SJMA Summer Camps for Youth
Durango Nature Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81302
About
SJMA Summer Camps for Youth include Junior Naturalist Field Camps and Adventure Camps that focus on hands-on science education and learning about the natural world. Campers take part in activities such as exploring the San Juan mountains and rivers, learning about plants, flowers and local forests, practicing camping basics and Leave No Trace ethics, hiking among peers and SJMA Naturalists, and playing outside. The program also offers a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) role at elementary school summer camps that involves connecting kids to the outdoors.
• Ages: 6–17 years old
• Schedule: Week-long camps offered in June–August, including six week-long camps in La Plata County and one week-long camp in Montezuma County, plus additional week-long camps based in La Plata County, Montezuma County, and Pagosa Springs
• Price: The Counselor-in-Training program is free; this free program is a way to gain experience while playing outside and connecting kids to the outdoors.
SJMA’s summer camps include elementary-aged children who are rising 1st–6th graders spending time learning about the natural world. Adventure Camps are for middle and high school students and include exploring the San Juan mountains and rivers and connecting with like-minded friends. Kids gain leadership and communication skills while hiking among peers and SJMA Naturalists, and campers leave camp with memories, new friends, and a better understanding of the world in which they live. The Counselor-in-Training program is open to those 13–17 years old, and SJMA will also consider mature 12 year olds for this free program.
Founded in 1988, SJMA’s mission is to “Inspire and Empower connection to and responsible use of the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado.” Hands-on science education and social and emotional development are key components of every session offered by SJMA, with support from trained educators in the field. SJMA empowers visitors and locals to explore, learn about, and protect the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado and is inspiring and empowering the next generation of conservationists in Southwest Colorado through youth camps, teacher trainings, and student field trips to local forests and watersheds. As interpretive partners for the San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and several Bureau of Land Management Field Offices, SJMA has a role in protecting more than half of Colorado’s federal public lands and is thankful for the generosity of corporate and community partners such as Backcountry Experience, Durango Outdoor Exchange, Alpine Bank, Durango Motor Company and the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado.
Last updated February 25, 2026.
• Ages: 6–17 years old
• Schedule: Week-long camps offered in June–August, including six week-long camps in La Plata County and one week-long camp in Montezuma County, plus additional week-long camps based in La Plata County, Montezuma County, and Pagosa Springs
• Price: The Counselor-in-Training program is free; this free program is a way to gain experience while playing outside and connecting kids to the outdoors.
SJMA’s summer camps include elementary-aged children who are rising 1st–6th graders spending time learning about the natural world. Adventure Camps are for middle and high school students and include exploring the San Juan mountains and rivers and connecting with like-minded friends. Kids gain leadership and communication skills while hiking among peers and SJMA Naturalists, and campers leave camp with memories, new friends, and a better understanding of the world in which they live. The Counselor-in-Training program is open to those 13–17 years old, and SJMA will also consider mature 12 year olds for this free program.
Founded in 1988, SJMA’s mission is to “Inspire and Empower connection to and responsible use of the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado.” Hands-on science education and social and emotional development are key components of every session offered by SJMA, with support from trained educators in the field. SJMA empowers visitors and locals to explore, learn about, and protect the spectacular public lands of Southwest Colorado and is inspiring and empowering the next generation of conservationists in Southwest Colorado through youth camps, teacher trainings, and student field trips to local forests and watersheds. As interpretive partners for the San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and several Bureau of Land Management Field Offices, SJMA has a role in protecting more than half of Colorado’s federal public lands and is thankful for the generosity of corporate and community partners such as Backcountry Experience, Durango Outdoor Exchange, Alpine Bank, Durango Motor Company and the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado.
Last updated February 25, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.