Camps for GRADES 5-12

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 5th-12th grade for the 2027-2028 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 Hut Trips. 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.

*GWSD Family Subsidized Rate not eligible for group discount

Expedition Trips

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! 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, hiking, rafting, and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

NOTE: if using airport drop off on Friday, will want to fly out of the Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Hartman Rocks / Rock Climbing
Day 3: Hiking the Dillon Pinnacles with National Park Service / Depart for James Robb State Park
Day 4: Depart for Ruby Horsethief River Trip with Colorado Canyons Association
Day 5: Rafting the Ruby Horsethief Section of the Colorado River
Day 6: Rafting the Ruby Horsethief Section of the Colorado River / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience at Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Taylor River. Campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from paddleboarding, watershed science, rafting, and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Elk Creek Campground / Intro to Paddling & Safety / Reservoir Science
Day 3: Paddle to Cebolla Creek Campground / Watershed Science
Day 4: Fishing & Macroinvertebrates with CPW / Depart Blue Mesa for Taylor Canyon
Day 5: Whitewater Rafting with Scenic River Tours
Day 6: Floating STEAM Challenge / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience in Summit County, Colorado. Campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from rock climbing, attempting to summit a fourteener, testing their skills at an aerial park, paddleboarding, and more! Campers will explore local geology, learn about reservoir health and aquatic ecosystems, discover search-and-rescue techniques, and experience the wonders of astronomy under dark mountain skies. Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Monarch Scenic Tramway / National Mining Hall of Fame Museum / Camp at Prospector Campground on Lake Dillon in Summit County
Day 3: Canoeing or Paddleboarding Lake Dillon / Quandary Peak Geology
Day 4: Attempt to Summit a Fourteener / Tour & Educational Session with Summit County Search & Rescue
Day 5: Arapahoe Basin Aerial Park / Rock Climbing / Astronomy
Day 6: Depart Campground / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience in Ouray, Colorado, campers will take on an exciting lineup of adventures, including rock climbing, navigating the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata, and unwinding in the area’s famous natural hot springs. Campers will discover the region’s fascinating geology and mining history while exploring rugged mountain landscapes. Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, build friendships, develop outdoor skills, and create unforgettable mountain memories!

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Ridgway State Park / Paddleboarding & Canoeing / Camp at Amphitheater Campground in Ouray
Day 3: Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail / Ouray County Historical Museum / Evening Hike to Ironton Townsite
Day 4: Gold Mountain Via Ferrata / Syracuse Mine Tour / Geology Activities
Day 5: Rock Climbing with Basecamp Ouray Mtn Guides / Ouray Hot Springs / Fireside Movie: Moonrise Kingdom
Day 6: Depart Campground/ Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience at the Sand Dunes National Park and Penitente Canyon. Campers will take on five days of outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from hiking, sandboarding & sledding, learning about the science behind the landscape, astronomy, and more! Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Sand Dunes National Park / Sandboarding & Sledding / Sand Dune Formation & Topography / Arrive at Pinon Flats Campground
Day 3: Medano Creek / Hydrology / Sand Dunes Visitor Center / Evening Hike & Astronomy
Day 4: Waterfall Science / Hike Zapata Falls / CO Reptile Gator Park / Sand Dunes Recreation Pool / Nature-Based Art
Day 5: Depart Sand Dunes / Whitewater Rafting the Upper Rio Grande / Arrive at Penitente Canyon Campground
Day 6: Rock Climbing / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Adventure awaits in Colorado’s backcountry! During this weeklong off-site camping experience, campers will explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, experience the thrill of whitewater tubing on the San Juan River, and hike scenic trails with breathtaking views. Campers will disconnect from technology to connect with nature, friends, and outdoor adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Morefield Campground / Paddleboarding
Day 3: Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling Tours
Day 4: Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum / Night Sky Program
Day 5: Whitewater Tubing the San Juan River
Day 6: Hiking / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

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.

Day 1: Arrival to Gunnison & JMC / Camp on WCU Campus
Day 2: Depart for Buena Vista – Turtle Rock Campground / Hiking & Hyrdrology
Day 3: Ziplining & Whitewater Rafting with AVA
Day 4: High Alpine Hiking
Day 5: Granite Via Ferrata* with AVA / Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Day 6: Rock Climbing in Taylor Canyon with Wilderness Pursuits / Return to WCU Campus / Depart JMC
*Must be 12 years and weigh 75 lbs
*Schedule subject to change*

Additional Camp Info

Frequently Asked Questions

JMC Staff hold CPR/AED, First Aid, Medication Administration certifications, and are trained in current risk management practices. The staff leading JMC Huts and Expeditions will consist of at least one staff with Wilderness First Responder certification and nurse delegation. JMC also has a Health Care Consultant and staff is required to carry a first aid kit at all times. JMC Huts and Expeditions will carry a satellite phone to be used in emergency situations where traditional cell service is unavailable. This ensures that staff can maintain communication with the JMC Director, emergency services, and parents/guardians if a serious incident, injury, illness, or evacuation occurs during backcountry travel.

In the event of an incident or medical emergency, campers are initially treated by JMC Instructors according to their medical training. JMC Instructors will work in conjunction with the JMC Camp Director and the designated Health Care Consultant. If professional medical attention is required, emergency medical services or higher medical care may be contacted. Depending on the situation, emergency transportation and/or evacuation may occur by emergency transportation vehicles or JMC vehicles. The JMC Director will notify parents of the ill or injured camper as soon as the situation allows. Insurance and the cost of treatment arising out of an accident or injury during a JMC program is the responsibility of the camper’s parents/guardian.

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 Afterschool Adventures, Mini Camp, and 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

Campers depart from and return to Western’s campus, with optional airport shuttles.

Junior Mountaineers will be transported on Western Colorado University motor coach, shuttle, or 15 passenger vans for field trips and other off-campus camp programs. When being transported, all students will be seated with a seatbelt fastened (except on buses and shuttles that do not have seatbelts). Junior Mountaineers Staff (comprised primarily of Western students) will visually check that all campers are sitting properly and buckled (if applicable) into their seats prior to departure. If traveling in the Western Colorado University vans, all campers under the ages of 9 will be seated in a booster seat. All Junior Mountaineer van drivers (comprised primarily of Western students) have completed training with Western Colorado University. The Western Vehicle Manager and all motor coach and shuttle drivers will have a Commercial Driver License in addition to training with the Western Colorado University Fleet Manager. Camper to staff ratios will be met at all times, including when inside a vehicle.

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	3:00 - 3:15 PM	Camper Drop-Off & Arrival
	3:15 - 4:15 PM	Camper Orientation, Gear Inspections & Gear Check-Out
	4:15 - 5:00 PM	Teambuilding Activities
	5:00-6:00 PM	Camp Set-Up & Free Time
	6:00 - 7:30 PM	Dinner & Clean-Up
	7:30 - 9:00 PM	Evening Activities
	9:00 PM	Bedtime (time may vary based on camper ages)
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 Bedtime (time may vary based on camper ages)
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 Bedtime (time may vary based on camper ages)
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 / Adventure Activities
	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	Closing Activities
	3:45–4:00 PM	Camper Pick-Up

Download Packing List

Write camper’s name on everything!

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 the day-to-day items on the Packing List.

Overnight Bag

One large duffle bag, over-the-shoulder bag, suitcase, or large backpack that holds the 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 the daytime high.
Bring multiple layers to adjust to changing weather.
Synthetic, non-cotton clothing is best because it dries quickly and is moisture-wicking.

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 (attract bugs & wildlife)
Junk food/candy/other food - JMC will provide all snacks & food for the overnight component. All JMC food will be stored away from the camping area so wildlife can be appreciated at a distance.

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