Youth Conservation Camp

Each summer, students ages 8-13 years old throughout Southern Colorado sign up for 3 days at conservation camp at Beaver Creek campground in the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest. They have the choice of 5 subject areas; Soil & Water, Range, Forestry, Wildlife, or obtaining their hunters’ safety certification. By working with our partners from the Rio Grande Watershed Association of Conservation Districts, United States Forest Service, Colorado Parks & Wildlife and many others, we are able to offer a camp that provides these youth an opportunity to get outside and experience natural resources up close. Because of our professional partnerships, kids are also able to receive expert knowledge and get to know the many career avenues available to them in the future.

BCYCC Wildlife

Natural Resources Tracks Overview

Campers ages 8 – 13 will participate in the same workshop track for the entire camp period. Groups are small with usually 12-15 campers in each track. Tracks include: Hunter Safety, Soil and Water, Range, Forestry and Wildlife.

Hunter Safety – Includes classroom instruction and firing range practice. Upon successfully passing all exams participants will earn a Colorado Hunter Safety card. Participants must be 11 or older.

Soil & Water – Participants will learn about the importance of soil and water in our natural environment – field exercises include: water games, plant identification and the river trailer. Recommended for first time campers.

Range – The importance of managing our open spaces and how to measure impacts may include noxious weeds identification, animal and plant interaction, and livestock identification and care.

Forestry – Principles of forest management, tree growth, fire, responsible use of public lands, along with fun activities for outdoor learning.

Wildlife – A wide variety of activities which can include stocking fish, learnings about nuisance bears, wildlife tracks and scat, observing wildlife in nature, along with great stories by the presenters.