Sleep Away Camp: In Detail

Program Highlights

Activity Paths: Developing independence & having choices are important for growth. At AO, campers will choose interests and activity paths to focus on while at camp. Activity Paths include hiking & backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking & kayaking.

Evening Program: The fun doesn't stop at the end of the day. After dinner, campers will participate in film making, fine arts, performing and all-camp events.

Horseback Riding and Rafting: Campers have the option to participate in a day of horseback riding or rafting along the scenic trails and rivers of the Rockies.

High Ropes Course and Teambuilding: One of the best things about camp is the friends that are made in a community that promotes cooperation and encouragement. At AO, campers will participate in teambuilding through a high ropes course and teambuilding initiatives.

Hot Springs Pool: Everyone looks forward to fun and relaxation during the summer. At AO, campers will play and relax in Silver Cliff Ranch's hot springs fed pool.

Camp Living: Camp is a blend of rustic and comfortable. Campers will live in groups of six, in clean, bright cabins with bathrooms. Meals are family-style in the Dining Room. Campers also have time to spend in the Lodge, Gymnasium and Game Rooms.

  • Head out on horseback in the Collegiate Peaks!
  • ...and heading back after exploring and playing on horseback.
  • We'll get out on the ropes course for some team building!
  • Older campers have opportunities to kayak...
  • First on flat water and, when they are ready, on appropriate moving water.
  • The pool is always warm - 93 degrees - from the hot springs!
  • Ready for some crazy jumps and dives!
  • There is amazing hiking on-site and just minutes away.
  • We'll even fish!
  • And everyone has a chance to challenge themselves climbing and rappelling...
  • ... the Arkansas River Valley is great for climbers of all abilities!

 

They loved the camp so much last year they have been very insistent on doing it again this year!

- Susanne, mother of 2 AO day campers

We feel that this camp has set a new high standard for summer and seasonal day camps in Boulder County. When they come home with dirt everywhere and a smile on their faces, we love it even more.

- Wade & Patty, parents of two AO campers since 2007

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We are excited to offer a "sleep away camp" experience for campers ages 7 - 16.  Nestled in the Collegiate Peaks of the Rockies, AO Silver Cliff Ranch offers campers opportunities for adventure, friendship and fun in an environment with spectacular views and natural features.

Campers will choose from many activities and work with their cabin group to build skills and teamwork. 

Campers can explore their interests through exciting activities, including horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking, kayaking, mountain biking, fine arts, film making and performing arts.

Located at the base of Mt. Princeton in the Collegiate Peaks, AO Silver Cliff Ranch provides opportunities for adventure and outdoor recreation, and allows campers to take advantage of all that a summer in the Rocky Mountains has to offer.

At the start and end of each session, AO will provide free transportation between Boulder, Denver and camp a few hours away. Families are welcome to drive their children up to camp, if they'd like, but transportation is included in all camp fees.

As in all of our programs, camp starts when you get on the bus!

AO Silver Cliff Ranch Sleep Away Camp sessions:

  • 2-week session for ages 7 - 16:
    Sunday, July 29 - Friday, August 10
    Cost: 13 days / 12 nights of camp for $1680 
  • 1-week session for ages 7 - 9:
    Sunday, July 29 - Friday, August 3
    Cost: 6 days / 5 nights of camp for $740  
  • 1-week session for ages 7 - 9:
    Sunday, August 5 - Friday, August 10
    Cost: 6 days / 5 nights of camp for $740

Camp fees shown include all room and board, transportation and most programming. Campers choosing extra horseback riding, kayaking or rafting may have additional charges, so please contact us for details.

Download our Rates, Dates, and Discounts PDF.

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Sample Daily Schedule:

7:15-8:00 Wake-Up & Cabin Clean-up
8:00-8:45 Breakfast & Announcements
8:45-9:30 Camp Chores
9:30-12:30 Activity Paths
12:30-1:15 Lunch & Announcements
1:15-2:15 Rest Hour
2:15-4:15 Cabin Activities / Activity Paths
4:15-6:00 Lodge & Meadow Games
6:00-7:00 Dinner & Announcements
7:30-9:00 Evening Arts or All-Camp Event
9:00-9:30 Friendship Circle & Recognition
9:30-10:00 Cabin Time
10:00 Lights Out

Daily Transitions

Rise and Shine: Each day begins with waking up amongst the pines and aspens of the mountains and having breakfast, served family style, in the dining hall. Campers will join with their cabin as they fuel up for the morning's activities.

Midday Break: After morning activities, campers will meet for a hearty lunch and then head back to their cabin for relaxation and rest hour to re-energize for afternoon activities.

Afternoon Games: Afternoon activities end with games in the meadow and lodge before setting off for dinner.

Dinner Time: At dinner, the evenings activities are announced and campers prepare to enjoy themselves during evening arts programs, including film making, fine arts or performing arts. Campers will also participate in special all-camp events in the evenings.

Before Bed: After evening program, it's time to wind down the day as a cabin group, sharing events of the day and preparing for a good night's rest.

Sample Session Schedule

Week 1:

Sunday: Welcome!
Meet your counselor and cabin group; all-camp orientation; create a code of living; opening ceremony

Monday: Team Building
Activity path sign-up; teambuilding and high ropes course; evening arts

Tuesday: Getting into the Activity Paths
Activity paths; horseback riding; cabin group activities; evening arts

Wednesday: Days (and maybe nights!) on the "trail"
Activity paths; cabin group activities; all-camp event; out-camp trips

Thursday: Settling in to camp life!
Activity paths; cabin group activities; evening arts

Friday: Evening Arts!
Activity paths; trips return; cabin group activities; evening arts

Saturday: All Camp Afternoon!
Activity paths; cabin group activities; all-camp event

Week 2:

Sunday: Challenge Day
All-camp challenge day; rafting; activity path sign-up; evening arts

Monday: Back into Activities
Activity paths; cabin group activities; evening arts

Tuesday: Heading Out Again!
Activity paths; cabin group activities; out-camp trips; evening arts

Wednesday: More great program!
Activity paths; cabin group activities; all-camp event

Thursday: Closing Evening
Activity paths; closing ceremony

Friday: Return Home
Pack; hop on the bus home