Western Hosts Thousands During Summer Camps and Conferences

Western Colorado University is once again buzzing with summer activity. Over the next two months, 35 separate events will welcome nearly 7,000 visitors to campus through a variety of camps, conferences, and academic gatherings.

The events, which range from youth sports and music camps to teacher trainings, are scheduled from early June through late July. During that time, Western’s residence halls, dining facilities, athletic fields, and classrooms are bustling with students, educators, coaches, and families from across Colorado and beyond.

“We’re proud to be a host for so many incredible programs,” Western’s President Brad Baca said. “These summer events not only support education and outreach but also bring a lot of people to town to see firsthand what a Gunnison Valley summer is like.”

Four football camps, which will bring a combined 2,500 high school athletes to campus, and three wrestling camps are among the largest events. But offerings range from Alpine Brass Band and the Teacher Institute to a mountain bike camp and on-campus classes for the Graduate Program in Creative Writing.

For the university, the summer activity is part of a broader effort to maximize the value of campus facilities year-round while bringing summertime programming to the Gunnison Valley. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and service providers will benefit from the influx of visitors, while many families take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Gunnison Valley during their stay.

“Summer at Western isn’t a quiet season—it’s a time when we open our doors to the world,” Greg Hinze, Deputy Director of Athletics, who oversees Conference and Event Services, said. “We’re building relationships, creating memorable experiences for students and families, and contributing to Gunnison’s vitality.”

After the last camp has ended, campus will be quiet again until classes for the Fall semester start on August 25.