Week-Long Programs, 2023
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Welcome to our 13th year of summer camps! All of our programs are designed to keep our 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. All programs meet at Arbaney Park in Basalt. For registration information, contact Matt Koenigsknecht and the Basalt Recreation Dept. at Matt.k@basalt.net. For questions about programming, contact garrypfaffmann@hotmail.com.
Staff: Our leadership makes the difference! Lara Getz -- 10+ years children's ski pro, positive, nurturing, fourth year at camp, naturalist, scientist, athletic, fun, and gives the most genuine hugs! 6-10 year-old program co-leader. Isaac Barnes -- 10+ years children's ski pro, creative, fun, boundless energy, third year at camp, game-maker, hilarious, organized, scientist, workhorse, ... the beard is back! 6-10 year-old co-leader. Garry Pfaffmann -- 20 years classroom teacher, 12 years camp director, 4 years ACES naturalist. Old in body, young at heart. 11-12 year-old program leader. |
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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:
All cancellations made 48 hours prior to camp are refunded 90%. The Rec. Dept. holds 10% for credit card processing fees. Most programs will have a wait list, so please cancel as soon as a conflict is recognized and we will invite people to fill any open spaces.
6-10 Year-Old Programs
These programs have been time-tested to be fun, fun, fun! Each program includes a mix of favorite activites 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.
Calendar of Events -- 6-10 year-olds
June 5-9: Games, Games, Games
June 12-16: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
June 19-23: Science and Cycles
June 26-30: Games, Games, Games
July 3-7: Science and Cycles
July 10-14: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
July 17-21: Games, Games, Games
July 24-28: Science and Cycles
June 31-Aug. 4: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
August 7-11: Games, Games, Games
General Information for all 6-10 year-old programs
Ages: 6-10 Years Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $315
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.
- 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.
Calendar of Events -- 6-10 year-olds
June 5-9: Games, Games, Games
June 12-16: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
June 19-23: Science and Cycles
June 26-30: Games, Games, Games
July 3-7: Science and Cycles
July 10-14: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
July 17-21: Games, Games, Games
July 24-28: Science and Cycles
June 31-Aug. 4: Dangerous Book for Boys and Girls
August 7-11: Games, Games, Games
General Information for all 6-10 year-old programs
Ages: 6-10 Years Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $315
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.
11-12 Year-Old Warriors Program
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. So where does the name Warriors Program come into play? Discussions, interactions, and performance expectations are grounded in the traits of a modern warrior: determination, inclusion, observation, patience, strategic thinking, leadership, creativity, and celebration. Come and join our Warrior tribe!
Ages: 11-12 Years-Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $350 day programs; $500 overnights
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
Enrollment Limit: maximum 16
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 12-16: 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 paddleboarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
June 19-23: Ready, Aim, Fire Woodworking --
This is a week of wood working, craftsmanship, exploration, and target practice. Accuracy with bows and arrows, sling-shots, water balloon launchers, potato guns, and blow dart launchers requires skill, collaboration, and persistence. And let’s be honest,... they are all a ton of fun! Local craftsman Ric Morrison will guide participants through the use of hand tools to create a handcrafted traditional blow-dart launcher and a bronze bowl project. Thursday will include an exploration near Independence Pass of a known traditional hunting site. Afternoons will include a daily swim in one of the best swimming holes along the length of the Roaring Fork River! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School and we will head directly to the Aspen Community School campus, Difficult Campground, or Independence Pass.
June 26-30: Orienteering Adventures --
Experiment with maps and compasses to find each day's 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.
July 10-15: Primitive Skills Family Reconnect, 2-Night Overnight --
Participants will learn fire making, shelter building, sensory observation skills, and tracking and stalking techniques throughout the week, then will share their skills a family member at a family campout at Cole Basin Ranch. Kids enjoy four day-trip adventures of primitive fun and learning, then camp Thursday and Friday nights at Coal Basin Ranch. One parent per participant will join the group Friday evening, July 14 for dinner and a campfire, and will spend all day Saturday working with your child to learn the games and primitive skills we've practiced throughout the week. This is an opportunity to reconnect in a unique setting with your kids in nature, to learn new activities that you may share as a family. Our aim here is to foster a unique family outdoor experience unlike most traditional family camping trips. Cost of this 6-day program including parents is $550
July 17-21: 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 24-28 Primitive Skills, 2-Night Overnight --
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 and mountain bikes on Wednesday for two nights of camping under the stars at Coal Basin Ranch outside of Redstone. Local parent and experienced tracker and outdoorsman, Andy Wasilawski will be our guide to exploration, experimentation, and adventure!
July 31-August 4: 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.
August 7-11: Roaring Fork Watershed Pentathlon --
Explore all the fingers of the Roaring Fork watershed, from the upper stretches of the Roaring Fork River, the Crystal River, and the Frying Pan River as we pedal, paddle, and climb adventurously. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking at Cole Basin, paddle boarding at Chapman Reservoir, bouldering and swimming near Weller Lake, mountain biking and creek-walking Cattle Creek on lower Basalt Mountain, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddleboarders and shooters are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
Ages: 11-12 Years-Old
Time: 9:00-3:00 M-Th; 9:00-1:00 Friday
Cost: $350 day programs; $500 overnights
Registration: Basalt Rec. Dept.
Enrollment Limit: maximum 16
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 12-16: 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 paddleboarders are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!
June 19-23: Ready, Aim, Fire Woodworking --
This is a week of wood working, craftsmanship, exploration, and target practice. Accuracy with bows and arrows, sling-shots, water balloon launchers, potato guns, and blow dart launchers requires skill, collaboration, and persistence. And let’s be honest,... they are all a ton of fun! Local craftsman Ric Morrison will guide participants through the use of hand tools to create a handcrafted traditional blow-dart launcher and a bronze bowl project. Thursday will include an exploration near Independence Pass of a known traditional hunting site. Afternoons will include a daily swim in one of the best swimming holes along the length of the Roaring Fork River! Meet daily at Basalt Middle School and we will head directly to the Aspen Community School campus, Difficult Campground, or Independence Pass.
June 26-30: Orienteering Adventures --
Experiment with maps and compasses to find each day's 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.
July 10-15: Primitive Skills Family Reconnect, 2-Night Overnight --
Participants will learn fire making, shelter building, sensory observation skills, and tracking and stalking techniques throughout the week, then will share their skills a family member at a family campout at Cole Basin Ranch. Kids enjoy four day-trip adventures of primitive fun and learning, then camp Thursday and Friday nights at Coal Basin Ranch. One parent per participant will join the group Friday evening, July 14 for dinner and a campfire, and will spend all day Saturday working with your child to learn the games and primitive skills we've practiced throughout the week. This is an opportunity to reconnect in a unique setting with your kids in nature, to learn new activities that you may share as a family. Our aim here is to foster a unique family outdoor experience unlike most traditional family camping trips. Cost of this 6-day program including parents is $550
July 17-21: 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 24-28 Primitive Skills, 2-Night Overnight --
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 and mountain bikes on Wednesday for two nights of camping under the stars at Coal Basin Ranch outside of Redstone. Local parent and experienced tracker and outdoorsman, Andy Wasilawski will be our guide to exploration, experimentation, and adventure!
July 31-August 4: 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.
August 7-11: Roaring Fork Watershed Pentathlon --
Explore all the fingers of the Roaring Fork watershed, from the upper stretches of the Roaring Fork River, the Crystal River, and the Frying Pan River as we pedal, paddle, and climb adventurously. The Pentathlon includes a day of mountain biking at Cole Basin, paddle boarding at Chapman Reservoir, bouldering and swimming near Weller Lake, mountain biking and creek-walking Cattle Creek on lower Basalt Mountain, and a morning of archery and other target shooting activities and swimming at Arbaney Pool. All abilities of bikers, climbers, swimmers, and paddleboarders and shooters are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to join!