Hiding and showing camp info

To hide sections of camp info during the off-season, under the advanced tab for each section, add “hide-camp-info” to the “CSS Classes” box. Change the “excerpt” text in the page admin or under the settings tab in Elementor to change the date, price, etc. in the camps feed page. To show the info, remove the text. That’s how this section is hidden too!

Front Range Playground

Our city’s location has some of the best outdoor recreation in the nation! 

camp type
Day Camp
Dates & Locations
Ages
5-12
Price
ages: 5 - 8 $375 Ages: 9 - 12 $425

Who needs asphalt and turf?

It’s no exaggeration to say there are few places in the world that provide numerous natural spaces that can be used for recreation and exploration. Colorado’s Front Range has everything outdoor recreation enthusiasts could ask for, and most of these adventurous activities are accessible in Colorado Springs! During this week of camp, we’ll be providing campers as many ways to play in the great outdoors as possible, with enough variety for the thrill seekers and mellow fellows alike, and no prior experience expected. Of course, Catamount Institute’s signature mix of adventure and education will mean that each outside playtime will touch on how to recreate responsibly outdoors and the science hidden under the fun.

Below you can find a sample of what 5-8 year-old campers will be doing each session:
Below you can find a sample of what 9-12 year-old campers will be doing each session:
Sessions Dates Times Days Location Status (Updated 3/19/24)
Front Range Playground Session 1: June 10-14 Drop-off 9:00am – Pickup 4:00pm Monday - Friday Sondermann Park 2 spots available for 5-8 yr olds; 5 spots left for 9-12 yr olds
Front Range Playground Session 2: July 15-19 Drop-off 9:00am – Pickup 4:00pm Monday - Friday Sondermann Park 2 spots left for 5-8 yr olds; 3 spots left for 9-12 yr olds

Frequently Asked Questions

Please familiarize yourself with our Camp Policies and Procedures 
Have questions call Billy at 719-471-0910 or click here to contact us!

Drop off and pick up is at 740 West Caramillo St, Colorado Springs CO 80907. Click here to see a map

Pick up and drop off will still be contactless using drive-thru lanes. You will follow the signs counter-clockwise to pull through the Catamount Institute/Sondermann Park parking lot. You will not leave your vehicle, and staff will meet your camper. 

Camp drop-off (9:00 am MONDAY – FRIDAY) – We ask that you do not arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled drop-off, as we will be busy getting everything ready for a great day. A staff member will meet your camper at your vehicle, grab any needed documents from you, and tell you any new information regarding camp. You will proceed with caution through the drive-thru lane to exit the parking lot. 

Camp pick up (4:00 pm MONDAY – FRIDAY) – A staff member will come to your car to check your ID through the car window and once the ID is confirmed, a staff member will bring your camper to your vehicle. We will only release your camper to those designated on your registration form as parents/guardians and emergency contacts with proof of ID. If you need to change who is picking up your child, please bring us a written note or call us beforehand. 

Monday

  • Bring a day-pack (small backpack) to carry your belongings for the day
  • Pack a reusable water bottle
  • Any and all medications the campers may need in their original containers with prescriber notes (see additional information in faq question below and in registration forms). 
  • Campers will be outside so we recommend they put sunscreen on in the morning before camp and bring a bottle with them (we cannot provide sunscreen). 
  • Wear or bring a brimmed hat, rain jacket, and sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots. 
  • Clothing you don’t mind getting wet and muddy as campers will be outside exploring and adventuring. Sometimes an extra pair of socks can come in handy as well.

 

For the overnight days (Tuesday-Friday) of camp: 

  • Pack a daypack (a smaller backpack) that your child will bring on the van with them containing:
    • Snack, lunch, water bottle filled with water 
    • Rain jacket and a light jacket
  • Pack an overnight bag (large backpack or duffel bag) that will be put into the back of the van containing: 
    • Essentials: 
      • Any and all medications the campers may need in their original containers with prescriber notes (see additional information in faq question below and in registration forms). 
      • Sunscreen & chapstick (we cannot provide)
      • Sunglasses 
      • Brimmed hat 
      • Toiletries: toothbrush & paste, brush, etc.  
      • Glasses or contacts (with solution) if needed 
      • Feminine hygiene products if necessary 
    • Gear: 
      • Sleeping bag (Catamount can provide) 
      • Sleeping pad  (Catamount can provide) 
      • Pillow
      • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries  (Catamount can provide) 
      • Camping bowl, tupperware with lid, etc. (must be able to withstand boiling water)
      • Eating utensil (spoon, fork, or spork)
      • Extra zip-lock and trash bag to pack dirty/wet clothes in
    • Warm clothes for night time/to sleep in:
      • Warm stocking-type hat
      • Long underwear and/or long pants
      • Sweater, jacket, long-sleeve, etc.
      • Long, warm socks 
      • Light mittens or gloves
    •  Changes of clothes: 
      • 3-5 short sleeve shirts (at least 1 synthetic-not cotton) 
      • Long sleeve shirt for sun protection and/or warmth 
      • 1-2 pairs of shorts
      • 1-2 pairs of pants
      • Mid-weight jacket or heavy fleece 
      • 4-6 pairs of underwear
      • 4-6 pairs of socks
    • For your feet: 
      • Pair of sturdy, well broken in, closed-toed shoes (if they aren’t already wearing)
      • Lightweight, closed-toed camp shoes (tevas, crocs, tennis shoes, etc.) 
    • For swimming:
      • Towel
      • Modest swimsuit
      • Shorts & T-shirt (non cotton) 
      • Water shoes that will not slide off (tevas, chacos, etc., NOT crocs) 
    • Optional:
      • Glasses secure strap to keep glasses on during adventure activities 
      • Insect repellent
      • Cards, books, games, field guides
      • Camera 
      • Other outdoor gear: Binoculars, hammock, compass, etc. 
      • Notebook and pencil 
      • Bandana to keep neck covered/cool in the sun 
    • What NOT to bring:
      • Deodorant or other smelly substances as we will be camping in the outback 
      • Cell phones, video games, TVs, radios, iPods or other mp3 players
      • Knives, pocket knives, sharp objects, or other items that could be utilized as a weapon. If your camper brings these items, the item will be held by staff members until the end of camp on Friday and it could result in the removal of the camper from camp. 
      • We have a zero-tolerance rule for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping. Brining and/or using any of these items will result in the camper’s immediate removal from camp. Even prescription or over-the-counter medication not accompanied by the required documentation can result in removal from camp.

This camp is great for anyone from those who have never been hiking to the campers who have gone to Catamount Institute camps for years. Many activities involve physical activity to a degree but the payoff is worth it and designed for all levels. We never push a camper beyond their limit.

Homesickness is normal for campers, especially if it is their first time away from home or first time camping. Our staff members will be there to help your child conquer homesickness in a way that builds their confidence and independence. When filling out the camp registration forms, please provide any input that you think will help us support your child.

All employed by Catamount Institute have passed background checks through the state of Colorado. They also go through the application, interview, and reference check process. All are trained in CPR and First Aid with some having higher certifications such as Wilderness First Responder. All summer employees go through extensive week-long training before campers arrive. Instructors have a very diverse professional background ranging from environmental education to outdoor recreation. They all have experience with and a passion for working with children and connecting kids to the outdoors!

Most of our camp experiences have a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio with none of them exceeding 8:1.

Early bird pricing is available until 3/31. Sibling discounts are available and will automatically be applied when more than one child is registered and is $10 off each registration. Limited need-based scholarships are available click here for the application.

Please pack any and all medications the campers may need in their original containers with prescriber notes. Make sure their name is clearly printed on the medication and instructions of use are included. Check all medications into camp upon arrival to be held by our highest certified medical staff. 

At Catamount Institute, we strive to create programs that are enjoyable for as many children as possible. The health and safety of our campers are our top priorities in everything that we do. Due to this, there are some limitations of our program and its staff. We are not able to provide a one-on-one attendant to address a camper’s individual personal needs. We are also not able to accommodate some medical/health conditions that are beyond the scope of our staff’s medical training. Before enrolling a child with any special needs, please contact us to discuss potential accommodations. Our goal is to make camp an equal opportunity for all.

Scroll to Top