AO's Backpacking program is an introduction to basic outdoor skills. Campers will enjoy becoming part of a cohesive team and learn to support each other through challenges during a 3-day back country trip.
While exploring the wonders of Front Range Wilderness Areas, backpackers will learn to rely on themselves, each other, and nature.
Caring camp counselors with backgrounds in child development in a wilderness setting lead trips that include hiking, camp cooking, navigation, crafts, and music.
Sessions for Backpacking are 5 days long. Monday and Tuesday are day camp days. Wednesday morning we head to the backcountry until Friday afternoon.
Dates:
- Denver Trip 1: July 9 - 13 - NO MORE AVAILABILITY
- Denver Trip 2: July 16 - 20 - NO MORE AVAILABILITY
- Boulder Trip 1: July 9 - 13 - NO MORE AVAILABILITY
- Boudler Trip 2: July 16 - 20 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Rates: $450 / trip. Discounts, payment plans, and camperships are available.
Ages: Boys & Girls, 11 - 14
Times: Approx. 8:30am - 4:15pm on Monday & Tuesday. Leaving early Wednesday for the trip, returning Friday by 4:15
Download our Rates, Dates, and Discounts PDF.
Monday & Tuesday: These are our day camp days, where we hike in and around Eldorado Canyon (Boulder Trips) and in Denver Open Spaces (Denver Trips) and learn what we need to know about our trip on Wednesday.
Wednesday - Friday: First thing Wednesday morning we head up to Rocky Mountain National Park! We camp at the same site both night in places such as Boulder Brook, Big Meadows, Finch Lake, and more!
On Monday & Tuesday, campers are picked up and dropped off at the same transportation sites as the Intermediate programs (Eldorado Canyon in Boulder and Explorers in Denver)
On Wednesday, campers head off to Rocky Mountain National Park in our 15-passenger vans until Friday afternoon, when they will be dropped off at their normal spots.
Daily Transitions
The Van Starts The Day: Intro to BP days are packed full! From the moment campers get in the van, the conversation about mountain lakes, peaks and wildlife begin!
"Good Night" On The Trail: After cleaning up dinner, backpackers sit up and watch the stars come out before heading to their tents for the night. Just like in our day camp program, we sing a song or two and make sure everyone is ready for the next day.
"Good Morning" On The Trail: Chilly mornings often greet our backpackers, so a hot coco or tea makes it easier to get up and get ready for the day - a peak or lake hike on Thursday and packing up and hiking out on Friday!
Sample Session Schedule
Monday: Gear Up and Get Hiking!
Meet your counselors and group; get your backpack and fit it correctly; do team building activities; take a short, steep hike; talk about personal gear and packing lists.
Tuesday: Hike and Pack!
Spend the morning hiking a long, flat trail; return to Base Camp to learn about the tents, stoves, food and route; double-check and pack your personal gear with the group
Wednesday: Off to the High Country!
Load the van and head up to RMNP; stretch, prep and hike the few miles to camp and set up tents, stoves and sleeping bags; cook a big dinner and tell stories as the stars come out
Thursday: Hike to a Remote Lake or Peak
An early start from camp with just day packs leads to a beautiful peak or hidden lake in the park; lunch on the way; take lots of pictures; get back to the camp site early for a nap, dinner, stories, and more
Friday: Final Day and Return Home!
Cook a good breakfast; pack up gear and equipment; hike down to the van and return to Boulder/Denver; clean and return gear; say good-byes!