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 facility at Mormon Lake.
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 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.
Accompanied by their classroom teachers and taught by the Camp’s staff of environmental educators, 6th grade students spend four-days and three-nights at Camp Colton learning about their natural environment through inquiry-based classes. Camp offers a standards-aligned and STEM-focused curriculum with field expeditions and presentations by local science agencies and organizations. FUSD students attend Camp Colton at no cost as an integrated part of their science studies (expense offset by FUSD, Arizona school tax credit donations, and funds raised by the Friends of Camp Colton) and students from charter, private and other school districts pay a tuition fee with Fellowship support available through the Friends of Camp Colton for all students identified by their school as low income.
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.
1st and 2nd grade classes come to Camp for the day with their classroom teachers and chaperones. Developed by local elementary teachers, STEM-based learning units focus on the impact of drought on animals and habitats (1st) and how solar energy drives an ecosystem (2nd). Standards-based explorations at Camp are connected to learning in the classroom. A participating teacher shared, “This was an amazing experience in our natural environment. It awakened curiosity and interest in environmental issues.”
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.
Calling All Adventurous Kids! 
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.
Come learn with us at Camp Colton this summer! The STEM Environmental Enrichment and Discovery (SEED) Summer Experience is designed for curious and adventurous kids who want to learn more about their natural environment and have fun. Working alongside local STEM experts, campers will direct their own environmental research projects and explore outdoor sites in and around Hart Prairie. And, they will also build community through traditional Camp activities like art, team-building, hiking, outdoor recreation, and singing around the campfire.
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.