Registration Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Paperwork Deadline: May 15, 2025

Adventure Camping is designed for middle school youth to discover the wonder and excitement of camping while building new skills and confidence in the outdoors. This year, we’re thrilled to add an extra day to introduce participants to the fundamentals of backpacking!

This immersive course takes place in the stunning Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Participants will explore the differences and similarities between car camping and backcountry camping. 

• Day 1 (Monday): Kickoff at Women’s Wilderness
  We’ll begin by getting to know one another through fun team-building activities. Together, we’ll prepare for and pack for our trip, as well  and secure any gear needed from our gear library. Once ready, we’ll set off for our adventure in Golden Gate Canyon State Park!
• Day 1- 4 (Monday – Thursday):  Camping in Golden Gate Canyon
  We’ll set up camp at a designated front-country (car-accessible) campsite. During this time, participants will learn essential camping skills, navigate trail adventures, and enjoy daily activities such as hiking, arts and crafts, social and emotional learning exercises, and plenty of downtime to relax, bond with friends, and play in nature.
• Day 4-5 (Thursday – Friday):  Backpacking in Golden Gate Canyon
  We’ll pack up our car camping site and prepare for an exciting backpacking experience. The group will embark on a short hike—less than two miles—to a designated backcountry campsite within the park. Participants will carry their clothing, tents, sleeping gear, and cooking supplies as they journey into the wilderness. Once at the site, they’ll learn how to set up a backcountry campsite and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their environmental impact.
• Day 5: Goodbyes
  We’ll wrap up the week on Friday by packing up our site, hiking to the vehicles, and returning to Boulder to deissue gear. Before the end of the course, we will reflect on the week’s adventures, strengthened skills, and new lasting friendships! 

This course is led by professional and experienced outdoor guides with extensive experience in youth outdoor education. Each guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is fully trained in Women’s Wilderness curriculum and risk management protocols, ensuring a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for every participant.

Adventure Camping Details:

• Ages: Entering grades 6-8 (and at least 10 years old)
• Dates: Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, 2025
• Time: Drop Off – 8:30AM on start date / Pick Up – 3:00PM on end date
• Location: Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Pick up and drop off at Women’s Wilderness – 1206 Euclid Ave, Boulder, 80302)
• Price: $875 pay-in-full or 4 payments of $218.75
• Activity level: moderate. Some prior experience is recommended, but not required

Financial Aid is core to our mission to make the outdoors accessible to all people. Please do not register for camp before receiving an award notice because we are unable to retroactively apply financial aid awards. Apply here for Financial Aid.

Activities & Features:

• Campcraft, including tent set up, cooking, water filtration, and backpacking basics
• Games, arts and crafts and journaling
• Interactive discussions and self-reflective activities
• Mindfulness techniques, communication, leadership and team-building 
• Space away from technology and screens
• Awe-inspiring views of Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Included in the Program:

• Engaging activities and crafts: Daily hands-on experiences to inspire creativity and connection.
• Meals & Snacks: All meals and snacks are provided each day 
• Outdoor gear: Access to essential items, including clothing and backpacks.
• Transportation: We handle all travel to, from, and within Golden Gate Canyon State Park (families must provide transportation to/from Women’s Wilderness)
• Camping essentials: All gear provided, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
• Backpacking essentials: All gear provided, including backpacks, lightweight cookware, and food

Everything is taken care of so participants can focus on having an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

A  detailed list of items to bring for this course will be sent to families upon registration. Women’s Wilderness has most items in our gear library for participants to borrow and use (a gear reservation link will be sent to each family closer to the trip date). 

Accessibility & Accommodations:

All physical, psychological, cultural, and religious accommodations of participants will be discussed and considered with families prior to camp. 

• Physical: This course includes hiking up to 3 miles per day, as well backpack up to 2 miles in a day. Participants should feel comfortable sleeping outdoors, in a tent, and on a sleeping pad. Access to restrooms on course include pit toilets and backcountry cat holes. Hand washing with water and soap provided.. 
• Psychological: Staff are trained to manage emotions that may influence a participant’s decision to participate, including fear and homesickness. We welcome youth who this would be their first time camping and/or first time overnighting away from home.
• Language: English is the primary language used during our field courses. While fluency is not required, participants must be able to understand instructions and directions, especially those related to safety and risk management.

Child Care Licensing Requirements:

Due to our licensing we are required to have all forms below that apply. Please make sure to make an appointment before the paperwork deadline:

• Required for ALL participants: Youth Health Form (Physical- We will provide the form)
• If participant has allergy that requires an epi-pen: Colorado Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
• If participant has asthma: Colorado Asthma Care Plan and Medication
• If participant has seizures: Seizures Emergency Care Plan and Medication Orders
• If participant has been to counselor/therapist in past 2 years: Counselor/Therapist Form

This paperwork must be turned in by the paperwork due date MAY 15, 2025 for your student to keep their spot in our youth camp. Please make sure that your physical appointment is set before that date.

Curious about our philosophy, risk management protocols, and how to best prepare of the course? Click here to read our Parent & Family Guidebook.

For any questions email support@womenswilderness.org.