The 5 Best Camps/Summer Programs Around Grand County

From wildflower hikes to stage lights and aerial silks, summer in Grand County doesn’t believe in boredom. With bluebird skies and wide-open meadows as the backdrop, local camps transform long, lazy days into memory-making adventures for kids of all ages. Whether your camper is building character around a campfire or learning choreography under a spotlight, these beloved programs give families a reason to stick around when the snow melts. According to this year’s Best of Grand contest, these camps are a good bet.

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

One of the oldest resident camps in Colorado, Camp Chief Ouray has been helping kids unplug and connect for more than a century. Nestled within the sprawling YMCA of the Rockies property at Snow Mountain Ranch, this iconic program offers overnight and day camp experiences packed with hiking, archery, ropes courses, and leadership development. The focus is as much on building character as it is on building s’mores—and that’s a legacy worth signing up for.

Cowgirl Camp || Lavender Elephant

At Cowgirl Camp, young creatives trade screen time for saddle time. This boutique summer experience—hosted by Lavender Elephant—blends art, fashion, and frontier grit into a program that empowers girls to express themselves through design and horsemanship. From crafting accessories to channeling their inner cowpoke, campers leave with more confidence (and glitter) than they came in with.

Youth Theatre || Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

For kids who’d rather take center stage than center field, the youth theatre programs at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre deliver Broadway-level inspiration in a mountain-town setting. Aspiring actors learn the ropes from professional directors, tackle full productions, and develop both their stage presence and self-esteem. It’s equal parts applause and personal growth.

Circus Camp || Zoppé

The big top meets small-town charm at Circus Camp, hosted by the legendary Zoppé family. Combining tumbling, clowning, and aerial arts, the camp gives kids a chance to flip their perspective—literally. It’s a once-in-a-summer opportunity to explore circus life from the inside out, complete with sawdust and sparkle.

Summer Camp || Colorado AeroLab

Innovation takes flight at Colorado AeroLab’s summer programs. With a STEM-forward focus, these camps introduce youth to robotics, digital storytelling, and environmental science—all while grounded in real-world application. Based in Grand Lake, AeroLab mixes high-tech curiosity with hands-on adventure, proving that learning doesn’t take a vacation.

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