Beaver Creek
Youth Conservation Camp
Outside of South Fork, CO within the Rio Grande National Forest
A three day, two night experience in June that your child will look forward to year after year. Our small topic groups are facilitated by professionals from natural resource management agencies & organizations from across the San Luis Valley.




We have expanded camp into two sessions! While each week has similar topics and activities, each is tailored to specific ages. Our amazing partners, the SLV 4-H extension, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, US Forest Service, SLV Boys & Girls Club, and others will be joining us again to lead activities and create one-of-a-kind opportunities for kids to learn and grow year after year.

Sprouts
Ages 8 - 10
Sessions introduce natural resources topics through fun activities, games, and hands-on exploration. 2023 Topics include Wildlife, Soil & Water (mud buds), Outdoor Skills, and Range.
June 10, 11, 12
*or entering grades 3-5

Stewards
Ages 11 - 13
This week will go beyond basic topic concepts with more opportunities to see and participate in land stewardship and conservation work. 2023 topic groups include Forestry, Soil & Water, Outdoor skills and Rangeland management.
June 3,4,5
*or entering grades 6-8
*If your camper's age and the grade they are entering this upcoming fall don't align within the same camp group, you may choose whichever camp you are comfortable with. For example, a camper who is 10 but entering 6th grade, could choose the Sprouts or Stewards week
Cost: $145 per camper
*price AFTER May 21st is $175*
Registration is capped at 45 youth per week. We encourage you to register before the last two weeks of May to avoid being waitlisted.
Become a Camp Sponsor
We strive to make camp affordable for all campers by subsidizing the registration cost and providing additional scholarships with grants and corporate sponsorships. If you would like to support us in this effort, consider being a sponsor!
Includes packing list, directions, and other instructions. Sent with registration
About
Conservation Camp has been a joint effort between local public agencies who've made this unique opportunity possible for over four decades. Campers choose and learn about one of 4 topic areas taught by agencies' personnel and their partners who share their expertise and passion for conservation through child-oriented activities.
We, the Rio Grande Watershed Conservation Education Initiative, have been the primary host since 2009, when we were founded as the educational arm of the 5 SLV Conservation Districts.
Participating Agencies
CSU Extension, SLV area
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
US Forest Service
SLV Boys & Girls Club
Other presenters from Natural Resource Conservation Service, Trout Unlimited, SLV Water Conservancy District, Division of Water Resources, Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, and more
Camp Sponsors for 2024
Rio Grande Watershed Association of Conservation Districts
Trinchera Blanca Foundation
Generation Wild- Great Outdoors Colorado
Colorado Water Conservation Board
SLV Water Conservancy District
RG Water Conservation District
Rio Grande Basin Roundtable
Southern Colorado Farm Credit
Monte Vista CO-OP
Neufeld Farms
SLV Federal Bank
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Our Services
Choose from one of the following Small Groups:
All small groups focus on activity-based learning and campers will stay in their small group from 8 am to 3 pm each day. Listed activities in the descriptions may change slightly from year to year.
Only available for Stewards (ages 11-13) week
Only available for Sprouts (ages 8-10) week
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Where can I find a packing list?A packing list, location directions, emergency contact info, and expectations can be found in the parent handbook on this webpage. It will also be sent out with your registration confirmation.
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What are the sleeping arrangements like?There are two cabin areas separated by gender, each with its own bathhouse. We use the facilities of Beaver Creek Christian Youth Camp. More facility specifics can be found at their website: https://www.beavercreekexperience.org/Cabins.html Campers spend most of the daytime in their small topic groups. Those are taught by our staff and public agency staff. (typically 2-3 adults with 10-12 kids.) We also have 2 high school counselors accompany the group to assist the presenters or campers. They bring along snacks, extra water, and a radio if they need to contact the camp director or nurse.
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How are the days structured?Campers spend most of the daytime in their small topic groups. Those are taught by our staff and public agency staff. (typically 2-3 adults with 10-12 kids.) We also have 2 high school counselors accompany the group to assist the presenters or campers. They bring along snacks, extra water, and a radio if they need to contact the camp director or nurse. In the evenings, the high school counselors and cabin chaperones lead games and crafts. Campers can choose to play an outdoor active game (e.g., capture the flag, volleyball), do crafts, or play board games inside.
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Can camp accommodate special dietsOur cooks are able to accommodate dietary restrictions such as: lactose intolerant, dairy free, gluten intolerance or sensitivity, vegetarian and veganism, and food allergies. We will also purchase some snacks for campers with dietary restrictions. We discourage food from being brought to camp, however, if your child has multiple food restrictions, we can make an exception. Addition food brought will be kept in the kitchen and can be requested at meal times. No food is allowed in the cabins.