Brainard Lake Overnight Hut Trip - 2026 Session 1

Youth Program

Brainard Lake Overnight Hut Trip

On this overnight trip, middle school-aged youth will explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of Brainard Lake Recreation area spending 3 nights and 4 days staying at the CMC Brainard Lake Hut.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Brainard Lake Recreation area! Spend 3 nights and 4 days at the CMC Brainard Lake Hut. You will spend the days exploring the trails around Brainard Lake. At night, you will enjoy time in the hut, sitting by the fire, cooking on an old stove, reading books, or playing games with your new friends. No previous camping or hiking experience required. 
  • Age: For youth going into grades 6-8. 

      • Dates: July 13 - 16, 2026

      • Location: This is a 4 day 3 night 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 along the trail at designated backcountry campsites.

        • Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $730/week, Non-Members - $780/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

    Participant Packing List:

    If you are unable to bring any of the items below, please let us know. CMC does have a few 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 bottle 
    • Backpack large enough to carry all personal items on this list (CMC is able to provide one if needed)
    • 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, *please note: there are no bathing facilities)
    • Mask (optional)
    • Camera (optional)

    CMC will provide:

    • Cooking Supplies (stoves, fuel, coolers, dishes, utensils, etc.)
    • Food (all meals and snacks)
    • Medical/First Aid Kits
    • Safety Equipment (GPS devices, etc.)
    • Permits, maps, guidebooks
    • Transportation from Golden to/from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    • Sleeping bags and large backpacks if needed
    • Extra clothing/gear if needed

    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

    You must register for this program to see program materials.