Summer at Camp
New summer programs at Camp Colton engage middle school campers and high school leaders.
Hart Prairie is filled with flowers, lush green meadows, and buzzing insects in the summer. The opportunities for exploration and discovery are endless. Over the last couple years, Friends of Camp Colton has supported the development and implementation of new programs for kids at Camp. This year, we are excited to continue to expand our STEM Environmental Enrichment and Discovery (SEED) Summer Experience and to pilot a new high school leader program. Your support of our programs eliminates financial barriers and makes these experiences accessible for more kids.
Learn more about Camp Colton programs.
The SEED Summer Experience – Calling All Adventurous, Science-Loving Kids!
The SEED Summer Experience is designed for soon-to-be 7th and 8th graders passionate about nature and science. Campers learn new things, enjoy Northern Arizona’s natural environment, and build life-long friendships. Working alongside local STEM experts and a small team of fellow campers, campers direct their own environmental research projects and explore outdoor sites in and around Hart Prairie. Participants also do fun Camp Colton activities like art, team-building, hiking, games, and singing around the campfire. This program runs for 6 days and 5 nights on June 25-30, July 9-14, and July 16-21. The total cost is $700 and includes food, activities, caring staff, and an on-site nurse. Need-based scholarships are available. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Last year, science teacher Adrian Alvarez worked with students through the SEED Summer Experience. She shares, “What I remember the most about the SEED Summer Experience was seeing students deeply connected to nature, and because they were so connected, they kept asking questions. Their own questions, and curiosity, kept them engaged with their practices. They wanted to keep talking, finding locations and samples, writing, sketching, taking photos, etc. I enjoyed working with my own students and getting to know new students. Two students from other schools were hesitant to join the summer program but participated with enthusiasm and delight, and by the end of their week at SEED, had incredible artwork and anecdotes in their notebooks. Each group really came together to promote science education and advocate to protect nature.”
Sign up for the SEED Summer Experience.
Come Back to Camp Colton as a High School Student Leader!
Soon-to-be 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are invited to serve as high school leaders for the SEED Summer Experience at Camp Colton. Prior experience with Camp Colton is not required. The high school leaders will support small teams of middle school students directing their own environmental research projects. They will also lead and participate in traditional camp activities. The student leaders will receive training and guidance from Camp Colton staff to facilitate activities and support positive outcomes before the SEED program begins. They will learn about Camp rules, responsibilities, expectations, and general supervision techniques.
Leaders will eat, learn, and play with their middle school students. Sleeping arrangements will be separate. It is an honor, privilege, and commitment to be a high school leader at Camp Colton. Each session is 6 days and 5 nights and the sessions are on June 25-30, July 9-14, & July 16-21 and each high school leader will choose one. There will be 4 high school leaders for each session. Leaders will either receive volunteer hours or a small stipend ($250 per week). Lodging and food is provided. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Sign up to be a high school leader. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2023.
Thank you for making summer experiences at Camp possible!
MJ, outside her tent during her first year at SEED.
MJ, a current 8th grader has attended the SEED Summer Experience for the past two summers and shares, “I remember during my first year, all the counselors were so nice and made me feel so welcome. I enjoyed it so much! I remember tie-dying t-shirts and bandannas, and getting a sugar high from the ice cream that we made with liquid nitrogen, and that was so fun! Last year, I got to see all my friends and learn so much! I’ll always remember wading through the water, taking soil samples from fire areas, catching bats, stargazing, making cobblers, and competing for the best tent award. I will always love this place! I’m in eighth grade now, and won’t be able to return. I would be so upset if this program was to end. Please keep it going!! I plan on returning to Camp Colton to be a SEED Summer Camp Counselor!! I LOVE CAMP COLTON!! ❤️❤️❤️”
We appreciate the individual, grant, and foundation support that allows us to expand the benefits of outdoor education at Camp Colton into the summer. A special thank you to Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, the Forest Highlands Foundation, the APS Foundation, the Raymond Educational Foundation, and Loven Contracting.
Learn more about the benefits of outdoor education.
