. 

        You may submit your application at any time up, funds will be allocated on a rolling basis. 

        Click Here to Apply
    • What are the cancellation and refund policies? 
    • What is after care? 
      • Camp hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Campers have the option to enroll in after care.  This allows pick up as late as 5:30 pm.  Supervised structured and unstructured activities will be provided during after care.  Campers are also welcome to bring games, books, and activities for this time. 
    • How does one sign up for after care? 
      • To enroll in after care, select the “After Care” option on the registration website page for the camp you are registering for and follow the prompts and directions. Not all weeks offer aftercare.
    • How are serious allergies and medications dealt with at camp? 

      • As part of the registration process, you will complete medical forms that include inquiries about health history and allergies.  All medications (OTC or prescription), inhalers, or EpiPens should be given to CMC staff on the first day of check in and taken home by the camper on Friday. All medications taken during camp need to be prescribe to the individual camper, be in its original packaging, and have the appropriate form submitted with it. All CMC staff are trained in how to use an EpiPen, inhalers, and administering medicine if needed.  If you have additional questions, please contact the Youth Programs Manager at hanahamilton@cmc.org.  

        Any student who needs to carry an Epi Pen, inhaler, prescription medications, or over the counter medications, MUST have the following forms submitted: 

        Allergy Care Plan Form

        Asthma Care Plan Form 

        Medication Administration Form 

    • How can I make sure the correct person is picking up my camper? 
      • The registration page permits you to identify specific individuals to whom your camper may be released.  Any person picking up your camper must identify themselves and match an individual on the list created by you.  This pick-up list can be changed on your profile, in your youth forms, or when you drop your camper off during check in.  
    • What requirements are in place for staff members? 
      • CMC Youth Programs staff and instructors are experienced and trained educators.  Each staff member is certified in either Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder as well as CPR. CMC camps are licensed by the State of Colorado.  Every staff member has received  the required trainings as mandated by our license.  In addition, each staff member background checked and fingerprinted.  We believe in high quality outdoor education, all staff and instructors receive regular training in teaching methods, group management, outdoor skills, and more.
    • What if the weather conditions are bad? 
      • All field days have a weather backup plan. For all of our day camp programs, all camps will return to the American Mountaineering Center for indoor games and activities. For our overnight programs, our staff are trained to assess the situation and determine the safest options to seek shelter whether it be their tent, our vehicles, or a nearby shelter.