Camps for GRADES 6-12

Expedition Camps

Expedition Camps are designed to teach survival and leadership skills, featuring Multi-Day backcountry journeys that immerse campers in teamwork and technical outdoor skills while traveling through Western Colorado’s high country. Campers in 6th-12th grade for the 2026-2027 school year.

Camp Features:

Small camp size and low staff-to-camper ratios ensure individualized attention and a strong focus on safety. Each camp no more than 14 campers supported by 2-3 experienced outdoor educators.

Camp Adventures are Better with Friends! For a limited time, groups of 3 or more receive 20% off a week of Junior Mountaineers Expedition Camp. Grab a couple friends, register together, and each camper saves nearly $300! To claim the 20% group discount, contact Bree Hare, JMC Director, at bhare@western.edu or 970.943.2109.

Expedition Trips

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience in Buena Vista, campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, relaxing in natural hot springs, and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Additional Camp Info

During this weeklong off-site camping experience at the Colorado National Monument and on the Colorado River. Campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from rock climbing and hiking to rafting and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Additional Camp Info

During this weeklong off-site camping experience in Crested Butte, campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from summitting Mount Crested Butte, stand-up paddleboarding the Slate River, hiking amongst the wildflowers, plein air art, and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Additional Camp Info

Frequently Asked Questions

JMC will meet or exceed the state-licensed staff to camper ratios. Campers will be supervised and in the line of sight when indoors and outdoors. Roll call will be taken at the beginning of the camp and headcount will be performed at the start and end of daily transitions.

Below are the maximum staff to camper ratios for the various camp offerings and specific activities.

Camper Group / Activity	JMC Day Camp	JMC Adventure Day Camp	JMC Hybrid Camp	JMC Huts & Expedition Camp
Campers ages 5 through 7	1 staff to 15 campers	Not offered	Not offered	Not offered
Campers ages 8 through 10	1 staff to 15 campers	1 staff to 9 campers	1 staff to 8 campers	1 staff to 8 campers
Campers ages 11 through 13	1 staff to 15 campers	1 staff to 9 campers	1 staff to 9 campers	1 staff to 10 campers
Campers ages 14 and older	1 staff to 15 campers	1 staff to 9 campers	1 staff to 9 campers	1 staff to 12 campers
Swimming	1 staff to 10 campers plus lifeguards	1 staff to 9 campers plus lifeguards	1 staff to 8 to 9 campers plus lifeguards	1 staff to 8 to 10 campers plus lifeguards
Rock climbing	1 climbing instructor to 8 climbers	1 climbing instructor to 8 active climbers	1 climbing instructor to 8 active climbers	1 climbing instructor to 8 active climbers
Biking	1 biking instructor to 8 bikers	1 biking instructor to 8 bikers	1 biking instructor to 8 bikers	1 biking instructor to 8 bikers
Paddle boarding	1 watercraft instructor to 8 paddleboarders	1 watercraft instructor to 8 paddleboarders	1 watercraft instructor to 8 paddleboarders	1 watercraft instructor to 8 paddleboarders
Whitewater rafting	1 staff to 10 campers plus third-party raft guides	1 staff to 10 campers plus third-party raft guides	1 staff to 10 campers plus third-party raft guides	1 staff to 10 campers plus third-party raft guides

Exact JMC Expedition Camp schedules will be emailed to parents no later than three weeks prior to the start of each camp.

A general schedule can be found below:

Day	Time	Activity
Sunday Camper Arrival & Orientation	1:30–2:00 PM	Camper Drop-Off & Arrival
	2:00–3:30 PM	Camper Orientation, Gear Inspections & Gear Check-Out
	3:30–4:30 PM	Field Activities
	4:30–5:30 PM	Camp Set-Up & Free Time
	5:30–6:30 PM	Dinner & Clean-Up
	6:30–8:00 PM	Evening Activities
	8:00 PM	Bedtime (may be earlier for younger campers)
Monday Departure & Camp Life Begins	8:00–9:00 AM	Breakfast
	9:00–9:30 AM	Prep for Departure
	9:30–11:00 AM	Transport to Overnight Location
	11:00 AM–12:00 PM	Arrival & Lunch
	12:00–4:00 PM	Adventure Activities & Nature-Based STEAM Activities (Snack)
	4:00–6:00 PM	Camp Set-Up & Free Time
	6:00–7:00 PM	Dinner & Clean-Up
	7:00–8:00 PM	Evening Activities
	8:00 PM	Bedtime (may be earlier for younger campers)
Tuesday–Thursday Adventure & Exploration	8:00–9:00 AM	Breakfast
	9:00–9:30 AM	Prep for the Day
	9:30–11:30 AM	Adventure Activities & Nature-Based STEAM Activities (Snack)
	11:30 AM–12:30 PM	Lunch & Outdoor Play
	12:30–5:00 PM	Adventure Activities & Nature-Based STEAM Activities (Snack)
	4:00–5:30 PM	Free Time
	5:30–6:30 PM	Dinner & Clean-Up
	6:30–8:00 PM	Evening Activities
	8:00 PM	Bedtime (may be earlier for younger campers)
Friday Wrap-Up & Return	8:00–9:00 AM	Breakfast
	9:00–10:00 AM	Pack Up Camp & Prep for the Day
	10:00–11:30 AM	Snack, Culminating Activities & Program Wrap-Up
	11:30 AM–12:00 PM	Lunch
	12:00–2:00 PM	Return to Western
	2:00–3:00 PM	Gear Return & Airport Shuttles
	3:00–3:45 PM	Free Time
	3:45–4:00 PM	Camper Pick-Up

Download Packing List

Write camper’s name on everything.

Anti-Packing List: Leave These at Home

Personal toys
Electronics (cell phones, smart watches, Kindles, i-anything, etc.)
Make-up
Fireworks
Expensive jewelry, watches, or cameras
Weapons (including pocket knives)
Alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Money
Scented lotions (attracts bugs)
Junk food and candy (we want to appreciate wildlife at a distance, away from our camping area)

Meals, Snacks, and Dietary Needs

JMC will provide snacks and nutritious meals for campers.
Dietary needs or food allergies must be disclosed at registration.
JMC will accommodate most restrictions and will contact families if additional arrangements are needed.

Day Pack

Backpack with two arm straps, large enough to carry day-to-day items.

Overnight Bag

One large duffle bag, over-the-shoulder bag, suitcase, or large backpack that holds camper’s gear.

Clothing Notes

Clothes and shoes are one way children can express themselves; however, they should be appropriate for a youth coed camp.
Please send camp clothes that err on the side of modesty, including swimsuits.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and nights in the backcountry can be 50 degrees less than a daytime high.
Bring multiple layers to adjust to changing weather.
Synthetic, non-cotton clothing is best because it dries quickly and is moisture-wicking.

Cancellation requests must be submitted at least four weeks before the camp start date. Cancellations made prior to this deadline will be refunded, minus a $180 cancellation fee per week. If a cancellation is requested within four weeks of the camp start date, the full camp fee is non-refundable.
Transfers within the same summer season are free of charge if requested at least four weeks before the camp start date and are subject to availability. We are unable to process transfer requests made less than four weeks before the camp begins.

Paul Wright Gym

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Expedition Camps

JMC Director