(Photo: ABC Kids Climbing).
As summer draws near, these outdoor activities are sure bets to keep your kids active while taking advantage of the Colorado sunshine.
Longmont Summer Camps
Longmont is offering two traditional enroll-by-day camps for kids and tweens, as well as a teen special needs summer rec program. An activity-based camp for ages 5-10 includes swimming twice a week and weekly field trips to various Longmont parks; the experiential Tween LOCO Summer Camp is for 11- to 13-year olds, with campers providing input on ideas; and SCOPE Teen Camp, which gives teens 13-17 with special needs access to crafts, swimming, life skills, and social and educational outings. Flexible enrollment and payment options are available, and the program accepts CCAP. > longmontcolorado.gov
Women’s Wilderness
This dedicated Boulder-based organization offers transformative outdoor experiences for women and girls. Outdoor programs ranging from hiking and nature discovery to white water rafting and rock climbing, focus on mental and physical health, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Summer camps are available for girls in grades 3 through 12. No experience is necessary. > womenswilderness.org/programs
Community Sailing
Anchored at the Boulder Reservoir, Community Sailing has summer waterworks on tap for kids as young as 5. The Little Puffs Sailing Camp (for 5-7-year-olds) and Windsurfing (for kids 9 and up) are finally back. This community-minded organization is offering scholarships for individuals, groups, and Marshall Fire victims. > communitysailing.org
ABC Kids Climbing
Looking for a unique climbing camp for kids ages 5 to 14? Boulder’s beloved ABC kids Climbing is taking youth climbers to new heights this summer—indoor and out. Choose from three- or five-day options for indoor camps, full- or half-day. Indoor/outdoor and all-outdoor camps run for five full days.
> abckidsclimbing.com/camps
Rocky Mountain Day Camp
With locally-owned, family-run two-week-long summer day camps in Boulder, Superior, and Erie, Rocky Mountain Day Camp is a trusted option for children ages 4-15. Operating from local schools, there are four summer sessions to choose from, all loaded with activities, including archery, drama, team-building activities, and so much more. > rockymtndaycamp.com
Altitude Youth Ultimate Frisbee
There’s nothing more exhilarating than this fast-moving flying disc sport that combines elements of football, soccer, and basketball. Guaranteed to wear kids out! Offering summer camps for kids ages 7 to 17, Broomfield-based Altitude Youth Ultimate believes in fun, inclusion, and the value of athletic sportsmanship over winning at all costs. Great for all genders, ages, and experience levels. > altitudeyouthultimate.org/camp
YMCA of Northern Colorado
Based at the Y in Lafayette, with locations in Boulder, Longmont, and beyond, the YMCA of Northern Colorado provides numerous opportunities for summer fun. Current offerings include day and overnight camps, sports, swim lessons, and more. > ymcanoco.org
CU Football Youth Skills and Football Camps
The Buffs have some super summer sessions at Boulder’s big-kid university. In its 36th year, CU Football Camp, ranked among the nation’s best, prioritizes game situations, fundamentals instruction, and position techniques – and what it takes to be a Buff! CU Youth Skills Camp is a three-day non-contact football camp for youth entering grades 1-8. > cubuffs.com/camps
Dawson School Sports Camps
A Boulder institution since 1970, Dawson School extends its expertise — and breathtaking, 107-acre campus — into the summer months with day camps for kids ages 5 to 15. Sports bring the fun outdoors under the watchful eye of licensed, experienced directors with a low staff-to-camper ratio. Campers can expect daily hot lunch, pool time, and access to awesome campus facilities. > dawsonschool.org
Able to Sail
Want your kids to learn to better navigate the rough seas of youth life? Able to Sail combines sailing classes with self-esteem-building, pushing off throughout the summer from Longmont’s Union Reservoir. Lessons use sailing as a healthy activity and metaphor. The mission? To empower kids to shift away from negative thoughts, create positive ones, and aspire to greatness. Some 95 percent of former participants rated their level of satisfaction as “Loved it!” > abletosail.org
By Julie Kailus
