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Fresh Air & Friends Summer - 2026

Youth Program

Fresh Air & Friends Summer

Join CMC Youth Programs for a summer adventure specifically for teen girls +. Fresh Air & Friends Overnight Course combines camping, hiking, climbing, and region-specific activities with mentorship and community.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Alec Backhus
Leader
Designed for girls and gender-expansive youth entering grades 7–10, the Fresh Air & Friends Overnight Course blends outdoor adventure with community, mentorship, and personal growth. Over five days, participants will set up camp on private land near Ridgway CO, hike dramatic landscapes like Black Canyon of the Gunnison, climb on local crags, and try a unique activity to the region. Each evening features a guest speaker—from athletes to scientists to community leaders—who offer real-world stories and encouragement. This camp is ideal for teens looking to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and make lasting friendships in the outdoors.
  • Age: For teen girls+ going into grades 7-10. 

      • Dates: June 22 - 26, 2026

      • Location: This is a week-long overnight camp. We will depart from CMCs Summer Basecamp in Golden, CO (Compass Montessori Golden). Transportation from the basecamp to and from the trailheads will be provided.  The group will camp at a private campground in Ridgeway CO for the week. 

        • Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $1,105/week, Non-Members - $1,155/week. CMC Members with a Family Membership receive $50 off. Learn about all the benefits of becoming a CMC member. 

        • Please note, if you have an individual membership and wish to sign up your child, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email. You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register your child on your account and receive the discount.

        • Course fees include instruction, shared group gear (ex: ropes), harnesses, helmets, shoes, transportation from the basecamp to/from the trailheads, snacks, and backcountry permits.

        • AT CMC, WE BELIEVE THE OUTDOORS ARE FOR ALL. If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at youth@cmc.org

        • Refund/cancellation policy: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. At least a week prior to your camp you will receive another email with more details and information about the camp. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
    Program Requirements

    This program has no scheduled activities.

    Roster
    Required Equipment

    CMC Will Provide the Following:

    • Camping Supplies (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps)
    • Cooking Supplies (stoves, fuel, coolers, dishes, utensils, etc.)
    • All Activity Supplies & Gear (climbing, hiking, etc.)
    • Food (all meals and snacks)
    • Medical/First Aid Kits
    • Safety Equipment (GPS devices, etc.)
    • Permits, maps, guidebooks

    Participant Packing List:

    If you are unable to bring any of the items below, please let us know. CMC does have extra items that we are happy to loan out for the camp.

    • Clothes (comfortable clothing for hiking and sleeping):
      • Loose fitting pants
      • Shorts (optional)
      • Tshirts and a long sleeve shirt
      • Closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes
      • Sandals – camp shoes (optional)
      • Socks and underwear
      • Sweater and/or warm layer
      • Rain jacket
      • Rain pants (optional but recommended)
      • Brimmed hat
      • Sunglasses
      • Warm hat and gloves (it can get cold at night)
      • Bandana or buff
    • Bug spray (must be labeled with participant name)
    • Sunscreen and lip balm (must be labeled with participant name)
    • Water bottles (2 Liters)
    • Backpack large enough to carry all day pack items 
    • Personal medications (inhaler, EPI pen, etc.) – please have all containers and bottles labeled and also listed on the medical forms
    • Sleeping bag (optional, CMC is able to provide one if needed)
    • Overnight toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
    • Camera (optional)

    A guardian information portal will go out a month before this program and include the packing list, daily itinerary, and more important information. if you have questions about these items before registering, reach out to YOUTH@CMC.ORG 

    Program Materials

    There are no materials for this program.