Beaver Creek
Youth Conservation Camp
Outside of South Fork, CO within the Rio Grande National Forest
A three day, two night experience in June that your child will look forward to year after year. Our groups are facilitated by professionals from a variety of natural resource management agencies & organizations from across the San Luis Valley.
2023 News!
We are excited to announce YCC is expanding two camp sessions in 2023! We will still offer camp for youth 8-13 years old, but can design each camp for specific ages for a better learning experience while growing capacity! Our amazing partners, the SLV 4-H extension, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, US Forest Service, SLV Boys & Girls Club, and others will be joining us again to lead activities and are working hard to create one-of-a-kind opportunities for kids to learn and grow year after year.
Sprouts
Ages 8 - 10
Sessions introduce natural resources topics through fun activities, games, and hands-on exploration. 2023 Topics include Wildlife, Soil & Water (mud buds), Outdoor Skills, and Range.
June 13, 14, 15
Stewards
Ages 11 - 13
This week will go beyond basic topic concepts with more opportunities to see and participate in land stewardship and conservation work. 2023 topic groups include Forestry, Soil & Water, Outdoor skills and Rangeland management.
June 6,7,8
Choose from one of the following Small Groups:
All small groups focus on activity-based learning and build on each other. First time campers are encouraged to start with Mud Buds as their basic introduction to natural resources. Each group is amazing fun!
Outdoor Skills
Whenever you go outside, whether it's a short walk or a camping trip, you're interacting with natural resources! Learn real-life skills for recreating responsibly and safely while having fun.
Rangeland Science
Did you know most of Colorado is rangeland? These open spaces are far from empty if you look closely. Plants, insects, animals, and even humans are a part of a dynamic ecosystem known as rangeland. Lesson examples include plant identification, grazing livestock, and insect sampling.
Wildlife
Led by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, explore the habitats, behaviors, and diversity of Colorado wildlife. Activities include capturing and viewing wildlife camera footage, identifying tracks, and archery.
Mud Buds
(Soil & Water)
Soil and water are the foundation for everything-our ecosystems, food, and activities. If you want to learn a little bit about everything, to get your feet wet metaphorically and literally, this is your topic!
Forestry
Identify trees, take hikes, and get up close and personal with our diverse, beautiful forest. Led by the US Forest Service! Principles taught include forest management, tree growth, fire, responsible use of public lands, along with fun
activities for outdoor learning.
We are currently not offering Hunters' Safety through camp. Please see the CPW website for a list of available classes in your area!