LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Camp Colton acknowledges the sacred land where we learn, teach, and build community. Stewarded by Indigenous people from time immemorial, this land is revered by more than 14 tribes. We extend our respect to the past, present, and emerging tribal members. Being at Camp Colton is a special experience and we are grateful to have the opportunity to connect with nature and each other, on this sacred land.

PROGRAM HISTORY

Camp Colton is Flagstaff Unified School District’s outdoor environmental education center. FUSD created the program (previously known as Project LIFE—Life In the Flagstaff Environment) in 1971 to introduce children to the local environment and increase their understanding of science and nature through outdoor experiences. From 1971 to 1975, FUSD’s Project LIFE took place at a rented facilities at Mormon Lake.

Dick & Jean Wilson

Dick & Jean Wilson

In 1976, Dick and Jean Wilson donated a 33-acre property on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks to FUSD, which was called “Camp Colton” after Mr. Wilson’s mother, Suzanne Colton Wilson, sister of Dr. Harold S. Colton, the founder of the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Wilson Family operated a summer camp for Tucson children on the site. Upon receiving the Camp property from the Wilson’s, FUSD renamed its environmental education program “Camp Colton.” Nestled in Hart Prairie at an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, Camp Colton is located in an ecologically significant and beautiful off-grid setting where students are immersed in nature and sustainable living. The Arizona Daily Sun recognized Camp Colton, including FUSD and Friends of Camp Colton, as the organization of the year in 2011. More than 47,000 children have experienced the wonders of Camp since this program began in 1971.

OUR IMPACT

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Children Have Experienced the Wonders of Camp Colton
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%
of Campers Report Learning New Things about Themselves
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%
of Campers Feel More Connected with Their Classmates and Teachers

OUR PROGRAMS

Traditional 6th Grade Program

The traditional 6th grade program immerses students in nature and builds environmental literacy. Students discover new things about themselves and their world. 

1st and 2nd Grade Day Expeditions

During day expeditions to Camp, students explore their natural environment, frolic in the nature play area, and learn about the Hart Prairie ecosystem.

Colton Adventure Camp

Colton Adventure Camp is designed for soon-to-be 4th or 5th grader excited about adventures outdoors. Come make new friends and learn new things.

SEED Summer Experience

NOT BEING OFFERED in the SUMMER of 2024 due to CONSTRUCTION. We plan to offer the SEED Summer Experience again in 2025.

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Friends of Camp Colton Fellowship Program makes the transformative Camp Colton experience accessible to more kids by easing the economic barriers that prevent schools with economically disadvantaged students from attending. This shared experience is formative and builds community and common understandings among the students of our region. In addition to the power of Camp as a character-building experience, it is also a powerful educational experience, connecting students with their natural environment and laying an environmental literacy framework. Since the Fellowship Program began in 2015, Friends of Camp Colton has provided more than $220,000 in funding and has made the Camp experience possible for more than 1200 students from 14 different schools. The Fellowship Program is open to sixth grade classes from northern Arizona schools and the application is below.

RENTAL INFORMATION

The facilities may be rented out and have been used for staff retreats, team trainings, youth camps, and more. However, this does not include weddings. Camp Colton is a school site (all alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products are prohibited). Rentals cover the use of all facilities, water, gas, and disposable paper products. Catering is available upon request and is recommended. Renters can use the kitchen (with a wood-burning stove) to cook food but must have at least one certified Kitchen Manager.

Facilities

The camp sleeps 122 people in 13 tents and two accessible cabins. The dining area comfortably accommodates 60 adults. Sinks, toilets, and showers (heated) are available. Renters should be aware parking is limited and therefore carpooling is highly encouraged.

Camp Cost*: $1,500 for 24 hours ($1,100 per day for stays of two or more days) and $500 for 12 hours or less

*Rental costs covers use of all facilities, water (limited, additional water usage will result in additional costs), gas, disposable paper products, and cleaning services. There are discounted rates for Flagstaff Unified School District groups.

STAFF

Jackson Carranco

Camp Colton Director, [email protected]

Callie Harward

Camp Colton Program Coordinator, [email protected]

DIRECTIONS

Camp Colton’s off-grid campus is located 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff within the Coconino National Forest. The Camp’s high-altitude wilderness setting is known for its rich ecological diversity, long-standing human history, and incredible beauty.

Google Maps Location

Directions to Camp Colton:
1) Head north on HWY 180 toward and past Arizona Snowbowl
2) Pass mile marker 225
3) Slow down when you see a large brown US Forest Service Sign for Wing Mountain Recreation Area
4) Immediately before this sign, turn right onto US Forest Service Road 151
5) Follow Forest Road 151 for 3.8 miles
6) After the 3rd cattle guard, you should see Camp Colton’s sign and driveway on your right.
7) Drive up the gravel driveway and park in the lot.