Living in Durango is high on many families' lists thanks to its easy access to nature, strong sense of community, variety of school options, and plenty of year round activities . In the summer, when kids are enjoying a break from school, there are still great ways to connect with others and keep learning. Below are some of the most popular youth summer camps in the Durango area.
San Juan Mountain Association
San Juan Mountain Association (SJMA) offers elementary, middle, and high school hands-on learning and exploration programs. Junior Naturalist Field Camps and Adventure Camps in Durango, Montezuma County, and Pagosa Springs give kids the opportunity to create memories outside with friends and make new ones along the way. They get to enjoy, learn, and connect with the bountiful natural resources we have right in our backyard! SJMA is a local non-profit organization founded in 1988 that aims to provide stewardship, access to public lands, responsible use, and conservation education in Southwest Colorado.
Colvig Silver Camps
On the way to Vallecito Lake, Colvig Silver Camps is a family-owned and operated summer camp with both day and overnight programs. For students in grades 2 - 11, different adventures await from backpacking in the backcountry and horseback riding to tubing down a river or taking care of farm animals. Each experience includes trained counselors that help the kids learn, have fun, be safe, and develop personal skills and connections with others.
The Powerhouse
Open year round, The Powerhouse offers many programs during the school year, after school programs, and summer camps. Students in 1st - 8th can have fun while participating in hands-on projects ranging in subject matter from robotics, food science, Legos, myths, and environmental sustainability. Although based in Durango, CO, they also offer satellite camps in Cortez, CO. Before and after care is available as well as their normal science center operations including a rotating display of interactive exhibits.
Parks & Recreation - Gametime
Hosted at the Durango Parks & Recreation Center, Gametime offers summer and afterschool programs for kids aged 5 - 15. Pre-registration and a low yearly payment are required as well as daily packed lunches, snacks, water, and adequate equipment (clothing, swimsuits, shoes, sunscreen, etc.). Their new Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp is outdoor based at Folsom Park with themed weekly camps featuring fun and educational activities. The Rec Center also hosts a variety of organized team sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics alongside daily gym, swimming pool, and court rental operations open to the public.
Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County is the local sector based out of Durango, CO. With afterschool and summer programs, this is a wonderful and affordable option for kids 1st - 12th grade. They have expanded their services to include “Summers @ The Club” for 1st - 6th graders (the flagship location by the Rec Center) “The Club @ Park Elementary” for 1st - 3rd graders and “The Club @ Bayfield” for 1st - 6th graders. Activities include sports, outdoor recreation, technology, social recreation, art, and more. A non-profit, this group continues to add meaningful impact to our community.
In addition to these camps and clubs, there are many other daycare and sports camps in our area including Nifty Nanny, Durangotangs, and the Durango Devo cycling programs. For more information about kid-friendly things to do, summer activities, and making Durango home, please contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
