Parent FAQs

What is Sanborn all about?

Our mission is:

To live together in the outdoors, Building a sense of Self, a sense of Community, a sense of the Earth and a sense of Wonder through fun and adventure.

By giving children the tools to better understand themselves, they develop problem solving skills, independence, confidence, and strength of character. By teaching children how to live and work in a community, they learn to manage themselves in complex social situations, put others’ needs before their own, and to work with other strong individuals from all over the United States and the world. By helping children value the earth, they become stewards of the natural world and, in turn, value the efforts made by themselves and others to preserve, protect and appreciate the immeasurable gifts of the outdoor world. And, by imbuing these actions with a deep sense of wonder, children grow to see and appreciate the beauty, magic, and possibility within themselves, others and the world.

Where are Sanborn Western Camps?

Big Spring Ranch for Boys and High Trails Ranch for Girls are located on 6000 private acres in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, 35 miles west of Colorado Springs. For a map, see page 15.

How do you select your counselors?

The average age of our counselors is 21 and each must have a minimum of two years of college or travel/work experience. Many are returning staff or were once campers at Sanborn Western Camps; others are referred by friends or camp families. All staff members go through a rigorous application process which includes multiple references, personal interviews, and a fingerprint based background check. Decisions are made on the basis of experience and interest in working with children, and skill and experience in outdoor activities. All staff must be certified in CPR and First Aid and many staff members have Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard Training and other advanced certifications.

What is the weather like?

Colorado is famous for blue skies and plenty of sun. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, the camps’ average daytime temperature in the summer is about 80 degrees F. Evenings are cool, usually 50-55 degrees F. Occasionally, we have an afternoon rain shower. Many of our trips into the high country camp are above or near timberline and these temperatures can drop to below freezing, even in July! It is best to be prepared for all types of weather and is important to refer to our Packing List on page 17.

With so many activities available, how do campers choose what they want to experience?

Soon after arriving at camp, campers at Big Spring and High Trails fill out a trip sign-up sheet with the guidance of their counselors and program leaders. These trips include all-day and overnight adventures as well as backcountry experiences 3-5 days in length. Each camper’s individual trip choices are placed on a calendar by the Program Director. Campers then choose daily activities on a weekly basis for the times they do not have trips. During the term, there are also a number of all-camp activities, especially in the evenings, as well as trips and activities which each living unit participates in together.

Do Big Spring and High Trails do anything together?

Yes. Although each camp has its own complete facilities and staff and most programs are separate, the camps get together once a week for an all-camp event: Gymkhana, Hike the Pike, Country Fair, Olympics, etc.. Older campers from the two camps often have additional opportunities to meet for activities and social time.

Do the camps have a religious affiliation?

No. Campers and staff of many faiths and beliefs attend Sanborn. Each week we have a “Sunday Rocks” service which is non-sectarian and celebrates camp values like friendship or appreciation of beauty. We sing camp songs and watch the sun set.

I have a fourth grader. How do the programs differ for Sanborn Junior and Big Spring/High Trails?

The two-week Sanborn Junior program is available to children who have completed the first through fourth grades.The month-long program at Big Spring and High Trails is appropriate for young people who have completed the third through tenth grades. Sanborn Junior campers follow an established schedule which gives them the opportunity to experience many outdoor activities. They participate in most activities as a group and stay with their own counselors.

Month-long campers at High Trails and Big Spring have a great deal of choice in trips and activities. With the guidance of counselors, each chooses an individual schedule. Many of our off-the-ranch trips, like mountain climbs and overnight horse trips, are not available to Sanborn Junior campers. These trips are available to third and fourth grade campers at High Trails and Big Spring and provide age-appropriate levels of challenge.

What kind of medical care do you provide?

Each camp has a modern and wellequipped health center staffed with registered nurses.

We work closely with physicians in Woodland Park and Colorado Springs. It is a 30-minute drive to UC Health Pikes Peak Regional Hospital and there is an EMS service based in Florissant.

How is your food?

If you talk to anyone who has been to camp, they will tell you that our food is excellent. Our cooks, who have been with us for years, prepare well-balanced meals from fresh ingredients. Our bakery produces homemade breads, cookies, and other delicious desserts daily. We provide a vegetarian option at each meal and are able to make accommodations for most food allergies.

How will my child get to camp?

About a third of our campers arrive by car with parents, other family members, or friends. Other campers fly into the Colorado Springs Airport or Denver International Airport. Staff members meet children at both airports, help them collect their luggage, and take them to chartered buses or vans for the trip to camp. Upon arrival at camp, these campers are greeted by staff members and their luggage is delivered to their living units. The fun begins right away!

What does accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA) mean?

The American Camp Association is an organization of professionals who join together to enhance the value and quality of the camp experience for the children who attend our programs.

The ACA is the only national camp accreditation authority, and camps must maintain a high level of safety, program quality, and youth development practices to meet the 300 standards established by the ACA.

Each accredited camp is visited by a team of trained camp professionals to assure that the standards are being implemented. Sanborn Western Camps has been accredited by the ACA for more than 60 years.

In addition, Sanborn Western Camps are licensed by the Child Care Division of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Colorado is one of the few states which has a rigorous licensure process for resident camps, including visits by State Licensing Inspectors.