2024 Camp Guide

Camp Directory 2024

Academy of Children’s

Theatre Drama Camps

719-282-9101 | director@actcolorado.net

ACTColorado.net

Air Force Academy Sports Camps

719-333-2116

afasportscamps@airforceathletics.org

GoAirForceFalcons.com

Altitude Ninja Gym

719-964-1798 | AltitudeNinja.com

Animation Production 5th–12th

Grade Summer Class

719-357-7780 | AnimationSummer.com

Archery School of the Rockies 719-272-4379

ArcherySchooloftheRockies.com

Bemis Day Camp Program –Art & Acting in the Forest 719-495-2743 | judy@laforet.org

LaForet.org/Day-Camps

Blue Mountain Ranch Youth Camp 719-748-3279

camp@bluemountainranch.com

BlueMountainRanch.com

Bold Earth Teen Adventures 303-526-0806 | info@boldearth.com

BoldEarth.com

Breakthrough Basketball 866-846-7892

BreakThroughBasketball.com/Camps

Camp Whiskers and Wags 719-473-1741 | info@hsppr.org

HSPPR.org/Camp

Catamount Summer Camps 719-471-0910

info@catamountinstitute.org

CatamountInstitute.org/Summer-Camps

Challenger Learning Center of Colorado

719-598-9755

ChallengerColorado.org

Champions Champ Camp 800-246-2154

champcampquestions@kindercare.com

DiscoverChampions.com

Cheyenne Zoo Summer Camps 719-424-7827 | edprograms@cmzoo.org

CMZoo.org

CityROCK Climbing Camps 719-634-9099 | info@climbcityrock.com

ClimbCityRock.com/Camps

Colorado Ballet Society 719-272-7078

admin@danceinthesprings.com

DanceInTheSprings.com

Colorado Kids Ranch –Farm and Horse Camp 719-799-6708

ColoradoKidsRanch.com/Farm-Camp

Colorado Springs School Summer Camps

719-475-9747 | hhannum@css.org

CSS.org

Color Me Mine Art Camp 719-265-1737

coloradosprings@colormemine ColorMeMine.com

Dinosaur Ridge 303-697-3466, ext. 101 erinlacount@dinoridge.org

Campscui.Active.com/orgs/ FriendsofDinosaurRidge

Eagle Lake Day Camp 800-873-2453 | eaglelake@navigators.org

EagleLakeCamps.com

Falcon’s Best Summer Camp 719-402-40005

FalconsBestSummerCamp.com

First Tee – Southern Colorado 719-597-1932 | staff@firstteesoco.org

FirstTeeSoCo.org/Programs-2

Flipshack Gymnastics Camp 719-578-1006 | info@flipshack.com

FlipShack.com

Go West Camps 719-357-8872 andrew@gowestcamps.com arianne@gowestcamps.com

GoWestCamps.com

Green Box 719-465-3065

GreenBoxArts.org

Haus Sports Academy Summer Sports Camp 719-761-7586

jwells.soccerhaus@gmail.com

SoccerHausCS.com/Youth-Programs/ Haus-Sports-Academy/

Hope Montessori Academy

Summer Experience Program 719-488-5800 | info@montessorichild.com

MontessoriChild.com

Horses and Kids!

Mustang Ambassador Program’s Equine Leadership Programs 719-229-9551

mustangambassadorsprogram@gmail.com

Map1.org

It’s FUNdamental 719-387-5899

toni.itsfundamental@gmail.com ItsFundamental.com

Kids on Bikes 719-641-5373

KidsOnBikes.net/Camps

Kilroy’s Workshop

Metalworking Summer Camp 719-482-4035 | ron@kilroysworkshop.com KilroysWorkshop.com

MAT Art Summer Camp 719-465-6321

TheMAT.org

Mighty Minds Summer Camp 719-358-7437

info@heartspace-kids.org Heartspace-Kids.org

Monument’s Best Summer Camp 719-402-4005

MonumentSummerCamp.com

Pikes Peak Artist

Collective Summer Camp 717-875-5200

rebecca@pikespeakartist.com PikesPeakArtist.com

Pro Football Camp

719-266-9308

heidi@profootballcamp.com

ProFootballCamp.com

RecKids

719-255-3429

reckids@uccs.edu

RecWellness.UCCS.edu/Campus-Rec/RecKids/Summer-Camps

SafeSplash Swim School

719-900-2550 | moreinfo@safesplash.com

SafeSplash.com/Locations/ColoradoSprings-Co

Sanborn Western Camps 719-748-3341

info@sanbornwesterncamps.com

SanbornWesternCamps.com

School of Rock Colorado Springs

719-888-7625

SchoolOfRock.com/Locations/ ColoradoSprings/Music-Camps

Soccer Buddies

719-330-9642

info@ColoradoSoccerBuddies.com ColoradoSoccerBuddies.com

Thinkering Lab

719-247-0203 | evelyn@thinkeringlab.org

Thinkeringlab.org

U.S. Sports Camps –Nike XC High Altitude Camp 800-645-3226

USSportsCamps.com/Cross-Country/Nike/ Nike-Colorado-Springs-Running-Camp

Western Museum of Mining and Industry Summer STEaM Camp 719-488-0880 | education@wmmi.org WMMI.org/Education

Woodward Copper Summer Camps 866-656-1546

CopperColorado.com/Woodward/ Summer-Camp/Camp-Overview

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region 719-471-9790

PPYMCA.org/DayCamp

How to find the right fit for camp

Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp options, but it is not always so easy finding one that is the right fit for a child.

No two children are the same, and kids change quite a bit as they grow up. So, a camp that worked for an older child or even one that accommodated a younger camper may not make the perfect fit this summer. With that in mind, parents can consider these tips to find the right summer camp for their children.

Ask around

Even if no two campers are the same, it can benefit parents to ask around when shopping for a summer camp. It is not uncommon for competition for available spots to develop, as summer camp spots are limited. This can make it more difficult to gather information. However, ask neighbors whose children have outgrown summer camp if there is one they might recommend (or would not recommend).

Pursue a package deal

Though package deals might not result in lower rates, approaching a camp with the parents of your child’s friend or friends may work in your favor. Kids undoubtedly will be more excited about camp if their friends will be there as well. Camp officials may see these quasi-package deals as beneficial, and a quick and easy way to fill spots.

Ask kids how they want to spend summer

Specialized camps run the gamut from sports camps focusing on a particular sport to general outdoor recreation camps and camps that cater to young musicians. More general camps offer a wide range of activities throughout the summer, and that might appeal to children less interested in specialized camps.

Ask youngsters for their input before making a final decision. Involve kids in the search by showing them websites of prospective camps and asking them what they think of each one. If attending an in-person consultation, bring kids along so they can form their own impression.

Make

sure the camp suits your schedule

Kids’ preferences are not the only opinions to consider. In households with two working parents, moms and dads must find a camp that aligns with their work schedule. Many camps offer half-day sessions and full-day sessions, but some offer just one or the other. If parents need full-day sessions, they might need to begin their search early to ensure they can secure a spot before they fill up.

Identify what you can afford

Camp costs vary significantly, so parents should identify how much they can afford before they begin their search. Doing so may eliminate various camps right off the bat, saving parents precious time as they try to find a camp for their kids before spots fill up. Many towns offer local camps at schools, and these may be an affordable option. Parents also should know that many camps allow them to pick certain weeks or days of the week a child will attend rather than insisting kids attend camp for the duration of the summer.

Summer camp season is right around the corner. Parents and children can work together to identify a camp that will make sure this summer is filled with fun.

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Get camp-ready!

BY NINA K. GLASER, NINA.GLASER@GAZETTE.COM

“Comfort is key” — in mind and body, when you send your kid off to camp. Here is a list of items you can use as a checklist as you shop for the summer experience of a lifetime! Among the items noted, some are absolute necessities while others will help turn camp into a true “home away from home.”

DAY CAMP SLEEPAWAY CAMP NOTES

Backpack

Book(s)

Bug repellent

Clothing

Disposable camera

Flashlight (+ extra batteries)

Hat

Head lamp (+ extra batteries)

Journal or notebook

Letter writing supplies (paper, envelopes, writing utensils, stamps)

Lip protection

Compartments will make things easier to find in a backpack that will come in handy, holding an extra set of clothes, swim gear and towels.

Your child might have a summer reading list from school (or want to break the ice with cabin-mates courtesy of Mad Libs).

Use on skin and clothes to keep insects — and illnesses — away.

Your shopping list should include bathing suits, a jacket or jackets (one should be specifically for rainy days), shorts, socks and underwear that breathe (remember a sports bra!), sweatshirts and sweatpants, and t-shirts. Add pajamas for those going to sleepaway camp!

Easy to use — just point and shoot — single-use fixed-focus lens disposable cameras process like a film camera and, because they are recyclable, are eco-friendly, too.

The reliable beam a flashlight throws can help guide the way in darkness, highlighting potential hazards to help prevent trips and falls. Look for a model that is waterproof and USB rechargeable.

Plan on buying/having several hats at-the-ready, from wide-brimmed to baseball caps and visor varieties.

This relative of the flashlight provides hands-free illumination in low-light situations.

Do you have a writer in your midst? Camp memories are worth recording.

Colored pens and pencils — and stickers — can keep correspondence to friends and family fun!

The thin, delicate skin of lips are susceptible to sun damage. Lip balm should have an SPF and be applied throughout the day for maximum protection.

Shoes

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Swimming goggles

Tennis racquet

Toiletries

Water bottle (reusable)

DAY CAMP SLEEPAWAY CAMP NOTES

Sturdy shoes are a must for hiking and recreational activities. Consider athletic shoes, flip-flops, and water shoes that will protect feet in and around water, thanks to a a non-slip sole. Feet will remain cool and dry, while cuts and abrasions are avoided.

A lot of time will be spent outdoors, and it is important to protect the peepers! (If your child wears glasses, be sure to pack a back-up pair.)

Essential for protecting against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature again and skin cancer.

Swimming goggles offer protection from saltwater and chlorine and improve underwater visibility.

Size matters when it comes to a tennis racquet; send your kid to camp with one designed for his or her play and age.

Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste (consider travel-sized).

A reusable bottle is both practical and eco-friendly!

Pack early; a month out is appropriate. Remember to label everything! It is likely that your camp of choice will provide a list of things, but when in doubt — ask!

How to keep young athletes HEALTHY

Kids between six and 18 spend an average of 16.6 hours each week playing sports.

After COVID -19 waylaid sports participation and other activities, young athletes have returned to competitive athletics in droves.

The most recent data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association says 37% of children between the ages of six and 12 played team sports on a regular basis in 2021. At the highest point in 2008, 45% were involved in sports. According to various youth sports participation surveys, including those from the Aspen Institute and TeamSnap, children between the ages of six and 18 spend an average of 16.6 hours each week playing sports.

With so much time devoted to sports participation, everyone involved can take steps to ensure that young athletes are safe and healthy during practice and play.

Encourage rest

Pushing the body to the brink without routine rest is a recipe for injury. Rest provides recovery time for

muscles and joints as well as the mind. Athletes can aim for at least one day off from the sport per week. After the season ends, children can take an extended break before beginning a new sport.

Eat balanced meals

Families can plan balanced meals that will provide the nutrition young athletes need to fuel their bodies. With increased physical activity comes a need to eat more. The International Olympic Committee says nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and iron are essential but often lacking in youths with restrictive diets. A young athlete should eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and vegetables.

Encourage variety

MedlinePlus reports that many young athletes are engaging in “single-sport specialization” early on, focusing only on one sport, even

during off seasons. Repetitive use of joints, bones and muscles for these sports can cause various injuries. To prevent that, young athletes should participate in a variety of sports and training exercises.

Wear the right gear

Athletes should always wear the safety gear required for the sport they are playing. This may include eye protection, helmets and more.

Discourage kids from playing through pain

Pressing on through pain or an injury is a recipe for damage that could keep a player out for the season or even permanently. Young athletes should not try to be heroes and play through pain.

Alleviate mental pressure on athletes

Many young athletes throw themselves entirely into sports, perhaps at the expense of having more

well-rounded childhoods. The National Federation of State High School Associations says only around 2% of high school athletes are awarded some form of athletic scholarship to compete in college, and fewer than 2% of NCAA student athletes go on to play professionally. Putting all of one’s eggs in the sports basket can contribute to anxiety that stems from pressure to succeed. Keep the emphasis on fun so young athletes do not feel pressured.

Avoid performanceenhancing substances

Caffeine, anabolic steroids, steroid precursors, creatine and stimulants are substances athletes use to boost performance. They can cause many health issues and even lead to addiction.

Young athletes can take many steps to stay healthy without affecting how much they enjoy the thrill of playing competitive sports.

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Kids have boundless energy. Parents of young children can look to various activities to harness that energy, and crafting is one endeavor that makes use of kids’ enthusiasm and creativity.

Craft projects are more than just a means to getting energetic youngsters to sit down and focus their attention. Crafting pays various dividends for youngsters, some of which may surprise parents.

Crafting and handeye coordination

Crafting helps children develop hand-eye coordination. The Illinois-based North Shore Pediatric Therapy notes that crafts that involve drawing shapes, cutting patterns and writing require youngsters to use their fine motor coordination. Coloring, drawing and cutting also require children to use their hands together, helping to develop and strengthen their hand-eye coordination. That development can help kids perform a host of additional tasks, including tying shoes, buttoning coats and eating independently.

Crafting and creativity

Crafting presents a great opportunity for kids to explore their creativity. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to prioritize creative, unplugged playtime for infants and toddlers, and that can include time devoted to craft projects. Craft projects can include more complicated undertakings in which kids follow directions or

How crafting benefits kids

they can simply allow kids to create something from their own imaginations. Each type of project involves creating something new and encourages kids to develop their creative skills.

Crafting and patience

Parents know that patience is not necessarily a virtue of young children. Craft projects, particularly those that require cutting and gluing, do not provide instant gratification because they require multiple steps and time to dry before they are completed. North Shore Pediatric Therapy notes that such projects teach kids self-regulation because they require youngsters to exhibit selfcontrol and patience until the project can be considered finished.

Crafting and the classroom

A 2018 report from the AAP noted that children who use their hands are strengthening areas in the brain that are associated with spatial and mathematical learning. This is an important benefit of crafting and one that the AAP report notes is not gained by kids who forgo physical activities like crafting for play that relies on interactive media. The benefits of crafting associated with spatial and mathematical learning could help younger children once they begin their academic careers.

Crafting is a fun activity for kids, and it is also one that benefits their development in some surprising ways.

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How much should a backpack weigh?

Backpacks are handy tools that carry an array of gear. Students rely on them to hold books, while hikers and campers utilize backpacks to carry items such as food and beverages that keep them safe on trails.

Backpacks might be convenient, but overstuffed backpacks may cause injury. They should only carry weight that the wearer can handle, and some guidelines can help people safely utilize backpacks.

The weight of a backpack depends on the age of the person using it. Generally speaking, adults should not exceed 20% of total body mass when loading backpacks. That means a healthy person weighing 200 pounds should not carry more than 40 pounds in his or her backpack.

Regarding children, researchers indicate that a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10% of what the student weighs. Those findings are based on a Spanish

study involving 49 primary schoolaged children. Therefore, if a child weighs 70 pounds, they should only carry up to seven pounds in the backpack. Individuals also should follow a few other backpack recommendations to alleviate injuries. It is not a good idea to wear a backpack hanging from only one shoulder. A backpack should be worn on both shoulders, ideally with a lumbar strap. This will help to prevent muscular pains by providing well-rounded support. A backpack with wide, padded straps can minimize pressure on the shoulders, back and collarbone. Backpacks made of lightweight material will not add much additional weight to what is being carried. Another tip is for children and adults to pack the heaviest item in the backpack closest to the center of the back to minimize strain.

Failure to follow guidelines may result in pain and injuries and have negative effects on balance, which may increase the risk of falls or other injuries.

Whenever possible, people may want to use trolley backpacks, which are on wheels. They can be dragged, alleviating the need to carry heavy loads.