Summer Camps & Courses

Unplug and Explore: Your Adventure Awaits This Summer!

Registration for Summer 2026 Coming Janurary 6 2026. 

To receive email updates on our 2026 summer registration, join our email list: HERE

Summer 2026 Registration Steps:

1. Check our Summer 2026 schedule below, find your desired camp, and mark your calendars!
2. Create a CMC guest or family account, add your youth participants, and complete their youth form and waiver*. Follow our registration guide (steps 4-8) to complete this! *Note: Participants must have a completed youth form and waiver on their camper profile to register. Pro tip: do this before the registration opening date so you are ready to go when summer 2026 registration opens.
3. For our returning campers you will log into your profile and go to your youths profile. If you need to update your waiver, you will see an alert at the top of your youths profile. Your youth information form is found under the campers profile "youth form". Please review that all information is still accurate on the youth information form before registering.
4. Optional - Apply for financial assistance. If you need financial assistance to offset the cost of camps you can apply through our Financial Assistance Application. You MUST apply for financial assistance before registering. No financial assistance can be given once a camp or course has been purchased. 
5. Add your camps/courses to your cart and check out! Your spot is not secured until you have completed checkout with payment. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page first for registration assistance. Still need registration assistance or have questions? email youth@cmc.org or call 719-219-9675.

Summer 2026 Updates:  

CMC Summer Basecamp - Compass Montessori Golden - 4441 Salvia St. Golden, CO 80403

All youth camp and courses registrants should receive a pre camp/trip email at a minimum of 2-weeks before your scheduled camp time. This email will contain the parent portal with all camp and course information needed. If you have not received this email, 2 weeks prior to your camp/course, please reach out to youth@cmc.org. 

Check Out Summers 2026 Line Up:

For Elementary Schoolers - 

• Multisport Day Camp - Jr. Mountain Explorers - Grades 1-3
• Multisport Day Camp - Mountain Explorers - Grades 3-5
• Overnight - Camp Out Kids - Grades 3-5
• Day Camp - Beginner Rock Climbing - Grades 1-5
• Day Camp - Intermediate Rock Climbing - Grades 1-5

For Middle Schoolers-

• Multisport Day Camp - Mountain Leaders - Grades 6-8
• Day Camp - Beginner Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Day Camp - Intermediate Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Day Camp - Advance Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Overnight Camp - Brainard Lake Hut Trip - Grades 6-8
• Overnight Course - Moab Adventure - Grades 7-10
• Overnight Course -14ers Hiking & Camping - Grades 8-12 
• Overnight Course - Fresh Air & Friends - Grades 7-10

For High Schoolers -

• Day Camp - Beginner Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Day Camp - Intermediate Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Day Camp - Advance Rock Climbing - Grades 6-12
• Overnight Course- Moab Adventure - Grades 7-10
• Overnight Couse - 14ers Hiking & Camping - Grades 8-12 
• Overnight Course - Backpacking - Grades 9-12
• Overnight Course - Fresh Air & Friends - Grades 7-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Jr. Mountain Explorers

Multisport day camp

grades 1-3

Make the most of your summer and explore Colorado’s diverse natural environments! Each day of this week-long day camp offers a new experience and setting! Explore Colorado's mountains, creeks, lakes, valleys, and cliffsides, while learning ecology, team building, indoor and outdoor rock-climbing, hiking, wilderness survival, fossils and more! This camp is filled with 35 hours of fun over 5 days. Jr. Mountain Explorers is an incredible opportunity for 1st-3rd graders to explore the outdoors and the beautiful state of Colorado! 

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Wilderness Survival - Introduction
10 Essentials,  Leave No Trace Principles, Shelter Building, Fire Building

Day 2: Mountaineering - Basecamp Day
Teambuilding, Slacklining, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying)

Day 3: Outdoor Rock Climbing 
Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques

Day 4: Colorado Ecology Day
Stream Ecology, Colorado Mammals, Flora & Fauna, Nature Exploration

Day 5: Colorado Fossil Day 
Dinosaur Ridge Hiking, Fossil Activities, and Geology

All camps depart from CMCs YP Summer base camp @ Compass Montessori Golden

Session 2 (9AM-4PM)

JuLY 6-10, 2026

1st-3rd Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Session 3 (9AM-4PM)

August 3-7, 2026

1st-3rd Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Session 4 (9AM-4PM)

August 10-14, 2026

1st-3rd Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Mountain Explorers

Multisport day camp

grades 3-5

Make the most of your summer and explore Colorado’s diverse natural environments! Each day of this week-long day camp offers a new experience and setting for 3rd-5th graders! Rock climb on outdoor cliffs, explore the alpine ecosystem, and learn wilderness survival skills in the mountains! This camp is filled with 35 hours of fun over 5 days. Explore and adventure throughout Colorado's front range, make new friends, and learn new outdoor skills. We can’t think of a better way to spend your summer! 

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Wilderness Survival - Level 1
10 Essentials,  Leave No Trace Principles, Back Country Cooking, Maps & Compass

Day 2: Mountaineering - Basecamp Day
Teambuilding, Slacklining, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying)

Day 3: Outdoor Rock Climbing 
Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques

Day 4: Alpine Exploration
Snow Travel, Snow Safety Education & Games, Nature Exploration

Day 5: Special Activity Day 
Challenge Course or Paddle Boarding - Varies by Session

All camps depart from CMCs YP Summer base camp @ Compass Montessori Golden

Session 3 (9AM-4PM)

july 20-24, 2026

3rd - 5th Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Session 4 (9AM-4PM)

August 10-14, 2026

3rd - 5th Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Mountain Leaders

Multisport day camp

grades 6-8

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a week of thrilling mountain adventures and skill-building! Experience the exhilaration of outdoor rock climbing, practice wilderness first aid, and acquire survival skills while exploring new environments. Navigate through orienteering challenges, learn snow/glacier travel techniques, and gain insights into your leadership style. Get ready for an unforgettable week of adventure, discovery, and growth!

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Wilderness Survival - Level 2
10 Essentials,  Leave No Trace Principles, Wilderness First Aid, Geocaching/Navigation

Day 2: Mountaineering - Basecamp Day
Teambuilding, Slacklining, Intro to Rock Climbing (equipment, communication, knot-tying)

Day 3: Outdoor Rock Climbing 
Safety Checks, Knot Tying, Outdoor Climbing Safety and Etiquette, Climbing Techniques

Day 4: Alpine Exploration
Snow/Glacier Travel, Snow Safety Education & Challenges, Leadership Exploration

Day 5: Special Activity Day 
Paddle Boarding and Water Activities

Session 2 (9AM-4PM)

July 27-31, 2026

6th - 8th Grade

35 Hours of Camp Time

Family Membership $648 ; non-Members $698

DETAILS & REGISTRATION - COming soon!

Beginner Rock Climbing

Single Sport day camp

GRADES 1-12

Want to try something new this summer? Have you wanted to try rock climbing, but don't know where to start? Maybe you’ve seen rock climbers outside and wondered “how do they get the rope up there”? If you answered yes to any of these questions or are simply looking for the best rock climbing camp in Colorado, then this is the program for you! This course is geared towards beginners with little or no experience who want to learn the difference between indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Our qualified instructors will teach you about the gear and how to use it, climbing techniques to help you scale vertical walls, and technical skills like top rope belaying (grades 6-12) and knot tying. Each day, we will visit a new location. The first day will be spent on our indoor climbing wall, while the remaining four days will take place at outdoor climbing locations throughout the Front Range. Challenge yourself, make new friends, and explore our beautiful state! Youth who participate in this course will gain the skills and confidence to join our intermediate climbing courses later in the summer. 

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Introduction to Climbing & Mountaineering - Indoors
Intro to Rock Climbing, Teambuilding, Slacklining, Bouldering

Day 2: Outdoor Climbing 
Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, “Crag” Ethics, Leave No Trace Principles

Day 3: Outdoor Climbing
Outdoor Rock Climbing, Intro to Belaying (grades 6-12), Intro to knot tying

Day 4: Outdoor Climbing 
Outdoor Rock Climbing, Belay & Knot Practice, Climbing games

Day 5: Outdoor Climbing
Outdoor Rock Climbing & Introduction to Rappelling

Intermediate Rock Climbing

Single Sport day camp

GRADES 1-12

Join us for an exhilarating week of pushing limits, conquering challenging climbs, and mastering advanced climbing techniques. Led by skilled, experienced instructors, each day takes you to breathtaking outdoor locations along the Front Range, while unraveling the secrets of overhangs, faces, cracks, and slabs. We’ll start the week by checking off our basic climbing skills (belaying for grades 3+), before diving into the world of intermediate climbing. Learn the differences between traditional and sport climbing as well what it takes to lead sport routes (grades 6+). This isn't your average summer camp; it's a week of adrenaline-pumping challenges, camaraderie, and skill elevation. Gear up for an unforgettable journey into new heights! Previous climbing experience is required. 

Participants of this course MUST have a minimum of a top rope belay certification from a climbing gym OR have taken a CMC youth climbing class. If you are unsure if you qualify, or believe your camper is the right fit for this camp, please email youth@cmc.org with any questions. 

Camp Out Kids

Overnight camp

GRADES 3-5

Camp Out Kids is the perfect introduction to camping and overnight trips for the young outdoor enthusiast. On this three-day, two-night camping trip, you will learn to pitch a tent, build a fire, cook your very own camp meals, and more! This program is a great stepping stone to our longer overnight backpacking, climbing, and camping trips. Don’t forget the S'mores and camp stories! We can't wait to see you there!

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Campsite & Hiking
Camping Orientation & Set Up, Nature Hike, Wilderness Survival

Day 2: Outdoor Rock Climbing 
Outdoor Rock Climbing, Nature Hike, Climbing Games

Day 3: Colorado Ecology
Campsite breakdown, Stream Ecology, Colorado Mammals 

Brainard lake hut trip

Overnight camp

GRADES 6-8

Stay overnight in the historic CMC Hut and wake up to breathtaking views of Pawnee Peak and Mount Audubon, and of course Brainard Lake. During the day, explore beautiful Brainard Lake and the surrounding area's. Finish your day telling stories, eating delicious food, and playing games around the fire with new friends!

Sample Itinerary: 
Day 1: Hut Trip 101
Prep/Travel, Hut Orientation & Set Up, Nature Hike

Day 2: Wilderness Survival & Ecology
Fire building, Wilderness First Aid, Stream Ecology

Day 3: Team Challenge 
Nature Hike, Team Building, Orienteering & Navigation 

Day 4: Nature Exploration & Mindfulness
Nature Mindfulness Activities, Debrief, Pack/Travel

Backpacking - Flat Tops Wilderness 

Overnight backcountry course

GRADES 9-12

The Blanco Ranger District and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area have some of the most iconic trails in Colorado. This summer, join the Youth Programs team and take on a 30-mile loop in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Hike across meadows and lakes, summit peaks, and build friendships, all while learning the skills necessary for backcountry travel and navigation. You will develop newfound confidence, gain leadership experience, discover how to lead a team, and experience the magic of life on the trail. As the week progresses, you will move from being guided by instructors to working/collaborating with your peers to guide your group. 

Moab Adventure - rock to river

Overnight multisport adventure course

GRADES 7-10

Experience the unmatched beauty of Moab's Red Rock Deserts. This multisport overnight camp offers a new adventure each day where you will get to rock climb on towering sandstone cliffs, raft white water in majestic canyons, hike through otherworldly landscapes, and more! Spend each night camping under the stars, cooking camp meals, and hanging around the camp with friends. If you are looking for an action-packed adventure this summer, do not miss this camp! 

14ers - Hiking & Camping

Overnight Hiking course

GRADES 8-12

Get ready for an epic adventure with our 14ers course—a week-long course designed for 8th to 12th grade students to gradually build the skills, strength, and confidence needed to summit a 14,000-foot peak in the stunning Colorado Rockies. Over four days, participants will hike and camp at progressively higher elevations, learning outdoor skills, teamwork, and wilderness safety as they work their way up the mountain. Each day brings new challenges and breathtaking views, culminating in the unforgettable experience of standing on top of a Fourteener. Join us for a transformative journey through the wild heart of the Colorado Mountains, where you'll push your limits, conquer new heights, and create memories that last a lifetime

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

At CMC, we believe the outdoors are for all.

We will start accepting financial assistance applications for summer 2026 on December 22, 2026. 

• 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.

• Are you a DPS middle school student? We accept My Spark for summer camps! Click here for more information

You MUST apply for financial assistance before registering. No financial assistance can be given once a camp or course has been purchased. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is CMCs Summer Camp Basecamp for Summer 2026?
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances and timelines at CMCs new facility our summer camp basecamp will be hosted at Compass Montessori - Golden.
  • Compass Montessori - Golden: 4441 Salvia St. Golden, CO 80403

• Where does camp check in and check out? 
  • Day camps start and end at CMCs Summer Basecamp. Compass Montessori - Golden
  • Overnight camps start at and return to the CMC Basecamp.

• How does the Check in/out process work?
  •  Check in runs from 8:45am –9:15am at Summer Basecamp.
  • Check out runs from 3:45-4:15pm at Summer Basecamp. 
  • You MUST check your student in and out with a CMC staff member each day, unless other arrangements have been approved with a CMC staff member.
  • The person checking out the camper must be listed on their pick up list and have a photo ID. 
• What does a camper need to bring to camp? 
  • A full packing list will be sent at least one week before your first day of camp. 
  • Day campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and shoes for outdoor activities.  Please bring a day pack, sun protection, at least one-liter of water in a water bottle, rain and cool layers, and anything else necessary to stay happy and healthy outdoors.  CMC will provide a morning snack, but lunch and other snacks should be brought by the camper. 
  • Overnight camps will provide a detailed list of clothing and gear to be brought by the camper.  Most specialized gear will be provided by CMC unless otherwise noted.  Meals and snacks are included in overnight camps.

• What are the ages for CMC Youth Program 2026 camps?  

  • All ages are listed on the camp registration links above. CMC separates camp ages by grade level in school. The grade that the student will be going into in Fall 2026 is what we consider their grade level for the summer. 

• What if I cannot register because the system says my student is too young, although they are in the right incoming grade? 
  • A CMC Youth Programs staff will need to help you with this registration problem. Please email us at youth@cmc.org.

• Can a camper be grouped with a friend? 
  • While we can’t guarantee this, we will do our best to accommodate friend requests if space is available and if any request is mutual among the campers.  Please put your friend request into your registration when prompted. 

• Is there a camp during the week of July 4th? 

  • Yes, these camps will be 3-4 days long. There will be no camp day on July 3, 2026.

• How do I register a camper for camp? 
  • Follow our step by step registration guide! and review the top of this page for more registration details.
    • Summer 2025 Registration Guide

• What paperwork needs to be filled out? 
  • When you join as a Family Membership or a Guest Membership, an acknowledgement of risk and waiver will be required.  This form will be electronic.  When you add a family member that is under 18 the website will prompt you to complete a youth form and youth waiver.  This will request contact information, addresses, emergency information, and request that you upload medical forms including medication and immunization information (if you don’t have this information available you may put a placeholder for the uploads and return to edit your account with the medical information – but you must upload the medical information to attend the camp!). 

• How do I register if I don’t yet have the required medical forms? 
  • If you are awaiting receipt of the medical forms needed to be uploaded and don’t yet have them you can still register a camper!  Simply upload a “placeholder” document in the Youth Form section.  The website will allow you to edit this section and when the medical forms are received go ahead and replace the placeholder with the correct documents.  Don’t forget!  The medical information must be uploaded, or your camper will not be allowed to attend.  

• What happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full? 
  • Join the wait list option on the website.  Even better, find a camp with openings and register there! 
  • We highly encourage people to sign up for the waitlist. If we are available to open more camps we try to open an additional camp session that has the most people on the waitlist.

• What happens if a camper is on the waitlist and spaces open? 
  • You will be notified that the camp is now offered to you. You will need to go in and complete registration by paying the registration amount. 

• Does CMC offer financial assistance for camp? 

  • CMC Youth Programs believe in outdoor education for all Colorado youth. Financial assistance is designed to make our programming more accessible to families. Applications are prioritized based on need and availability of funds.  If you have more than one child, please fill out a separate application for each child. We will contact you directly for any missing information and/or to let you know when award decisions have been made. 

    You may submit your application at any time after December 22 2026, funds will be allocated on a rolling basis. 

    Click Here to Apply

• What are the cancellation and refund policies? 
  • Please refer to our cancelation policy here: https://www.cmc.org/about/cancellation-and-refund-policy 

• How are serious allergies and medications dealt with at camp? 

  • As part of the registration process, you will complete medical forms that include inquiries about health history and allergies.  All medications (OTC or prescription), inhalers, or EpiPens should be given to CMC staff on the first day of check in and taken home by the camper on Friday. All medications taken during camp need to be prescribe to the individual camper, be in its original packaging, and have the appropriate form submitted with it. All CMC staff are trained in how to use an EpiPen, inhalers, and administering medicine if needed.  If you have additional questions, please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@cmc.org.  

    Any student who needs to carry an Epi Pen, inhaler, prescription medications, or over the counter medications, MUST have the following forms submitted: 

    Allergy Care Plan Form

    Asthma Care Plan Form 

    Medication Administration Form 

• How can I make sure the correct person is picking up my camper? 
  • The registration page permits you to identify specific individuals to whom your camper may be released.  Any person picking up your camper must identify themselves and match an individual on the list created by you.  This pick-up list can be changed on your profile, in your youth forms, or when you drop your camper off during check in.  

• What requirements are in place for staff members? 
  • CMC Youth Programs staff and instructors are experienced and trained educators.  Each staff member is certified in either Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder as well as CPR. CMC camps are licensed by the State of Colorado.  Every staff member has received  the required trainings as mandated by our license.  In addition, each staff member background checked and fingerprinted.  We believe in high quality outdoor education, all staff and instructors receive regular training in teaching methods, group management, outdoor skills, and more.

• What if the weather conditions are bad? 
  • All field days have a weather backup plan. For all of our day camp programs, all camps will return to the basecamp for indoor games and activities. For our overnight programs, our staff are trained to assess the situation and determine the safest options to seek shelter whether it be their tent, our vehicles, or a nearby shelter.