Explorers: In Detail

Program Highlights

Authentic Nature-Based Activities: In all areas of our program, we promote opportunities for learning about and interacting directly with the natural environment.

Choice: Each day at AO has a consistent structure and routine, but no day is typical. Two-week sessions allow Cabin Groups to experience activities that build on each other and help guide campers through a developmental process.

Team Building: Each day, counselors present cabin groups with age- and ability- appropriate team building challenges. Campers embrace and conquer these challenges using critical thinking and problem solving skills with their camp friends.

Hiking: We hike & explore trails in places such as Cherry Creek State Park, Rocky Mountain Arsenal & Eldorado Canyon. With at least 2 staff per group, campers are taught Leave No Trace ethics, hiking techniques, trail etiquette and trail games.

Climbing: By the 2nd week of a session, cabin groups are ready to climb & support each other while top-roping in Eldorado Canyon under the supervision of an AMGA Certified Guide. Campers may also climb Altogether Outdoor's 26-foot portable rock climbing tower.

Swimming: Once a week we cool off at Stapleton's F15 pool! Once campers participate in a swim skills evaluation, they are free to swim in the appropriate areas of the pool!

In the Water: Many of our activities involve reservoirs and creeks. Activities in these areas include: fishing, panning for gold & ‘creek stomping’. Activities are allowed when the water is calm and personal floatation devices are worn.

  • It all starts the "cabin group" and goes from there...
  • Campers name their cabins & decide on what they want out of the session.
  • Check out the Killer Wildcats magnetic shield for the bus!
  • And one session's Time Capsule!
  • We'll do some team building games where we actually build something

 

I want you to know Anna is having the best time and she loves every single day. At home we also see improvements in her eating and her desire to communicate she never stops talking and she is so tired at the end of the day just how it should be!

- Ene, mother of twin girls at camp

I just wanted to express my sincere thanks for a great job you and your staff are doing at AO! Chris is having a great time and has really gotten to make and do some cool things. Please know that we appreciate all you've done and plan on signing up again!

- Shannon, mother of Chris

Just wanted to let you know again what a wonderful session these last 2 weeks have been. Meghan learned a ton, came home tired, dirty and happy! What more could I ask for? Please let Karin know Meghan enjoyed her very much. Thanks again!

- Rich and Lori

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Based in Stapleton, this program is very popular - so sign up early! We've found amazing natural spaces to explore - the National Wildlife Refuge, Eldorado Canyon, Morrison Nature Center and more!

Small groups and great staff mean close connections, friendships and learning in our 2-week sessions.

There are so many beautiful natural spaces in close proximity to Denver and Stapleton! We explore many of them, including:

  • The RMA National Wildlife Refuge
  • Morrison Nature Center
  • Bluff Lake
  • Eldorado Canyon (to rock climb!)

We swim weekly at a Stapleton pool and have a base in Stapleton if the weather isn't cooperating (too cold, too hot, too rainy!)

We provide transportation in our big camp buses - driven by professional drivers - to all of the great natural spaces we explore! Each day your camper can be picked-up or dropped-off in a central Stapleton spot.

From there, we take care of moving everyone to and from our daily location!

Dates & Rates: Sessions for Explorers are two weeks long:

  • Session 1: May 29 - June 8 ($625)
  • Session 2: June 11 - 22 ($690)
  • Session 3: June 24 - July 6 ($625)
  • Session 4: July 9 - July 20 ($690) - CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
  • Session 5: July 30 - August 10 ($690)
  • Session 6: August 13 - 24 ($690)

We also offer a 1-week "Intro" option for first-time 7- & 8-year-olds ($350).

Discounts, payment plans, and camperships are available.

Ages: 6 -11 (must have completed 1st grade)

Times: Approx. 8:30am - 4:15pm. Extended hours options are available.

Download our Rates, Dates, and Discounts PDF.

In AO Explorers, campers and their cabin group choose from many activities. Here are just some of the highlights:

Featured Activities:

  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Bouldering
  • Camp Music and Songs

Nature / Ecology

  • Themed Hikes
  • Butterfly Catching
  • Leave No Trace Games
  • Owl Pellets
  • Birding
  • Fishing

Crafts:

  • Time Capsules
  • Lanyards
  • Tumble Bugs
  • Animal Masks

Team Building & Games:

  • Cabin Skits
  • Spider Web
  • Gorp Plus
  • Cabin Code
  • Group Puzzles
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Frisbee Golf
  • Orienteering
  • Kite Making and Flying

All Camp Games:

  • Ship Island
  • Gold Rush
  • Predator Prey
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Our vans or buses will bring your campers to these spots each day:

One-Week Intro Option

For campers who have never been to one of our Explorer sessions, this one-week introduction is the perfect place to start. Campers may be able to add-on for the second week (which happens a lot!) These Intro Sessions are $350/week.

Daily Transitions

Camp Starts On The Bus!: From the moment they get on the bus, counselors will engage campers in conversation, songs, and games! Once at our daily destination, high-energy songs help campers focus on being present for their big day!

Quiet Songs, Sleepy Ride Home: After an exciting and exhausting day with their cabin group, all campers and staff get together to review their day, hear a story and sing a camp song.

Sample Session Schedule

Week 1:

Monday: Welcome!
Meet your counselor & group; play all-camp games; learn the rules of camp; open the time capsule; design & make your waterbottle; take a tour of Eldorado; play cabin games; plan your activities for the next few days; eat GORP; sing closing songs

Tuesday: Cabin Group Day
In Cherry Creek State Park; opening songs; cabin group activities could include a hike, animal houses, and more! Eat lunch as a cabin; order your GORP recipe; eat snack, sing songs; head home

Wednesday: To Eldorado!
A ride up to Eldorado includes songs and word games; hikes to Rattlesnake Gulch; climber watching; butterfly catching; team building; GORP and songs

Thursday: Climb and Swim!
Climbing on the 26-foot mobile climbing tower; cabin activities; afternoon swimming; eat a snack of fruit by the pool; songs

Friday: Bluff Lake
Explore bluff lake looking for insects; play an All-Camp game; prepare the cabin's contribution to the time capsule; make GORP for the group from your order; and songs

Week 2:

Monday: Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Welcome back together after the weekend; explore the amazing RMA with cameras in hand; play a cabin team building game; make a cabin shield;

Tuesday: Flying Kites
Make and fly kites together; explore Cherry Creek State Park; fish by the lake side; practice knots for rock climbing on Wednesday; songs and GORP

Wednesday: Rock Climbing in Eldorado!
Climb at Supremacy Rock in Eldorado Canyon; then climb some more; have a quiet lunch by the river; discuss cabin skit plans

Thursday: Swim and Play
Morning All-Camp games; afternoon swimming with pool games; cabin crafts by the pool side; watermelon and songs to end the day

Friday: Big Finale!
Morning climbing on the rock wall; practice for cabin skits; eat lunch as a cabin in a shady spot; set up the stage and preform skits and songs; final good-byes