2024 Summer Camp Registrations are Open!

Registrations for our 2024 summer camps are open beginning March 1. The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center offers a variety of summer camps for children grades kindergarten to 10. 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 first week of August.

This year we have 3 NEW camps and have incorporated a “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! Discount code: SIB10

We offer limited availability scholarships for parents/guardians who request them and demonstrate a need for financial support for their children to participate.

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 Wandering with the Warblers closes at 5 pm on June 5th, and the camp begins on June 10th.

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

  • Wandering with the Warblers — Ever wondered what a Warbler is? In this camp, we’ll get down to the basics of our modern dinosaurs – birds! Our rangers will show your child how animals have their own internal compass, and we’ll teach them to use their own compass too. It’s all about hands-on explorative hikes and discovering cool bird species along the way. Join us for a fun and down-to-earth adventure!
    • Grades: 4 – 5
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo) and Mountain Campus (Beulah)
    • Dates: June 10 – 14, 2024
  • 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. This premier day camp is very popular and limited to only 6 participants.
    • Grades: 4 – 6
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: June 17 – 21, 2024
  • 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! This day camp limited to 13 participants.
    • Grades: 3 – 5
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo) and travel to other sites
    • Dates: June 24 – 28, 2024
  • 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 premier day camp is very popular and is limited to only 6 participants.
    • Grades: 7 – 10
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: July 8 – 12, 2024
  • Discovery Day Camp — During Discovery Day camp, your child will embark on five days of adventure immersed in the marvels of the NWDC River Campus and Mountain Campus! Our rangers will lead them through a diverse range of activities, from invigorating hikes and water play to captivating raptor programs. We will also engage them in lively movement games, teach them nature-inspired songs, and unleash their creativity with crafts. This camp is a dynamic  exploration of the great outdoors that promises excitement and discovery at every turn.
    • Grades: 1 – 2
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo) and Mountain Campus (Beulah)
    • Dates: July 22 – 26, 2024
  • 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!
    • Grades: Kindergarten – 2
    • Location: NWDC River Campus (Pueblo)
    • Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2024

Overnight Camp Summaries

  • Novice 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: 6 – 8
    • Location: Westcliffe
    • Dates: June 10 – 13, 2024
  • Outdoor Skills & Escapades Camp — 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 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 to gain outdoor survival skills, hike the 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 15 – 19, 2024
  • Advanced Mission Wolf Camp — Mission: Wolf Advanced Overnight Camp promises transformative experiences for every participant. Your child will gain insight into the inner workings of a wolf sanctuary, contribute as a volunteer to support this meaningful organization, and even participate in meal preparation for the wolves. Each night, we will camp beneath the stars of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as the resident wolves at the sanctuary serenade us to sleep. To enroll in our advanced Mission Wolf Overnight Camp, we require prior overnight camp experience, either previously with NWDC or another organization.
    • Grades: 7 – 10
    • Location: Westcliffe
    • Dates: July 29 – August 1, 2024

All Summer Camps Calendar

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Day Camps Calendar

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Overnight Camps Calendar

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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.