2025 Summer Camp Registrations are Open!

Registration is OPEN for NWDC 2025 summer camps from March 1 to July 23. This year the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center has 7 signature camps with plenty of new adventures built into the curriculum, so even students who have attended camp before can look forward to something new! Among the youth’s favorite camps are our Raptor Camps and Fish Tales Camp. Our staff of trained and highly qualified outdoor camp guides lead multi-day camps from mid-June through the end of July.

We have brought back the “sibling special” so that more children can enjoy our camps than ever before! The first sibling is full price, and each additional sibling registered afterward is 10% off full price!

For every sibling after the first, use discount code: SIB10

We offer scholarships for families who request them and demonstrate a need for financial support for their children to participate.
If you are applying for a scholarship, please complete the following steps:

  • Step 1: Register for your desired camp(s).
  • Step 2: Pay the $50 scholarship application fee upon completing registration (or discounted fee if applicable).
  • Step 3: Submit the Summer Camp Scholarship Application.
    • Please submit one scholarship form for every child for whom you are requesting a scholarship.
    • Example: If you have two children applying for camp scholarships, please submit the form twice.
    • Thank you!

To make finding the right summer camp(s) easier, they are organized in the sections below. Links to register for open camps are included in each section and also are listed chronologically at the bottom of this page.

Note: Each summer camp registration closes at 5 pm the Wednesday before the camp begins. For example: Registration for Wings & Wonders closes at 5 pm on June 4th, and the camp begins on June 9th.

Questions? Check out our “Introduction to NWDC Summer Camps” video below! You may also call (719) 485-4444 ext. 2000 or email programs@hikeandlearn.org

Day Camp Summaries

  • Wings & Wonders — Your child will embark on an exciting journey of discovery across both NWDC campuses during this one-of-a-kind camp! They’ll dive into the fascinating world of modern-day dinosaurs—birds! Our expert rangers will reveal how animals navigate using their own internal compass, and teach your child to do the same. They’ll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wildlife rehabilitation, plus so much more! With plenty of hands-on activities, nature hikes, and opportunities to explore diverse bird species, it’s the perfect adventure for curious minds. Join us for an unforgettable, fun-filled experience!
    • Grades: 4 – 6
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo) and Mountain Campus (Beulah)
    • Dates: June 9 – 13, 2025
  • Raptor Camp — Is your child passionate about birds of prey? During this camp, your child will gain firsthand experience in the operation of a wildlife rehabilitation facility and delve into the intricacies of caring for and understanding these remarkable birds. With limited spots—just 9 participants—this premier day camp is in high demand. Secure a spot EARLY, and join NWDC for an unforgettable adventure!
    • Grades: 4 – 6
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: June 16 – 20, 2025
  • Fish Tales Camp — Let your child craft their very own fishing tale during NWDC’s beginners’ fishing camp! By camps’ end, they will master the essentials of fishing, knot tying, fish identification, and tackle box packing. We will also embark on an exciting tour of our state’s fish hatchery. Join us for a “reel-y” good time as we partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to make this fishing experience a true catch!
    • Grades: 3 – 6
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo) and travel to other sites
    • Dates: June 23 – 27, 2025
  • Raptor Naturalist Camp — Elevate your child’s experience with our Raptor Naturalist Camp! Campers will undergo special training to handle a bird of prey and learn how to publicly speak on its captivating story with others. The grand finale of this camp includes presentations by our newly minted Raptor Junior Naturalists. This exclusive camp—limited to only 8 participants—is a highly sought-after opportunity. Please secure your child’s spot EARLY for an experience like no other!
    • Grades: 7 – 10
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: July 7 – 11, 2025
  • Nature Explorers Day Camp — Nature Explorers Day Camp is designed to introduce your little one to the wonders of the great outdoors. They will learn outdoor preparedness skills, forge connections with the natural world, and discover true adventure on the banks of the Arkansas at our River Campus. This camp is the perfect introduction to the beauty and excitement that nature has to offer! The youngest age we can accept is age 5.
    • Grades: Kindergarten – 2 (ages 5 and above)
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: July 14 – 18, 2025

Overnight Camp Summaries

  • Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp — Experience the ultimate thrill of outdoor adventure at both our River Campus and Mountain Campus. This camp is a fresh addition to our lineup this year, with a seamless blend of day and overnight adventures. Your child will experience two whole days of fly fishing with expert instruction from Trout Unlimited as well as the opportunity to “hit the target” with the skill of archery. They will also travel to Beulah with our NWDC Rangers to gain outdoor survival skills, hike the historic trails of  Pueblo Mountain Park, and stay overnight at the Horseshoe Lodge. Get ready for a dynamic and unforgettable journey into the heart of outdoor exploration!
    • Grades: 6 – 9
    • Location: Both Campuses and off-site locations
    • Dates: July 21 – 25, 2025
  • Mission Wolf Camp — During this camp, your child will forge meaningful connections with the resident wolves at the Mission: Wolf Sanctuary, lend a helping hand through volunteer work, and delve into the vital role these beautiful creatures play in their ecosystem. This overnight adventure includes camp-outs under the stars of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range while we are serenaded to sleep by the gentle and haunting melodies of the wolves. This is an immersive experience that combines personal connection, conservation, and the magic of the great outdoors.
    • Grades: 7 – 10
    • Location: Westcliffe
    • Dates: July 28 – 31, 2025

All Summer Camps Calendar

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Day Camps Calendar

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Overnight Camps Calendar

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Wings & Wonders Day Camp 2025 (4-6 Grade)

June 9 - 13, 2025
River Campus & Mountain Campus
Wings & Wonders Day Camp Campers entering 4th-6th: Your child will embark on an exciting journey of discovery across both NWDC campuses during this one-of-a-kind camp! They’ll dive into the fascinating world of modern-day dinosaurs—birds! Our expert rangers will reveal how animals navigate using their own internal compass, and teach your child to do the same. They'll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wildlife rehabilitation, plus so much more! With plenty of hands-on activities, nature hikes, and opportunities to explore diverse bird species, it’s the perfect adventure for curious minds. Join us for an unforgettable, fun-filled experience! Camp location details:…

Raptor Day Camp 2025 (4-6 grade)

June 16 - 20, 2025
River Campus & Raptor Center
Raptor Day Camp Campers entering 4th-6th: Student must have graduated 3rd grade and be at least 9 years old. Wild about birds of prey? Spend a week among these magnificent creatures. Experience what it takes to operate a wildlife rehabilitation facility. This premier camp is very popular and limited to 9 participants so register early! NEW ADVENTURES this year!! What's included in the price? -5 fun filled days spent around the Birds of Prey & Nature exploration. -Behind the scenes look at our Raptor Center Facility. -Unforgettable memories with our resident raptors. -NWDC Camp T-shirt Please note: There are other…

Fish Tales Day Camp 2025 (3-6 Grade)

June 23 - 27, 2025
River Campus
Fish Tales Fishing Camp!  Campers entering 3rd-6th: Let your child craft their very own fishing tale during NWDC’s beginners' fishing camp! By camps’ end, they will master the essentials of fishing, knot tying, fish identification, and tackle box packing. We will also embark on an exciting tour of our state's fish hatchery. Join us for a “reel-y” good time as we partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to make this fishing experience a true catch! This camp is a community favorite! Spots are limited and fill quickly! Sign up today! Camp location details: This camp will take place at our River…

Raptor Naturalist Day Camp 2025 (7-10 Grade)

July 7 - 11, 2025
River Campus & Raptor Center
  Raptor Naturalist Day Camp Campers entering 7th-10th: Students must have graduated 6th grade and be at least 11 years old. This camp takes our Raptor Camp to the next level! Elevate your child’s experience with our Raptor Naturalist Camp! Campers will undergo special training to handle a bird of prey and learn how to publicly speak on its captivating story with others. The grand finale of this camp includes presentations by our newly minted Raptor Junior Naturalists! This exclusive camp, limited to just 8 participants, is a sought-after opportunity, so please secure your child’s spot EARLY for an experience…

Nature Explorers Day Camp 2025 (k-2 grade)

July 14 - 18, 2025
River Campus
Spend five days exploring the wonders of the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center- River Campus!

Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp 2025 (6-9 grade)

July 21 - 25, 2025
River Campus, Mountain Campus and Off-site locations
Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp Campers entering 6-9 grade: Student must have graduated 5th grade and be at least 11 years old. New this year! Experience the ultimate thrill of outdoor adventure at both our River Campus and Mountain Campus. This camp is a fresh addition to our lineup this year, with a seamless blend of day and overnight adventures. Your child will experience two whole days of fly fishing along the Arkansas River with expert instruction from Trout Unlimited & The Drift Fly Shop. They will have the opportunity to “hit the target” with the skill of archery. Then,…

Mission: Wolf Overnight Camp 2025 (7-10 Grade)

July 28 - 31, 2025
Offsite -Mission: Wolf Sanctuary
Mission: Wolf Overnight Camp Campers entering 7th-10th: Student must have graduated 6th grade and be at least 12 years old. Spend time with the resident wolves of the Mission: Wolf Sanctuary, volunteer to support this wonderful organization, and learn all about the role wolves play in ecosystems. Camp beneath the stars as the wolves gently sing us to sleep in the majestic Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range. Camp location-Mission: Wolf Sanctuary. Click the link below for more information on Mission Wolf: https://www.missionwolf.org/mission What's included in the price? - Mission Wolf Caretaker Membership (https://www.missionwolf.org/become-a-wolf-caretaker) -All Meals & Snacks for Days 2-4…

Nature Camp Handbook

2024 Camp Handbook front page

Our Nature Camp Handbook includes important information for you to review before you child attends any of our summer or nature camps. For example, the Handbook covers our  cancelation policy, medication policy, and drop off and pick up information. The Camp Agreement, which is included, is required for all campers. Please click below to download and review it in full. 

Download Handbook

Program Philosophy 

Our primary goal at NWDC is to create an atmosphere in which each camper and staff member builds care and love for nature and themselves while learning something new about wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor recreation. We want campers and staff to return to NWDC year after year to achieve this goal, as well as other goals relating to a child’s growth and development. It is most important to point all efforts at camp toward creating a safe, enjoyable, challenging, educational, and fun experience. This experience should be filled with opportunities for all.