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2024 Summer Camps
Welcome to our 15th year of summer camps! Our programs are designed to keep kids engaged, exploring, observing, thinking, creating, and having fun. Take a look at these brief videos from previous Dangerous Book and Games, Games, Games camps. Program descriptions and dates will be finalized on Feb. 15. Registration will open at 7:00pm on Thursday, March 13. For registration information, contact Matt Koenigsknecht and the Basalt Recreation Dept. at [email protected]. For questions about programming, contact [email protected]. Staff: Lara Barnes -- 6th year at Garry's Camp,10+ years children's ski pro, naturalist, scientist, athletic, fun, and gives the most genuine hugs! Isaac Barnes -- 5th year at Garry's Camp, 10+ years children's ski pro, creative, fun, boundless energy, game-maker, hilarious, organized, scientist, workhorse, ... the beard! Garry Pfaffmann -- 20 years classroom teacher, 15 years camp director, 4 years ACES naturalist. Old in body, young at heart. |
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Guiding Principles:
Developing social skills through group activities and initiatives.
Exploring curiosity through free-choice activities and nature exploration.
Fostering critical thinking through problem solving situations.
Engaging in physical play to keep the mind and body engaged.
Low-tech, old-fashioned fun!
Developing social skills through group activities and initiatives.
Exploring curiosity through free-choice activities and nature exploration.
Fostering critical thinking through problem solving situations.
Engaging in physical play to keep the mind and body engaged.
Low-tech, old-fashioned fun!
Cancellation Policy
Due to the high number of last-minute cancellations, we have updated our cancellation policy for the 2024 season.
Due to the high number of last-minute cancellations, we have updated our cancellation policy for the 2024 season.
- Cancellations more than two weeks in advance: 90% refund
- Cancellations less than 5 days in advance: 50% refund
6-10 Year-old Programs
These programs have been time-tested to be fun, fun, fun! Each program includes a mix of favorite activities from past years, along with many new additions. All programming incorporates team games, group initiatives, individual problem solving, exploration, observation, experimentation, and good-ol' fashioned summer fun. While the schedule is set with three repeating themes, each week is designed with unique activities, alternating staffing, and new weekly social dynamics to keep each week fresh and exciting. Don't hesitate to sign up for multiple programs of the same title! Afternoon activities of all camps include nature exploration in the shade and near cool, safe-flowing water.
6-10 Year-old Calendar
June 2-6: Games, Games, Games (ASD students can register T-F @$270)
June 9-13: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
June 16-20: Science and Cycles
June 23-27: Games, Games, Games
June 30-July 3: Science and Cycles (4 days only! -- pro-rated at $270)
July 7-11: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
July 14-18: Games, Games, Games
July 21-25: Science and Cycles
June 28-Aug. 1: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
August 4-8: Games, Games, Games
August 11-15: Science and Cycles (ASD students can sign up M-T @$135)
6-10 Year-old General Information
Ages: 6-10 Years Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $335
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
You Bring: Lunch, snack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain jacket, bike, and helmet
Bikes: Bikes can be locked up at the park or at Basalt Middle School overnight
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Arbaney Park gazebo
Games, Games, Games!!!
For those kids who love to play, this is the week for you! Each week will include a different array of traditional sporting games, tag-games, card games, relay events, obstacle courses, and slower-paced strategy games, along with bicycling adventures on the Basalt High School BMX track and an afternoon at Crown Mtn. Bike Park. Spikeball, capture the flag, sardines, Red Fish/Blue Fish, flag football, soccer, tee-ball, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, SPUD, and so much more. Fill your summer with joyful play and laughter among friends, and sleep well at the end of each day! And we'll throw in one afternoon each week at the Basalt Pool for some fun water games. Each of the three sessions will include a mix of repeating favorites and enough new activities to keep the excitement of new learning.
Science and Cycles
Arbaney Park and the surrounding wild spaces serve as the venue for a week of exploration, experimentation, and cycling adventures. Mornings are a mix of biking activities on dirt trails, BMX track, and the paved bike path, along with hands-on investigations of flight, architecture and design, nature exploration, chemistry experiments, and solar power. Rockets, home-made gliders, chemistry reactions, Lego challenges, egg drops, solar cars, solar ovens, bug hunts, nature explorations, observation journals, popsicle-bombs (they're not dangerous!), and more. Our natural curiosity will find an outlet in physical play, hands-on experimentation, and cool-'n-shady nature exploration once the sun gets hot! One afternoon each week of pool time will help to keep us cool!
Dangerous Book For Boys and Girls
Get ready for a broad spectrum in this week-long adventure as we explore "all of the activities that every child should experience in their youth." Based on the popular books Dangerous Book for Boys and Daring Book for Girls, bring your weekly checklist to count off the new skills you learn each week: unicycling, juggling, graffiti art, fire making, fort building, snapping fingers, blowing bubbles, setting up a tent, spontaneous dramas, Black Jack, yo-yos, story-telling, archery, slingshots, capture the flag, nature explorations, bug hunts, soccer, baseball, paper airplanes, flag football, rockets, origami, Lego construction projects, swimming in Basalt Pool, and more. Bring a bike and helmet each day, or lock them up at the park, for daily field trips around Basalt.
These programs have been time-tested to be fun, fun, fun! Each program includes a mix of favorite activities from past years, along with many new additions. All programming incorporates team games, group initiatives, individual problem solving, exploration, observation, experimentation, and good-ol' fashioned summer fun. While the schedule is set with three repeating themes, each week is designed with unique activities, alternating staffing, and new weekly social dynamics to keep each week fresh and exciting. Don't hesitate to sign up for multiple programs of the same title! Afternoon activities of all camps include nature exploration in the shade and near cool, safe-flowing water.
- Groups are divided by age and friend request, basically falling into the following age groups: 6-7, 8-9, and 9-10.
- Each group is guided by an adult leader and co-leader throughout the week.
- Groups of 12-15 kids with an adult leader and experienced jr. counselor will work together throughout the week.
- Activities are designed to be age- and interest-appropriate by group.
- No daily drop-ins; all participants must sign up for the entire week-long session.
6-10 Year-old Calendar
June 2-6: Games, Games, Games (ASD students can register T-F @$270)
June 9-13: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
June 16-20: Science and Cycles
June 23-27: Games, Games, Games
June 30-July 3: Science and Cycles (4 days only! -- pro-rated at $270)
July 7-11: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
July 14-18: Games, Games, Games
July 21-25: Science and Cycles
June 28-Aug. 1: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
August 4-8: Games, Games, Games
August 11-15: Science and Cycles (ASD students can sign up M-T @$135)
6-10 Year-old General Information
Ages: 6-10 Years Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $335
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
You Bring: Lunch, snack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain jacket, bike, and helmet
Bikes: Bikes can be locked up at the park or at Basalt Middle School overnight
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Arbaney Park gazebo
Games, Games, Games!!!
For those kids who love to play, this is the week for you! Each week will include a different array of traditional sporting games, tag-games, card games, relay events, obstacle courses, and slower-paced strategy games, along with bicycling adventures on the Basalt High School BMX track and an afternoon at Crown Mtn. Bike Park. Spikeball, capture the flag, sardines, Red Fish/Blue Fish, flag football, soccer, tee-ball, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, SPUD, and so much more. Fill your summer with joyful play and laughter among friends, and sleep well at the end of each day! And we'll throw in one afternoon each week at the Basalt Pool for some fun water games. Each of the three sessions will include a mix of repeating favorites and enough new activities to keep the excitement of new learning.
Science and Cycles
Arbaney Park and the surrounding wild spaces serve as the venue for a week of exploration, experimentation, and cycling adventures. Mornings are a mix of biking activities on dirt trails, BMX track, and the paved bike path, along with hands-on investigations of flight, architecture and design, nature exploration, chemistry experiments, and solar power. Rockets, home-made gliders, chemistry reactions, Lego challenges, egg drops, solar cars, solar ovens, bug hunts, nature explorations, observation journals, popsicle-bombs (they're not dangerous!), and more. Our natural curiosity will find an outlet in physical play, hands-on experimentation, and cool-'n-shady nature exploration once the sun gets hot! One afternoon each week of pool time will help to keep us cool!
Dangerous Book For Boys and Girls
Get ready for a broad spectrum in this week-long adventure as we explore "all of the activities that every child should experience in their youth." Based on the popular books Dangerous Book for Boys and Daring Book for Girls, bring your weekly checklist to count off the new skills you learn each week: unicycling, juggling, graffiti art, fire making, fort building, snapping fingers, blowing bubbles, setting up a tent, spontaneous dramas, Black Jack, yo-yos, story-telling, archery, slingshots, capture the flag, nature explorations, bug hunts, soccer, baseball, paper airplanes, flag football, rockets, origami, Lego construction projects, swimming in Basalt Pool, and more. Bring a bike and helmet each day, or lock them up at the park, for daily field trips around Basalt.
All 11-12 year-old program descriptions and dates are drafts and will be finalized by February 15, 2025
11-12 Year-old Programs
As our kids progress beyond the 6-10 year old camps, they require more. More space, more adventure, more freedom, and more challenging and purposeful activities to capture their interest. They require all of the socializing of their younger years, and a bit more nuanced guidance and supervision. Our Warriors program caters to this developmental leap by incorporating activities which require a bit more attention and effort along with a sweet mix of good old-fashioned play to highlight the lightness of summer.
Ages: 11-12 Years-Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $365 day-programs; $550 overnights
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
Enrollment Limit: maximum 18
You Bring: Lunch, snack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain jacket, backpack, bike, and helmet
Bikes: Bikes can be locked up at Basalt Middle School overnight
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Basalt Middle School Parking lot
June 9-13: Basalt Pentathlon --
Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning, and dive into a sequence of team building games before heading out for each day’s big adventure. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking on Basalt Mountain, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, bouldering at Difficult Campground and around Independence Pass, a massive game of manhunt and biking at and around Crown Mtn. Park, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddle boarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
June 16-20: Program TBD
June 23-27: Primitive Skills, 2-Night Overnight at Chapman Reservoir--
Participants will learn the traditional arts of fire making, shelter building, tracking, sensory observation, stalking techniques, and traditional shooting. We'll meet at Basalt Middle School each morning Monday-Wednesday, then pack our backpacks on Wednesday for two nights of camping under the stars at Chapman Reservoir Campground to practice our outdoor skills.
June 30-July 3: Let's Get Active
Meet each morning at Basalt Middle School before heading out on each day's adventure. Start with a day of sporty games (soccer, ultimate frisbee, and softball) at Crown Mtn. Park, then a downhill bike path tour and river exploration. Explore the Grottos and other water holes on the upper Roaring Fork River, a Basalt Mtn. bike adventure and exploration, and finish with a local Basalt Funtathlon.
July 7-11: Orienteering Adventures --
Experiment with maps and compasses to find each days adventure. Lara Getz will guide participants on daily scavenger hunts using compass skills, directional observation, and collaboration to find bouldering locations, hidden natural treasures, rare plant communities, trailheads, and swimming holes. Adventures include mtn. biking, swimming, and rock climbing, but getting to each location will require skill, attention, and precise navigation. Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning to begin each day's adventure.
July 14-18: 2-NIGHT OVERNIGHT at Bogan Flats (Near Marble) --
The theme for the week is TBD, but the week will culminate with a two-night overnight at Bogan Flats Group Camp near Marble.
July 21-25: Water, Water Everywhere
The best way to turn a good day into a great day is to just add water! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School before heading out for our daily dose of swimming, ditch walking, tubing, and paddle boarding. Our adventures will take us to all parts of the Roaring Fork Watershed -- swimming in Reudi Reservoir, splashing around Strawberry Rock, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, biking and swimming in the ponds in Coal Basin Ranch, cycling to the Crown Mtn. bike park, tubing the Roaring Fork, and diving into the Basalt Wave. Along our travels we will learn about fish ecology, riparian habitats, water conservation strategies, and hydro-electric power.
July 28-August 1: Let's Get Active
Meet each morning at Basalt Middle School before heading out on each day's adventure. Start with a day of sporty games (soccer, ultimate frisbee, and softball) at Crown Mtn. Park, then a downhill bike path tour and river exploration. Explore the Grottos and other water holes on the upper Roaring Fork River, a Basalt Mtn. bike adventure and exploration, and finish with a local Basalt Funtathlon.
August 4-8: Basalt Pentathlon II
Similar to the first week's pentathlon, but using different locations for our mtn. biking, paddle boarding, and exploring adventures. Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning, and dive into a sequence of team building games before heading out for each day’s big adventure. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking on at Coal Basin, paddle boarding at Chapman Reservoir, a swimming exploration up Independence Pass, a massive game of manhunt and biking around Crown Mtn. Park, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddleboarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
August 11-15: Water, Water Everywhere
The best way to turn a good day into a great day is to just add water! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School before heading out for our daily dose of swimming, ditch walking, tubing, and paddle boarding. Our adventures will take us to all parts of the Roaring Fork Watershed -- swimming in Reudi Reservoir, splashing around Strawberry Rock, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, biking and swimming in the ponds in Coal Basin Ranch, cycling to the Crown Mtn. bike park, tubing the Roaring Fork, and diving into the Basalt Wave. Along our travels we will learn about fish ecology, riparian habitats, water conservation strategies, and hydro-electric power.
As our kids progress beyond the 6-10 year old camps, they require more. More space, more adventure, more freedom, and more challenging and purposeful activities to capture their interest. They require all of the socializing of their younger years, and a bit more nuanced guidance and supervision. Our Warriors program caters to this developmental leap by incorporating activities which require a bit more attention and effort along with a sweet mix of good old-fashioned play to highlight the lightness of summer.
Ages: 11-12 Years-Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $365 day-programs; $550 overnights
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
Enrollment Limit: maximum 18
You Bring: Lunch, snack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain jacket, backpack, bike, and helmet
Bikes: Bikes can be locked up at Basalt Middle School overnight
Pick-up/Drop-off Locations: Basalt Middle School Parking lot
June 9-13: Basalt Pentathlon --
Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning, and dive into a sequence of team building games before heading out for each day’s big adventure. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking on Basalt Mountain, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, bouldering at Difficult Campground and around Independence Pass, a massive game of manhunt and biking at and around Crown Mtn. Park, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddle boarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
June 16-20: Program TBD
June 23-27: Primitive Skills, 2-Night Overnight at Chapman Reservoir--
Participants will learn the traditional arts of fire making, shelter building, tracking, sensory observation, stalking techniques, and traditional shooting. We'll meet at Basalt Middle School each morning Monday-Wednesday, then pack our backpacks on Wednesday for two nights of camping under the stars at Chapman Reservoir Campground to practice our outdoor skills.
June 30-July 3: Let's Get Active
Meet each morning at Basalt Middle School before heading out on each day's adventure. Start with a day of sporty games (soccer, ultimate frisbee, and softball) at Crown Mtn. Park, then a downhill bike path tour and river exploration. Explore the Grottos and other water holes on the upper Roaring Fork River, a Basalt Mtn. bike adventure and exploration, and finish with a local Basalt Funtathlon.
July 7-11: Orienteering Adventures --
Experiment with maps and compasses to find each days adventure. Lara Getz will guide participants on daily scavenger hunts using compass skills, directional observation, and collaboration to find bouldering locations, hidden natural treasures, rare plant communities, trailheads, and swimming holes. Adventures include mtn. biking, swimming, and rock climbing, but getting to each location will require skill, attention, and precise navigation. Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning to begin each day's adventure.
July 14-18: 2-NIGHT OVERNIGHT at Bogan Flats (Near Marble) --
The theme for the week is TBD, but the week will culminate with a two-night overnight at Bogan Flats Group Camp near Marble.
July 21-25: Water, Water Everywhere
The best way to turn a good day into a great day is to just add water! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School before heading out for our daily dose of swimming, ditch walking, tubing, and paddle boarding. Our adventures will take us to all parts of the Roaring Fork Watershed -- swimming in Reudi Reservoir, splashing around Strawberry Rock, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, biking and swimming in the ponds in Coal Basin Ranch, cycling to the Crown Mtn. bike park, tubing the Roaring Fork, and diving into the Basalt Wave. Along our travels we will learn about fish ecology, riparian habitats, water conservation strategies, and hydro-electric power.
July 28-August 1: Let's Get Active
Meet each morning at Basalt Middle School before heading out on each day's adventure. Start with a day of sporty games (soccer, ultimate frisbee, and softball) at Crown Mtn. Park, then a downhill bike path tour and river exploration. Explore the Grottos and other water holes on the upper Roaring Fork River, a Basalt Mtn. bike adventure and exploration, and finish with a local Basalt Funtathlon.
August 4-8: Basalt Pentathlon II
Similar to the first week's pentathlon, but using different locations for our mtn. biking, paddle boarding, and exploring adventures. Meet at Basalt Middle School each morning, and dive into a sequence of team building games before heading out for each day’s big adventure. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking on at Coal Basin, paddle boarding at Chapman Reservoir, a swimming exploration up Independence Pass, a massive game of manhunt and biking around Crown Mtn. Park, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddleboarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
August 11-15: Water, Water Everywhere
The best way to turn a good day into a great day is to just add water! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School before heading out for our daily dose of swimming, ditch walking, tubing, and paddle boarding. Our adventures will take us to all parts of the Roaring Fork Watershed -- swimming in Reudi Reservoir, splashing around Strawberry Rock, paddle boarding at Dinkle Lake, biking and swimming in the ponds in Coal Basin Ranch, cycling to the Crown Mtn. bike park, tubing the Roaring Fork, and diving into the Basalt Wave. Along our travels we will learn about fish ecology, riparian habitats, water conservation strategies, and hydro-electric power.
13 and 14 Year-old Programs
Coal Basin (3 nights, 4 days) -- Biking, Service, and Nature Observation
Dates: June 16-19
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Thursday at 3:00.
Camp Location: Participants will establish a base camp in the upper meadows of Coal Basin. Each day will include a mountain bike adventure, paddle boarding, 1 hour of service work, and ecological observation, study, and exploration.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, bike, helmet, PFD if you would like to use your own. More details will be provided upon enrollment.
Max Enrollment: 12
Cost: $640
Frying Pan River Valley Exploration (4 nights, 5 days)
Dates: July 7-11
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Friday at 12:30.
Camp Location: Participants will establish a base camp near Sellar Meadows above Chapman Reservoir. Activities will include paddle boarding at Chapman, Continental Divide exploration, daily solo time culminating in a 2-hour solo, camp skills including low-impact camping, camp set up, cooking, self-care, and group interdependence.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, and more. Details will be provided upon enrollment.
Cost: $800
Twin Lakes Triathlon (4 nights, 5 days) -- Mtn. Biking, Paddle Boarding, Peak Climb
Dates: July 7-11
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Friday at 12:30.
Camp Location: Participants will camp in the White Star Campground on the shore of Twin Lakes. Activities will include paddle boarding, primitive skills (fire making, shelter building, etc.), mountain biking around the lake, hiking a peak 13,800 ft. peak, and low impact camping skills.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, and more. Details will be provided upon enrollment.
Cost: $800
Coal Basin (3 nights, 4 days) -- Biking, Service, and Nature Observation
Dates: June 16-19
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Thursday at 3:00.
Camp Location: Participants will establish a base camp in the upper meadows of Coal Basin. Each day will include a mountain bike adventure, paddle boarding, 1 hour of service work, and ecological observation, study, and exploration.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, bike, helmet, PFD if you would like to use your own. More details will be provided upon enrollment.
Max Enrollment: 12
Cost: $640
Frying Pan River Valley Exploration (4 nights, 5 days)
Dates: July 7-11
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Friday at 12:30.
Camp Location: Participants will establish a base camp near Sellar Meadows above Chapman Reservoir. Activities will include paddle boarding at Chapman, Continental Divide exploration, daily solo time culminating in a 2-hour solo, camp skills including low-impact camping, camp set up, cooking, self-care, and group interdependence.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, and more. Details will be provided upon enrollment.
Cost: $800
Twin Lakes Triathlon (4 nights, 5 days) -- Mtn. Biking, Paddle Boarding, Peak Climb
Dates: July 7-11
Meeting Times and Location: Meet at Basalt Middle School on Monday morning at 9:00 and again on Friday at 12:30.
Camp Location: Participants will camp in the White Star Campground on the shore of Twin Lakes. Activities will include paddle boarding, primitive skills (fire making, shelter building, etc.), mountain biking around the lake, hiking a peak 13,800 ft. peak, and low impact camping skills.
Equipment: Personal camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sturdy walking shoes, and more. Details will be provided upon enrollment.
Cost: $800