The 4 Best Camps/Summer Programs Around Grand County

Summer break can give young people time to explore interests that don't always fit into the regular school day. Across Grand County, summer programs combine recreation with opportunities to build confidence, learn practical skills and pursue interests ranging from outdoor adventure to theater, fashion and technology. Featured in the Best of Grand contest, these programs offer distinctly different ways for children and teens to spend part of their summer learning, creating and connecting with others.

Camp Chief Ouray || YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch

Camp Chief Ouray has offered summer youth programming since 1908 at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. Its overnight and day camp programs include horseback riding, archery, hiking, wilderness skills and leadership development. YMCA program directors and trained seasonal counselors emphasize independence, character development and environmental stewardship through outdoor experiences.

Cowgirl Camp || Lavender Elephant

Cowgirl Camp takes summer learning into the creative studio. Led by designer Abi Lee through Lavender Elephant in Winter Park, the program introduces young participants to textile arts, sewing, upcycling, sustainable fashion and Western-inspired crafts. Hands-on projects provide opportunities to develop practical skills while encouraging creativity and self-expression.

Youth Theatre || Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre's Youth Theatre program gives young performers an opportunity to develop their skills on and off the stage in Grand Lake. Workshops cover acting, vocal technique, choreography and stagecraft, with participants working toward live public productions. Theater professionals and visiting artists guide the program with an emphasis on confidence, teamwork, stage discipline and artistic expression.

Summer Camp || Colorado AeroLab

Colorado AeroLab brings science and technology into the summer camp experience through hands-on STEM programming. Based in Grand Lake and serving rural Colorado communities, its programs introduce youth to aviation, drones, robotics, environmental science and engineering challenges. Project-based activities connect academic concepts with practical applications while encouraging technical skills and problem-solving.

Created or enhanced with ChatGPT.