On Camp Classes

Map and Compass
Students will learn basic compass and topographical map reading skills.  These skills will then be put to the test as students navigate their way through the woods on our Orienteering Course.

Wilderness Survival
The mountains can be a very unforgiving place.  Students will discover techniques and tricks that will prepare them for wilderness travel and what to do if they become lost.  Students will also learn the Ten Essentials for wilderness survival, how to build a shelter, and how to start a fire.

Rocky Mountain Geology 
Learn how mountains are built and formed.  With a variety of different activities, students will learn about Plate Tectonics, Mountain Building, Mountain Formations, Erosion, and Glaciers.

Water Ecology 
Students will explore a stream environment as they catch, identify, and release Macro Invertebrates.  Students will also learn about the Water Cycle, how to test water conditions, Colorado fish identification, and the student’s favorite, the raft race (water velocity).

Animal Tracks and Trails
Class covers a wide range of material on animals found in Colorado, as students participate in activities and learning games.  Predator / Prey Relations, Animal Characteristics, Evidences of Life, and Animal Camouflage are the main topic areas.

Teacher's Choice
Many times a teacher or a parent from the school will have an area of expertise that they would like to share with the students.  If this is the case, we would love to work it into our activity rotations and accommodate their needs if possible.

Low Ropes Course
The Low Ropes Course provides a progressive series of team building activities that enable the students to develop trust in each other, solve problems together, and develop communication skills.  This is a great activity for all ages and is a highly effective tool to build community.

Zip Line
Hey, sometimes you do something just because it’s fun!  Safely jump from a twenty-foot high platform and enjoy a wild thousand foot ride.  Not only is it fun, but it can also be a big confidence booster for timid students.

Hiking 
As an activity rotation, students can load up on our buses and go on a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Teachers can choose from two hikes: Twin Sisters Overlook (harder) or Lilly Lake (easier).  Students get physical exercise while they learn to appreciate hiking as an activity and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Teacher's Choice
Many times, teachers will have an activity that they want to do with the students.  Crafts, games, and School Spirit activities are just a few that we have had in the past.  If this is the case, we would love to work it into our activity rotations and accommodate their needs as best as possible.

High Ropes Course
Students move through a series of elements twenty feet above the ground.  These fully protected and supervised exercises are designed to allow participants to work on personal and group goals.  These goals may include building self-esteem, breaking through barriers, and pushing perceived limits.   Extra Cost

Hiking
Many schools enjoy going into the park for some of their activities and learning.  Let us take you into the park on our school buses at no extra charge.  We can make it a half-day to full-day experience exploring RMNP.  All hikes can be done strictly as a hike or as an interpretive hike, where instructors stop along the way for teaching opportunities.  Listed are some of the more popular hikes in the Park.

• Gem Lake – Tucked up into Lumpy Ridge, the Gem Lake hike offers a good challenge for students as they come to several overlooks of the Estes Park Valley.
• Twin Sisters – Located in the park and just a few minutes from camp, the Twin Sisters hike can be a lot of fun.  This hike takes students to the first big overlook, which looks over the Tahosa Valley, down onto camp, and is a spot used for taking postcard shots of Long’s Peak. 
• Cub Lake* – Located at the upper end of Moraine Park, the Cub Lake trail takes you past beaver ponds and prime Elk territory as you work your way to Cub Lake.  Make it a longer trail, by heading up to the “Pool” and ending up at the Fern Lake Trail Head. 
• Beaver Meadows* – Take a loop trail up to “Lunch Rock” which overlooks Moraine Park, a great place to teach about glaciers and geology.  This is also a good place to see Elk and your best chance to see Coyotes.
• Sprague Lake* - Easy hike around a small lake, which provides many different teaching opportunities; Tree Identification, Water Ecology, Glaciers, etc...
• Loch Vale* – This hike has a little of everything.  On your way to Loch Vale, you will pass several waterfalls, stand on awe inspiring outlooks, and near the end be surrounded my mountains on every side.  This hike takes work but is worth the effort.
  
  *Hikes that require schools to apply for Entrance Fee Waiver (print & fax/mail) On Line Application (email)

The Survival Game
Students run around camp as “Prey” trying to find “Food” and “Water”, meanwhile the Teachers and Instructors are “Predators” and chase the “Prey” with Super Soakers.  Kids learn the challenges prey have in surviving, and the Teachers get revenge.

Night Hike
Night Hikes are focused on capturing the mystique of the darkness.  Our civilized society enables individuals to surround themselves with artificial light and noise constantly.  By keeping groups small, not using flashlights, and focusing on quiet movement, the sights and sounds of the mountain night comes to life.  While out, students will participate in a variety of educational and fun activities.

Campfire with Songs and Skits
Let us entertain you as our Instructors go crazy with songs and good, clean, funny skits. This is the highlight of the week and is always fun for students, teachers, and Instructors.

Talent Shows
Some schools will organize student talent shows, where students sign up weeks in advance for the chance to show off their talent.  Talent shows are usually held in the Chapel, which has a stage and if needed, a sound system with tape and CD player.

Skit Night
Skit night is usually run two ways.  Each cabin group makes up a skit and performs for the school, or the teachers make up skits and perform them for the students.  It helps to have a funny teacher act as the Master of Ceremonies.

Movie Night
Watch a teacher-selected movie (educational or fun) on our big screen projector.  Let us add popcorn and juice and you have a night out at the movies.

Playing Field
We have a large playing field with a beautiful view of the Twin Sisters peaks that is great for soccer, baseball, or other large group games.

Frisbee Golf
Our Frisbee golf course winds through the woods across the camp property.  Maps and Frisbees are available.

Playground
A large playground sits in the center of camp.  It includes a big toy with slide and monkey bars, swing set, tether ball, and horseshoe pit.