Bird Camp: A Colorado overnight summer camp and day camp for young nature explorers
Looking for a Colorado overnight summer camp or day summer camp that inspires a love of nature, adventure, and wildlife?
Explore our Bird Camp at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies—a unique and unforgettable summer experience for kids and teens who are curious about the natural world and eager to spend their summer outdoors.
Located at Barr Lake State Park, just east of Denver, our Bird Camp gives campers the chance to explore nature, make new friends, and develop skills in birding, ecology, and outdoor adventure. Bird Camp is where science meets fun—and where campers discover just how exciting the great outdoors can be.
What is Bird Camp?
Bird Camp is more than just a traditional Colorado overnight summer camp and day camp. It’s a one-of-a-kind, science-based program designed to engage youth in conservation through immersive outdoor experiences. Campers gain hands-on knowledge about birds, wildlife, and habitats while developing critical thinking skills, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Bird Camps are led by trained naturalists and educators who create a safe, welcoming, and exciting environment for campers of all skill levels—whether they’re already seasoned nature lovers or just starting their journey into the world of birds and wildlife.
Why Choose Bird Camp?
Choosing the right summer camp in Colorado can be overwhelming. At Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, we believe that time spent in nature builds confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Here’s why families choose our Bird Camp year after year:
- Small group sizes for personalized attention and mentoring
- Hands-on science learning focused on real-world conservation topics
- Daily birding adventures, nature hikes, and outdoor exploration
- Campfire nights, stargazing, and classic camp fun
- STEM-focused programming to spark long-term interest in science and the environment
Campers leave Bird Camp with lasting friendships, amazing memories, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.
Who is Bird Camp For?
Bird Camps are open to youth ages 9–17, with age-specific overnight programs designed to grow with your child’s interests and abilities:
Day Camps:
- Wild Nestlings (ages 4-5): Our youngest birders spend the morning in and connecting with nature, building awareness about birds, and getting to know local wildlife around Barr Lake.
- Budding Birders (ages 6-7): Learn how to use binoculars, field guides, and about the basics of birding while playing games, making friends, and building an understanding of the natural world.
- Raptor Camp (ages 8–9): Learn all about birds of prey and their adaptations that make them the specialized hunters they are.
- The Big Week (ages 10–11): In the Big Week camp, we seek to spot as many species as possible in all of the ecosystems around Barr Lake while learning about the science and stewardship of bird conservation.
- Birding Adventure Camp (ages 12-13): Our Birding Adventure Camp is on the move! Through field trip days, we explore many different ecosystems on the Front Range including Barr Lake.
- Leaders in Training (ages 13-17): Gives teens the opportunity to mentor and teach younger campers while learning about science and leadership skills.
Colorado Overnight Summer Camps:
- Taking Flight (ages 12–14): Our Taking Flight campers work toward a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna that exist here and the ways that they interact with our avian residents.
- On the Wing (ages 15-17): In our longest running camp program, we aim to provide our eldest campers with opportunities to learn about careers in natural resources, spot new “lifer” species, and create an investigative research project about what inspires them.
A Safe and Supportive Overnight Camp Environment
As a trusted leader in environmental education, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies prioritizes safety and camper well-being. Our trained staff undergo rigorous background checks and receive extensive training in outdoor safety, child development, and environmental education.
All overnight bird camps start at Barr Lake State Park and then travel to Cal-Wood Education Center in the Rocky Mountains, offering a beautiful and accessible natural setting with secure lodging facilities and incredible wildlife viewing right outside the cabin door. Day camps all take place at our Environmental Learning Center on the shores of Barr Lake State Park.
Registration and Scholarships
Spaces fill quickly for our Colorado overnight summer camp and day camps, so early registration is encouraged. We also offer need-based scholarships to ensure that all young nature lovers have the opportunity to attend Bird Camp, regardless of financial background.
To learn more, register for a camp session, or apply for a scholarship, visit our Bird Camps page.
Give Your Child the Gift of Nature This Summer
Bird Camps at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies offer a unique chance for kids and teens to disconnect from screens, connect with nature, and build confidence in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a Colorado overnight summer camp that’s fun, educational, and truly memorable, our Bird Camp is the perfect fit.
Let your child take flight this summer—with new friends, new skills, and a deeper connection to the world around them.